text:
The deepening rift between President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, over alleged poor implementation of the 2012 budget, may imperil the 2013 budget.
Jonathan had on Wednesday presented N4.9tn budget to a joint-session of the parliament, a move aimed at ending the debilitating ritual of late passage.
But investigations on Friday indicated there might be no budget for 2013 if members of the House carried out their threat not to touch the document, until a satisfactory implementation of the 2012 budget was achieved.
A Principal Officer of the House and leader of the opposition, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, confirmed the underground moves to SUNDAY PUNCH.
Similarly, a committee chairman said, "The Executive cannot continue to take us for a ride; we are the representatives of the Nigerian people, we feel their pulse more than anyone else.
"Visit the various states, people are suffering because most of the capital projects in the 2012 budget have not been implemented.
"In many of the cases, the contracts have not even been awarded; this year is one of the worst and we have never had it this bad. We have to thrash all this out."
Also, such hard stance has echoed in the Senate as its Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, said the Senate would demand from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, proof of full implementation of the 2012 budget before approving the allocations of the 2013 budget.
He told one of our correspondents in Abuja that, "The MDAs will have to justify what they were given in 2012 if they intend to get further allocation in next year's budget. That is where we are going to wait for them."
The senator maintained that it made no sense if figures were announced as budget and no development was achieved. It was learnt that opposition party members in particular were mobilising lawmakers across board to reject the budget.
Reports of the various committees of the House on the just-concluded assessment tour of 2012 projects to the six geopolitical zones, gave low rating of the implementation.
It was gathered from the House Committee on Works that "more than 80 per cent of the roads they claim to be working on are at a standstill."
"We could not get convincing explanations on roads they reportedly constructed," it said. The Federal Government had a budgetary outlay of N4.7trn for 2012.
As at October 10 when Jonathan laid the estimates of the 2013 budget before the National Assembly, only N711.6bn out of the 2012 capital component of about N1.3tn had reportedly been released to the MDAs.
The fiscal calendar closes on December 31, 2012.
While lawmakers described the performance of the budget as "abysmal," the President blamed the late effective take-off of the budget in April, as one of the major reasons for the scenario.
Out of the N4.9tn, a total of N1.5tn is set aside for capital projects, about 5 per cent increase from the 2012 figure.
"On paper, they want the world to believe that they are going to spend more on capital projects next year and can't understand why we are not cheering them.
"Where are we now in the implementation of the 2012 budget? This is October, the year ends in less than three months," an angry lawmaker noted.
Gbajabiamila said lawmakers were boiling over the "shoddy" implementation of the 2012 budget.
He added that the apparent refusal of the Executive to bend its position, and accept any of the budget frameworks of the House on the 2013 proposal, had worsened an already strained relationship.
He said, "We have to sit down as a House and collate all the results of the committees that went on oversight visits and take a stand.
"So far, the reports are not impressive. We will insist on the implementation of the 2012 budget."
Gbajabiamila explained that many lawmakers wanted the House to declare zero budget for 2013, if the executive could not convince them further, on how it implemented the 2012 budget.
He said, "For the first time in the history of this country, if it means that in a particular year, there will be no budget, let us do it.
"We can ask them to go back and complete the implementation of the 2012 budget, even if it means using the same budget for 2013.
"This may be the first time in the history of this country that we may repeat a budget; there may be appropriation in 2013, but it has to be along the line of the 2012 budget."
When contacted, the spokesman of the senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said, "Our expectation is that the 2012 budget will be fully implemented as promised by the President."
The Chairman, House Committee on Health, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, admitted that the budget performance in 2012, especially in health sector, "wass very poor and disheartening." But he said neither the President nor the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was to blame.
He explained, "It is the fault of the MDAs that have decided to treat our national budget with disrespect thereby exposing their lack of capacity and incompetence in application of funds released to the projects as provided in the description of the budget itself."
But he advised his colleagues that rather than rejecting the budget, they should address all the grey areas with the executive or else Nigerians would be made to suffer for no fault of theirs.
"We will not reject the budget because it is not for an individual but for the Nigerian people in general and as true representatives of the people, we must do what is right.
"I believe that our people deserve the best and as such, we should try not to increase their pains by refusing to touch the proposed budget as presented by Mr. President.
"Rather, we should pass it and let us charge our respective committees to intensify their oversight functions so that all projects for 2013 are executed", he said.
On his part, the Deputy House Majority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor, said, "There are many options to look at as a House. We are still studying our reports.
"At the end of the day, it is still our duty to panel-beat the budget. There is no way we can reject the budget."
On Wednesday, the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, had told Jonathan that the reports of committees on the implementation of the 2012 budget were "clearly unimpressive."
Tambuwal received a standing ovation from members for his hard-nosed posture.
He reminded Jonathan that whenever members stopped demanding full budget implementation, they had failed as legislators.


text:
The latest version of Adobe Flash Player is required to watch this video.
Please click on the link below to download the latest version. Thanks!
The conservative documentary "2016 Obama's America" is still showing surprising strength at the box office.
The documentary, which is based on the book by Dinesh D'Souza, Obama's America: Unmaking the American Dream, finished in the top 10 again this week. It came in eighth over the long Labor Day weekend at an estimated $7 million.
The movie examines what America would look if President Obama is reelected.
It's now grossed more than $20 million and is the fifth highest grossing political documentary in U.S. history.
Anti-Obama Documentary Makes Box Office Top 10
DNC Chair Talks Gay Marriage, 'Obama's America'
Roots of Obama's Rage: Strange to American Ideals?
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting? Are you facing a difficult situation?
Find peace with God, discover more about God or send us your prayer request.
Call The 700 Club Prayer Center at 1 (800) 823-6053, 24 hours a day.
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
CBN News is a national/international, nonprofit news organization that provides programming by cable, satellite, and the Internet, 24-hours a day. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
List of Custom ROM's, KDZ and Kernel for LG G2
In this post I'll include the link to all the ROM released for LG G2 for all variants separately. You need to have a rooted phone with custom recovery installed. If you are not installed follow this post How to Root and Flash LG G2. LG G2 International – D802: Stock Based ROM: [ROM 4.2.2] RAYGLOBE FLEX ROM [ROM-]【Flex Rom v1.3.1】LG G Flex Rom Rayglobe 3.2 *D802&D800 [ROM]PowerUser Edition [VDT-ROM] V7 [ROM][D802] LG […]
LG G2 Guide – Rooting & Flashing Recovery
In this post I'll how to root and flash LG G2. Remember the developers and modders won't be responsible for anything that happens to your device. Do it on your own risk. You may void your warranty. HOW TO ROOT LG G2 Before we root the device we have to install all the necessary drivers to make sure we have a smooth process. The guide was originally posted by thecubed Getting the Device Ready […]
How to Revert Back to Stock on HTC One X
It's been almost a year since HTC One X released and users are getting ready to upgrade to newer device, most of them are planning to seal the device to get a new one. So the question I get asked the most is how to I revert back to stock so I decided to write an article about how to revert HTC One X (International) to stock version. Assuming everyone is on the latest version […]
Custom Settings- All in One Kernel Tweaker
ustom Settings is a small utility build for Android smart phone who are using custom Kernel developed by XDA Member xcesco89. In order to get this tool to work the custom Kernel should support features like GPU Overclocking , Smart dimmer, Backlight values, Swipe to Wake, Double Tap to Wake etc. This tool is specifically designed for HTC One X International edition. But the developer of the application claims that it also works on other […]
HTC One – A Complete Round up
HTC One is an upcoming flagship device from HTC announced on 19th February at HTC own event happened in New York and London. Unlike last year HTC was determined to make the HTC One commercial success with more marketing. HTC has already made deals with 185 carriers and more than 80 countries at the same time. Now let talk about some of the new features that HTC has introduced by HTC One HTC Zoe™ HTC […]
Download Jellybean for the HTC One X
On 27 June 2012 at Google I/O announced Android's latest version Jellybean i.e. Android 4.1. The main improves are user interface, performance, they even called it project "butter". It uses triple buffering and a fixed frame rate of 60 fps to create a fluid and "buttery" smooth UI. The Main Features are: Vsync timing across all drawing and animation done by the Android framework Triple buffering in the graphics pipeline Enhanced accessibility Bi-directional text and […]
Leaked Android 4.0.4 for HTC One X
Yesterday the XDA member Football who is famous for his HTC Leaked shipping ROM collection released a custom ROM based on v 2.05.401.2 which runs Android 4.0.4. HTC is yet to release his version. Here is a screenshot of the about screen. Users has released a huge difference in terms of CPU performance. One of the newest feature is the ability to choose "Recent apps button". Unofficial Change Log: Ability to choose "Recent […]
Secret Power Saving Setting on HTC One X
Apparently HTC One X has a secret Power Saving Setting. XDA member knightrocker found this setting accidently using the application called "Minimalistic Text". It's quiet easy to access the option. You don't need Root access to enable it. Here is How Download and install "Minimalistic Text" from Play Store Added a 1 x 1 Widget to the Home screen Select "Predefined Layout" and choose Custom Then select "Custom Layout" and select Static text and […]
Ultimate HTC One X Guide To Tweaking, Flashing and Modding
In this post I'll cover everything you want to know about tweaking, Flashing etc. HTC One X. Remember the developers and modders won't be responsible for anything that happens to your device. Do it on your own risk. You may void your warranty. UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER As if now the only way to unlock is through HTCDev.com method. Go to HTCDev.com website Register yourself Click on Unlock Bootloader option Select "All other supported Models" Follow […]
Android Market is now Google Play
Google is unifying it's Google Music, Google Videos, Google Books and Android Market into one called "Google Play" Google has decided to put Android Market with 450,000 apps, millions of songs and books, and thousands of movies all in one place. You'll have access to free sample music or book, view app ratings, reviews, and screenshots, or watch a movie trailer. According to Google Our goal with Google Play is to bring together all your […]


text:
About Us
Mission Statement
Poquita Paws Rescue has a mission to rescue small dogs from the community and high kill facilities and to encourage responsible pet ownership.
Our Story
In 2005, we started volunteering with several rescue organizations in the San Antonio area. It became obvious to us, that there is a need to rescue dogs that are being surrendered by their owners and dogs found running the streets. We wanted to get the dogs off the streets before they were taken to Animal Care Services. We also saw a need to assist people in finding resources to place dogs that cannot be taken into peoples homes. Occasionally we visit the high kill shelters, but our primary focus is the small dogs on the streets and those being surrendered by owners. We have placed over 1000 small dogs and puppies during the last 9 years in rescue. In May of 2012 we we decided to form our own rescue group.
Poquita Paws Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductable.
To contact us, please email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Mailing Address Only: 1248 Austin Hwy. #106 PMB 324
San Antonio, TX 78209


text:
Basic recipe:
Melt equal weights of coconut oil and 70% chocolate over hot water or in a microwave. Stir to mix well. Pour or ladle into candy cups, ice cube tray or pie plate. Chill in freezer or fridge 'til solid. Store refrigerated. Can be brought to room temperature before serving.
Mint -- After mixing, let stand 'til somewhat cooler but still liquid. Add drops of food grade mint essential oil to taste.
Additions -- Drop shaved coconut and/or nuts and/or dried fruit into your candy cups or other containers before filling.
Because these are so high in coconut oil, it is difficult to mix non-oil liquids into these. If you want to add a water or alcohol based flavor, I would flavor shredded coconut with it, then make the coconut an addition. So, to add a coffee flavor, toss shredded coconut with a small amount of instant coffee dissolved in hot water, or Kaluha. Drain off any excess liquid. Let sit, covered, in fridge overnight. Use as an addition.


text:
by DSH contributing writer Eric Sloat
Another National Signing Day has come and gone, across the country fans are caring more about stars than any astronomy major does during finals. It's great when your team has a galaxy full of them, but it really isn't as important as ESPN, Scout and Rivals all want people to think it is. It's a hook that "experts" can use to grade a team's class, but quickly becomes irrelevant when the season gets underway.
Oregon's class is rated in, or just out of, the top 20. The Ducks did great with the skill players, Royce Freeman, Jalen Brown on offense, Mattrell McGraw, Arrion Springs on defense all committed early and stayed with Oregon. Budda Baker reversed fields and ended up staying home and will be a Husky. Juju Smith came so close to picking up the Ducks hat, but in the end went to USC. The Ducks were not able to address the biggest problem going into next season, namely getting big guys to come to Oregon.
In the Duck we trust: Surf the websites, but remember, recruiting is just one part of the picture in developing a winning team.
Oregon has developed a brand name that now gets them in the front door of recruits who wouldn't have had anything to do with Oregon 10 years ago. They plucked Jalen Brown out of Arizona, Tony James is from Gainesville, Florida. That is great; but it highlights the problem that Oregon cannot solve; Oregon doesn't grow football players, especially not big, fast ones. USC, Alabama, Texas, they get top 10 classes and don't have to leave their zip code
Oregon has become one of the most successful teams because it evaluates and develops players as well or better than any team in the country. Marcus Mariota, LaMichael James played much better than the stars by their names said they would. Taylor Hart, Michael Clay, Kiko Alonzo, none of them were projected to have much impact.
History tells us that this class will show brighter in the years to come than it appears to now. Next season the offense should be as explosive as ever, Freeman and James both have running backs coach Gary Campbell grinning as he thinks about the depth and versatility he'll have to work with. Jalen Brown joins a likewise deep receiving corps. On the offensive line, Hanitel Louisi, Tyrell Crosby, Braden Eggert all look solid, but it would have been a major haul if the Ducks could have landed one more of the OL's that were in their sights. Oregon's magic of developing players will have to materialize with the D line prospects. Tui Talia is a JUCO and should be able to contribute immediately, but Jalen Jelks, Henry Mondeaux and Austin Maloata still need to add size and of course experience before they become major assets. More than the new players coming in, the success of next year's defense will be the changes new DC, Don Pellum makes to the system.
Overall I'd give the class a B. It could have been higher if a few of the recruits had come to Oregon, but the future looks bright for many that did choose to be Ducks; and that has worked very well.


text:
Brenda Kay and Sheri Lynn, We Luv U
Dear Kay, I have been colossally out of pocket this week due to the arrival of my sister Buffy plus fambly and her porta-pantry. Buffy is on Spring Break. It's been like Fort Lauderdale around here. Or a Princess Cruise. Or a Bravo reality show where people have to shop every single day. I still haven't recovered from watching the finale of The Bachelor with Buffy. It was like touring Gettysburg with Ken Burns, listening to her...Read More


text:
Cap and trade on the ropes
September 9, 2009 - Mike Maneval
Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas dredged up a topic the White House's laser-like focus on health care reform has allowed to fall by the wayside - which may well be where she feels it belongs.
Lincoln, who will as of Wednesday will chair the Senate's agriculture committee, says the cap and trade proposal is a "heavy lift" for the Senate, and says her committee has a "tremendous amount of work" which may push the carbon-emissions plan to the back burner. Politico, which reported the news, also notes Lincoln is from a state heavy in agricultural interests that have come out against the legislation, including Tyson Foods.
Article Comments
No comments posted for this article.
Post a Comment
You must first login before you can comment.


text:
Welcome to A Touch of Ireland!
Ireland has weathered the storm and has re-emerged as an exciting country which offers the alluring combination of natural beauty, mythical culture, a relaxed philosophy and now a cool funky edge.
As an established Destination Management Company, (DMC), A Touch Of Ireland Ltd. is here to help you see the best that Ireland has to offer – the best restaurants, memorable activities and experiences, prettiest routes, great pubs for the perfect pint, and of course, the practicalities – hotels, meeting space, logistic support, entertainment, staffing and guides.
We like to think we have the inside track – after 25 years in business, we should have!
So before you arrange a single detail –
Our Approach
It's not our style to claim that we're the best at what we do. We like to think that there are always new things about Ireland to learn, new events and opportunities to discover and ever-changing tastes and demands to respond to. In the end, it is for you to decide how good we are.
We believe an important ingredient for success in this business is to treat our suppliers and their staff with respect. We want them to perform beyond the call of duty for your group and, in doing so, enrich the experience.
We also enjoy what we do. We like the challenge of the job and we work hard to make every trip an unqualified success, but we don't like high blood pressure or anxiety attacks any more than you do! That's why you should find us approachable and friendly as well as professional.
Once you become a client of ours, we try hard to ensure you'll keep coming back to us. That may explain why we work with most clients year after year, and count many as good friends.


text:
This 'Joseph' a show of many happy colors
In the beginning, youngsters Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice created a zany little musical and decreed, "let it be light." But in the ensuing 45 years, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" left its Edenic genesis behind, morphing into a towering Babel of glitz.
I wasn't there when "Joseph" — loosely retelling the Biblical story as an excuse for spoofing musical traditions from the chanson to calypso — made its 1968 debut. »Read Full Article


text:
MMA Forum - UFC Forums - UFC Results - MMA Videos (http://www.mmaforum.com/forumindex.php)
- General MMA Discussion (http://www.mmaforum.com/general-mma-discussion/)
- - Villasenor to replace Ninja! (http://www.mmaforum.com/general-mma-discussion/34717-villasenor-replace-ninja.html)
Villasenor to replace Ninja!
I'll probably go with Villasenor on this one.
well this certainly sucks... ah well though you get what ya get i hope baroni gets his face caved in personally
I can't say that I'm dissapointed in this matchup. I've seen smokin joe in a few fights but never seen him tested in a match with an aggressive striker. Baroni of whom I'm not impressed with on a technical level does know how to let his leather go. So if villasenior is able to outstrike Baroni I beleive it will pay off in dividends for his fan base and future matchups. This one is looking like a good scrap
WHY Ninja WHY? I mean he could win this fight. It would be great exposure and he would get some many more fans I mean people dig a guy who calls himself Ninja and who kicks Baroni's ass.
Ninja all you needed to do was take Baroni down and you would've had a first round submission.
Ninja would've smoked him.
he owuld of done more than smoked him he would of eaten his ashes and pissed out baronis soul
Both would have been knocked out in the first minute of the first round by Baroni. Even if they blocked the punches. The shock waves would travel down their arms and haemorrhage their brains.
lame... maybe they want baroni to win for some reason.
I actually like this replacement. Villasenor is solid.
Shame, was looking forward to Ninja fighting Baroni.
Decent replacement though, and i think villasenor will win it.
|All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:23 PM.
Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 , Copyright ©2000 - 2016, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
vBulletin Security provided by vBSecurity v2.2.2 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2016 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2016 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.


text:
Nominees for the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards were announced Thursday and many stars took the pre-coffee dawn to express their gratitude and happiness. Of course, a few also took the time to show off a bit of wit. Said 30 Rock's Tina Fey on her lead actress in a comedy nod, "This is great and exciting news. Also, this seems like an appropriate time for me to announce to NBC that I will not be renewing my contract ... with my gym."
Here's how other stars reacted:
Sofia Vergara: "I'm so new to acting," says the actress, who co-presented the nominations Thursday in Hollywood with Community actor Joel McHale and wound up with a supporting actress nod for her work on Modern Family. "I'm not American, so I didn't know that it meant something when they invite you here. Somebody should have told me!"
Ty Burrell: How will the Modern Family star celebrate his supporting actor nomination? "We have a six-month-old daughter," he says, "so maybe we will raise a bottle of baby formula!"
Eric Stonestreet: "I purposefully made myself stay up until about 2, 2:30 last night so I could be really dead asleep this morning," says Burrell's costar, who is also nominated for supporting actor in a comedy. "I got to talk to my mom and dad really quickly and my dad was a bawling, miserable mess . . . and my mom was a bawling, miserable mess!"
Ricky Gervais: "I did my first day filming on Curb Your Enthusiasm last night and woke up to the news that I'd been Emmy-nominated for both The Office and The Ricky Gervais Show," says Gervais. "I'm terrified that I'm actually still asleep and back at school . . . 'Gervais! Wake up you useless idiot! You'll never amount to anything!' "
Tina Fey: "This is great news. We're grateful and excited," the outstanding actress nominee says. "Especially since today is the fifth anniversary of the day NBC forgot to cancel us."
Seth Green: Nominated for his voice-work on his animated show Robot Chicken, Green, who recently tied the knot with actress Clare Grant, says of finding out about his nomination, "I had to quietly sneak out the room. The nomination has overshadowed the fact that we are sleep-deprived and delirious!"
Conan O'Brien: The late-night host, who will have a new show on TBS, wrote on Twitter: "Congrats to my staff on 4 Emmy nominations. This bodes well for the future of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."
Jane Krakowski: Nominated in the supporting comedic actress category for her work on 30 Rock, Krakowski said, "This is such exciting news! It is such an honor to be included in this group of funny talented women! I am indebted to Tina Fey and the greatest comedy writing team on television. I am going to celebrate by eating a piece of cheese. Just kidding, designers. I promise, no cheese will cross these lips or hips until after the ceremony."
Kathy Griffin: The reality star also took to Twitter: "EMMY nominated!!!!! My Life on the D List in the same category as @Ryanseacrest He IS out to get me. Now will u listen???"
Tina Fey Grateful for Emmy Nod – and That Her Show's Not Canceled
AP; Wireimage


text:
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- If the new lines hold, Huntsville could soon send a second black representative to Montgomery.
It's a rare opportunity in local politics, because Madison County has seen just two open seats in minority districts, either state or local, in 20 years.
The new district, a jagged inkblot in the middle of the city, overlaps much of the Butler High school zone, running from Oakwood University down to University Drive.
From there, House District 53 picks up the downtown from Lowe Mill to the county courthouse. The new district continues south to the old airport, picking up the southwest neighborhoods where the city has its largest percentage of Hispanic residents.
The seat arrives in the wake of a politically charged redistricting process. The Legislature follows each census by redrawing boundaries for 105 House seats, this time balancing about 45,000 residents per representative. Madison County grew quickly and gained an eighth seat. Birmingham did not, and Jefferson County lost a seat.
So far, there are no names attached to House District 53, but talk has started.
Laurie McCaulley, president of the city school board, said no one really knows the district yet, but names have surfaced, including Anthony Daniels, who ran for the state Senate in 2009 and works in marketing at Alabama A&M University.
"I'm leaning toward it," confirmed Daniels, a Democrat, when asked on Wednesday. "I've been encouraged to run by a number of people on both sides of aisle."
Councilman Bill Kling, who represents much of center city and part of the new House district, said he's heard no talk yet. Councilman Will Culver, who has much of the west side, said people haven't learned the new district lines for the 2014 elections.
"I'm sure by then the word will be well publicized," said Culver." Who knows? I might even be interested."
"I think everybody is kind of in a wait-and-see mode, to wait and see if the lines will be approved," said Rep. Laura Hall, who gave up parts of north Huntsville and gained parts of Harvest to make space for the new district.
According to state redistricting officials, the new district will have 45,106 residents and be about 32 percent white and 56 percent black. Hall has long held the area's only majority minority State House seat. Her reshaped district will become 61 percent black.
Republican lawmakers were careful not to disenfranchise minority representatives, but some of the state's surviving white Democrats didn't fair so well. And the Democrats are talking about challenging the new lines, which must be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. State officials this week said they are still working on submitting the new lines.
"What we're really seeing is, these lines have been drawn in a way that favors Republican incumbents," said Clete Wetli, head of the Madison County Democratic Party. "The main thing people want to see is that there is fair representation."
Asked for specifics, he referred to a "funny line," or sliver claiming Weatherly Road neighborhoods, that pulls the GOP senator from Jackson County further into Madison County. "That's not what we want to see. We don't want Shadrack McGill representing anybody in Madison County."
Sen. Jabbo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, wrote an editorial defending the new map. "There's no question in my mind that the reapportionment process was fairly pursued, and I know there will be at least one more black House district than currently exists."
That would be Huntsville's. In general, it's not often that a candidate in Madison County gets a shot at an open seat. It's even more rare to see the guarantee of a new voice for north Huntsville.
For example, Richard Showers has sat on the City Council since the north Huntsville district was created in 1988. Dr. James Dawson joined the city school board in 1988, and held the seat for almost 20 years until health issues caused him to step down.
McCaulley won that open board seat in 2008. Aside from McCaulley, the only other candidate to encounter an open majority minority seat in the last two decades was Hall, who won office in north Huntsville in 1993, after the former representative pleaded guilty to extortion.
Of course, Culver found another way, winning a west Huntsville council seat that had not been considered a majority minority district.
Culver said this new State House district could improve leverage for north and west Huntsville overall. But Hall said it may not do so much. She said she welcomes having more voices for Huntsville, but she said it would be "just one person" working with a GOP supermajority.
And county Commissioner Bob Harrison said that despite the addition of Huntsville's new minority district, the new lines were a "step in the wrong direction" because they make GOP districts across the state even more GOP.
"I think this whole thing is going to be challenged by the Justice Department," he said.


text:
Meet the New Photographer: Bon Duke Didn't Know What the CFDA Was Three Years Ago, Now Shoots for Prabal and Chloé
He was rejected from FIT during his interview.
He was rejected from FIT during his interview.
Plus, everybody dances.By Hilary Moss
South Street Seaport has never seen so many high-waisted, cutoff shorts.By Ashlea Halpern and Sam Horine
Specifically, the painted-black-and-wearing-a-thorn-hat look.By Edith Zimmerman


text:
News Release
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE Click to View Press Release in Portugeuse
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Media Contact:
Sofia Dorsano, firstname.lastname@example.com
Note to media: See abstract 1011
Interactive patient education online might improve adherence to treatment
CANCÚN – A study conducted to identify gaps between patient concerns regarding allergic and immunologic diseases and the online resources available to them was presented today at the XXII World Allergy Congress of the World Allergy Organization.
José Luiz Rios, MD, and colleagues of the Policlinica Geral do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, found that the majority of visitors to the clinic's website were most frequently seeking answers regarding dermatologic manifestations of allergy and concerns about medications, rather than respiratory illnesses, which were topics covered more fully by the clinic's education campaigns.
The study analyzed a random sampling of 1,375 e-mail messages sent to "Blog da Alergia," (Allergy Blog, www.blogdalergia.com, the website of Clínica de Alergia of the Policlinica Geral do Rio de Janeiro). The researchers also looked at the types of topics of visitor searches as well as demographics including age and gender.
Dr. Juan Carlos Ivancevich, Universidad Del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Editor-in-Chief of the World Allergy Organization website, added his comments about the study. "Educational websites and social networks are being used more and more by lay audiences to find health information. They provide an opportunity for clinicians to better understand and address patient concerns, leading to better prevention of disease as well as improved compliance with treatment strategies. This study is unique to Brazil, but it suggests a positive influence of social networks in increasing awareness of allergy. Routine analysis of website usage and questions from visitors can aid the clinician in planning patient information resources. Further investigation is needed to measure whether electronic media activities will lead to improved health outcomes."
About the XXII World Allergy Congress
The World Allergy Congress is the biennial scientific meeting of the World Allergy Organization. Meeting attendees gather to learn about the most recent discoveries in allergy, asthma and immunology research and advances in treatment. More than 3,500 physicians and medical professionals from 85 countries will be able to view over 716 scientific abstracts submitted by clinicians from around the world.
About the World Allergy Organization
The World Allergy Organization (WAO) is an international alliance of 89 regional and national allergy, asthma and immunology societies. Through collaboration with its Member Societies WAO provides a wide range of educational and outreach programs, symposia and lectureships to allergists/immunologists around the world and conducts initiatives related to clinical practice, service provision, and physical training in order to better understand and address the challenges facing allergists/immunologists worldwide. For more information, visit www.worldallergy.org.


text:
Research Project Description
Research Participation Program
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Assessment
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Arlington, VA
Project Description:
Several research project training opportunities for faculty and/or postgraduates are currently available with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Program, in the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA), Office of Research and Development. The IRIS program is located in Arlington, Virginia.
The IRIS program (www.epa.gov/iris) is responsible for developing state-of-the-art human health assessments that provide toxicity information on environmentally important chemicals. IRIS health assessments are used by EPA, other federal, state and local government agencies, international organizations, and the public (including academia, regulated industries, and environmental organizations) to inform risk-based decision-making. IRIS assessments contain qualitative and quantitative descriptions of a chemical's toxicity, including oral reference doses and inhalation reference concentrations for noncancer endpoints and oral slope factors and inhalation unit risks for cancer. The IRIS program develops toxicological reviews using EPA guidance documents. The database can be found at http://www.epa.gov/iris/backgr-d.htm.
The selected individual(s) will be involved in the development of cutting edge human health assessments. Involvement in the IRIS program presents a unique opportunity to play an influential role in EPA's health assessment program and to participate in multidisciplinary scientific teams. At a minimum, a team consists of a toxicologist, biologist, or health scientist and a statistician. Teams involved in more complex assessments may have up to 20 members including epidemiologists, modelers, and experts in specific toxic endpoints such as cancer, reproductive and developmental effects, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and respiratory effects. The selected individual(s) will have an opportunity to collaborate to address such cross-cutting scientific issues as use of mechanism of action date to inform risk assessment and consideration of susceptibilities associated with life stage and pre-existing conditions. There are also opportunities to apply various quantitative tools, including quantitative analysis of epidemiologic data, benchmark dose (BMD) and other types of dose-response modeling, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, and time-to-tumor analyses.
The selected individual(s) will be part of EPA teams doing tasks related to the development of IRIS health assessments, including:
- Reviewing and analyzing toxicology and epidemiology data supporting the qualitative and quantitative estimates of health effects from exposure to individual chemical substances or mixtures. Actively critiquing and identifying critical studies and effects for use in human health assessment.
- Developing analyses into logical, credible IRIS health assessment documents that reflect current scientific principles and risk assessment methodologies.
- Collaborating with team members and other experts within EPA to address challenging scientific issues related to the toxicity and epidemiology data for individual chemicals and chemical classes.
- Communicating human health risk assessment information within EPA and other federal agencies as well as to external peer reviewers and the public.
Identifying and researching cross-cutting scientific issues that arise in assessment development, such as how to assess cumulative effects of exposure to mixtures of chemicals and how to apply the next generation of toxicology data in human health risk assessments.
Applicants must have received a master's or doctoral degree in toxicology or related fields, epidemiology, statistics, or risk assessment within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. Faculty applicants must be full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university.
The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but can also hold an appropriate visa status, however, an H1B visa is not appropriate). The participant does not become an EPA employee.
These appointments may be part- or full-time for one year and may be renewed for up to two additional years upon recommendation of NCEA and subject to availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.
How to Apply:
The Research Participation Program for EPA is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please reference Project # EPA-ORD/NCEA-IRIS-2012-01 when calling or writing for information. For additional information and application materials contact: Research Participation Program/EPA, Attn: Betty Bowling, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-0117, Phone: (865) 576-8503 FAX: (865) 241-5219 e-mail: email@example.com.
An application can be found at http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/application.htm.
Current Research Opportunities
- Water Quality Standards and Feasibility Studies
- Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Disinfection Byproducts
- Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Internship
- Making a Difference with Community Environmental Public Health Decision Support Tools
- The Role of Physicochemical Properties (Nanomaterials in the Environment)


text:
Author Bio
This is my first year doing NaNoWriMo, I have written multiple times before, but only factual, exponential and argumentative essays. I thought I would try something different this year, so there.
And I love tea.
Years Done/Won
Lifetime Achievement: Total NaNo Word Count
Fact Sheet
- Location:
- Singapore
- Hobbies:
- Magic, Cinematography, Photography and Writing
- Favorite noveling music:
- John Cage's 4'33'
- Website:
- http://lin-cmcc.blogspot.com/
- Occupation:
- Student
- Favorite books or authors:
- Everything by John Green. And the Alex Rider series. And the Harry Potter series. And 1984. And Catcher in the Rye


text:
Fees and Funding
Undertaking a PhD is a serious commitment, and involves careful financial planning at the time of application and for the duration of the program. Prices will almost inevitably rise and you must allow for this when planning your finances. Your costs will comprise both tuition fees and living costs.
Tuition fees are the annual charges payable to the College by all full or part-time students. They cover tuition, and the use of College facilities. They do not cover living expenses or the costs associated with field work, equipment, books or stationery. Students who take longer than twelve months following the completion of their research to write-up and submit their thesis also become liable to pay a writing-up fee.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually, usually in March/April of the previous academic year. For the purposes of your financial planning you should note that tuition fees increase each year.
If you are in doubt as to whether you will be classed as a Home/EU or Overseas student please consult the College's Admissions and Recruitment Office at Mile End at an early stage:
Freephone (UK callers only) 0800 376 1800
Overseas callers +44 (0)20 7882 5533
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
See our Postgraduate tuition fees page for the most up to date information.
Self-funding a PhD at the School of Business and Management
The School of Business and Management accepts applications from candidates intending to self-fund their PhD studies. Students whose fees are not paid directly to the university via a third party organisation are classed as self-funded.
It should be noted that a high proportion of UK based postgraduate research (PhD) students are at least partially funded because the three to four year commitment can often not be made without supporting funding.
If you intend to fund yourself through your PhD studies, you will need to demonstrate that you fully understand the nature and size of the commitment you are undertaking. We will ask you to produce a realistic 3 year funding plan where you will need to provide details of funding sources (e.g. parents, partner, savings, etc).
In addition to fees, it is estimated that a London based full-time PhD student will need a minimum of £12,000 per year for living costs (depending on lifestyle). It should be noted that the School of Business and Management does not allow full-time PhD students to do paid work of more than 6 hours per week.
You may also be considering studying for a PhD part-time. Even with part-time study, it is equally important to recognise the commitment you are making in both money and time and to decide before you start whether you are able to make and sustain that commitment over a long period, usually 5-6 years. Otherwise you risk paying for a number of years part-time and then withdrawing from your studies. In the UK, there are many part-time PhD students, but there is some evidence that self-funded part-time students are less likely to complete their PhDs.


text:
Website Directory
The CCK offers an online directory of websites related institutions at the Branch of scientific activity and research.
This project is part of the policy of CCK, which focuses on develop, diversify and expand the services offered to its customers.
A portal directory is designed in view of facilitating access to various Web sites and academic institutions to improve their positioning and reference in the tools of search directories.
To access the directory of university websites, you must open your Internet browser and type the following address in the address bar: http://www.annuaire.rnu.tn
Function Principle
The directory is classified according to the universities, each of which refers to all institutions connected by a single click you can directly access the website of the institution concerned.


text:
One of Vermonts first Certified Green Hotels
In 2008, we were certified as one of the first "VT Green Hotels". Essentially, a Green Hotel is any Vermont lodgingestablishment that solidifies its commitment to environmental excellence by achieving a set of environmental standards.
Although each property achieves these standards uniquely, each conducts an environmental opportunity assessment, adopts environmentally preferable practices, and develops an environmental management plan that guides its efforts to continually reduce the environmental consequences of its operations.
Our Environmental Policy
Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast is committed to protecting the environment, the health and safety of our employees, and the community in which we conduct our business. It is our policy to seek improvements throughout our business operations to lessen our impact on the local and global environment by conserving energy, water, and other natural resources; reducing waste generation; recycling and purchasing recycled products; and reducing our use of toxic materials. We believe that as a business we have a responsibility not only to minimize our impact but also to make environmental policy a key and integral part of our business strategy. For us, this translates in to three main areas of action and planning.
- On an immediate level we are committed to day to day practices which will minimize our environmental impact. Examples would be that we recycle glass, plastic, metals, paper and cardboard and that we use energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs wherever possible.
- In the medium term we are implementing strategies which we see as over and above the basic day to day policies. Examples of these strategies would be the transition of all cleaning products to those certified by the independent Green Seal program. In the summer of 2007 we began the transition to off white and tan colored linens, to reduce the amount of chemicals necessary to maintain them. As linens are in need of replacement we intend to continue this transition.
- We are also looking at the long term. For us this involves looking at ways in which we can run the hotel using an increasing amount of renewable energy sources. We have started investigation into the opportunity to purchase energy from more environmentally friendly sources (i.e. cow power) and we are watching the developments in wind energy with interest.
Some of Our Existing Green Initiatives
- We have committed to using as much local product as possible.
- We have reduced our electric demand through energy efficient replacements.
- We have committed to the "Cow Power" alternative energy program.
- We have begun composting yard waste and kitchen waste and only use organic garden materials.
- We have installed a rainwater reclaimation system that is used for garden irrigation.
- We have eliminated all but the required non-environmentally friendly cleaning products.
- We have a towel and linen reuse program in place.
- We recycle everything that can be recycled.
- We use recycled materials wherever possible.
- We have completely overhauled our heat and hot water system with one that is not only more efficient, but utilizes the latest in alternative energy options.
- We have eliminated bottled water at the inn, in its place we are using refillable sealed glass water caraffes in each room.


text:
Search Your City:
US Alabama
US Alaska
US Arizona
US Arkansas
US California
US Colorado
US Connecticut
US Delaware
US District of Columbia
US Florida
US Georgia
US Hawaii
US Idaho
US Illinois
US Indiana
US Iowa
US Kansas
US Kentucky
US Louisiana
US Maine
US Maryland
US Massachusetts
US Michigan
US Minnesota
US Mississippi
US Missouri
US Montana
US Nebraska
US Nevada
US New Hampshire
US New Jersey
US New Mexico
US New York
US North Carolina
US North Dakota
US Ohio
US Oklahoma
US Oregon
US Pennsylvania
US Rhode Island
US South Carolina
US South Dakota
US Tennessee
US Texas
US Utah
US Vermont
US Virginia
US Washington
US West Virginia
US Wisconsin
US Wyoming
CA Alberta
CA British_Columbia
CA Manitoba
CA New Brunswick
CA Newfoundland
CA Northwest Territories
CA Nova_Scotia
CA Nunavut
CA Ontario
CA Prince Edward Island
CA Quebec
CA Saskatchewan
CA Yukon
WALTBABYLOVE - sports , beach, biking
San diego Personals
California Personals
Response Rate: 0%
Above average
Toned, I keep fit
25 years of age
Deep Blue eyes
191 lbs - 200 lbs
5'11 - 6'
loan officer
Here For Dating
Online Now
Send Message
He's Online & it's Free
People say that I am:
very outgoing, easy to talk to and funny
Things that have bothered me:
they get attached to quickly/need some space
I am looking for:
a fun attractive person that can have fun doing anything
Cool Movies:
usual suspects ,dumb and dummer
My Favorite Groups are:
Religion Is Not Important
to me in relationships.
I'm not Materialistic.
Don't Smoke.
I Drink Sometimes.
Sometimes I like pets.
I Like To Travel.
I am an Active Person.
Don't spend long hours at Work.
I Am a Spontaneous Person.
Friends Are Important to me.
I Like Competitive Partners.
Sometimes I like clubs/bars.
not that Stressed.
I Try to stay in Shape.
I want to get Married.
I Want to have Kids.
Am Not a Stubborn Person.
I Love going to the Movies.
Sex is not important.
Sometimes it's important to have a clean house.
Note: Bold & Larger
Text Represent More
Important Qualities
To This User.
on BoM. It only takes 30 seconds to signup! Hookup on an adult date right now.
Guys in San diego
Adult Personals


text:
Bar spoon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A bar spoon is a long handled spoon used in bartending for mixing and layering of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixed drinks. Its length ensures that it can reach to bottom of the tallest jug or tumbler to mix ingredients directly in the glass.[1]
A bar spoon holds about 5 millilitres of liquid (the same as a conventional teaspoon). Its long handle is similar to an iced tea spoon but is usually decorative and elegant – some variations mimic large swizzle sticks, with a disc at one end. The shaft is typically thin and threaded so that the fingers can easily grip and rotate the spoon.[2][3]
- ^ Lai, Ann (2005). Bartending 101: The Basics of Mixology, 4th Edition. Harvard Student Agencies, Inc. p. 32.
- ^ Arnold, Dave (2014). Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
- ^ Solmonson, David; Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs (2014). The 12 Bottle Bar: A Dozen Bottles. Hundreds of Cocktails, a New Way to Drink. New York: Workman Publishing Company, Inc. p. 15.
|This bartending-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.


text:
There are three works on the mixed bill that opens the Royal Ballet's new season, and all of them hail from the 1970s, a particularly vibrant time for dance. The music — Stravinsky, Poulenc and Janácek — is also a big draw, which is probably why Antonio Pappano here elects to make one of his rare forays into the world of ballet conducting.
Balanchine's Stravinsky Violin Concerto (1972) is a dazzling compendium of just about everything his choreography is about, and it looks as fresh and modern today as it did 34 years ago. Stripped of sets and costumes (it


text:
/// Idris Elba Proves a Local Hero at Capri Film Fest
December 31, 2013 | Variety
Idris Elba won over the crowd with his acceptance speech when he and Naomie Harris were honored Monday at the 18th Capri-Hollywood Film Festival. The two were handed prizes as best actor and supporting actress prizes for their work in "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," which screened. The international crowd ate it up when Elba… Read more
Related Posts
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Your Lowcountry Highrollers are once again going skate to skate with one another as all three home teams battle it out in a round robin tournament season opener, Sunday Feb. 10.
Join the sneaky Swampfoxes, the sassy Ashley Riverdolls and the notorious Holy City Heartbreakers as they duke it out for the first time this season. The Dolls are looking for some revenge after a gut-wrenching loss in the championship game to the Heartbreakers last season after having run the regular season undefeated. The Foxes are also looking to reclaim the top spot after finishing out last season in third place.
Don't miss a minute of the action starting at 6 p.m. at Hot Wheels Skating Center, 1523 Folly Road on James Island. There will be food trucks on hand to fill your tummies including Diggity Doughnuts to satisfy the sweet tooth.
Plus, get $1 off admission at the door or a free raffle ticket if you bring in an item of pet food to benefit Pet Helpers.
Bout admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 10 and under. You can purchase your tickets at the door or in advance at StrangerTickets.com. http://charleston.strangertickets.com/events/6978397/home-bout-1.
The Lowcountry Highrollers is a skater-owned and operated all-female flat-track roller derby league based in Charleston. The team's mission is to promote sportswomanship, female empowerment and community consciousness through activities, events and charity involvement. For more information about the Lowcountry Highrollers visit online at www.lowcountryhighrollers.com.
© 2016 Moultrie News an Evening Post Industries company. All Rights Reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Form.


text:
I'm 30 yrs old, 5'3" 130 lbs, athletic, and good health. I'm scheduled for May 11, 2011. My surgery consists of a full tummy tuck, liposuction of back, flanks, inner knees, and slightly around the inner thighs. Also I'm getting a breast augmentation under the muscle. Is that too much??? My PS seems very optimistic about it and has been practicing for over 30 yrs. He's also one of the top plastic surgeons in Houston, Tx but I'm still a little nervous about it. Is this common?
Full Tummy Tuck w/ Lipo and Breast Augmentation - Is This Safe?
Doctor Answers 24
Combining Multiple Plastic Surgery Procedures- Is it safe ?
More people are now choosing to have multiple plastic surgery procedures at one time because of constraints in taking time off from work. The safety of combining multiple plastic surgery procedures depends on your health, extent and length of the procedures, and the support that the surgery facility is going to offer you. Most plastic surgeons agree that a healthy patient can easily handle about 6-8 hours of surgery as long as the surgery is not risky or involve significant blood loss.
Many women are now combining breast augmentation with tummy tuck and liposuction of their flanks and parts of their legs into a combined procedure called "Mommy Make Over".
Web reference: http://www.beautifulfigure.com/losangelesbevhills-mommymakeover.htm
Mommy Makeover Can Be Done Safely
The combination of tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation is often referred to as a "mommy makeover". This combination of procedures can be done safely with the right patient, the right surgeon, the right anesthesia provider and the right setting. It sounds like you are young and healthy and your surgeon has many years of experience. The anesthesia could be general or IV sedation and the setting could be outpatient or with an overnight stay. Be sure to ask your surgeon and his staff any questions that you might have. Follow your surgeon's instructions for post-operative care. You should have a good experience and great results.
Tummy tuck with Breast Augmentation
In a healthy, non smoker patient with your height and weight and as long as your surgeon is a well qualified plastic surgeon this combination of procedures should be safe. You should thoroughly discuss with your surgeon issues regarding the recovery period, do's and don'ts after surgery, as well as things you can do to prevent complications.
The discomfort following a combined breast augmentation and abdominoplasty should be adequately controlled with oral pain medications. Good luck!
You might also like...
Combining Procedures
Combination procedures have a certain set of concerns that must be addressed, and your care during and after surgery are equally important.
I agree with all the other posters here....an experienced and qualified surgeon is a requirement. The proper surgical setting, equipment, and staff are also important. My personal choice is to perform these larger and longer surgeries in a small private speciality hospital with an overnight stay rather than in an office or surgicenter setting.
Combined procedures are common and safe
Web reference: http://www.basuplasticsurgery.com/houston-plastic-surgery-procedures/breast/houston-mommy-makeover/
A tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation performed in 1 surgical setting is not excessive
Performing a tummy tuck along with some liposuction and a breast augmentation is a quite common combination of procedures - fitting into the category of mommy makeovers. To your benefit, you youthfulness and healthiness will help keep the risks of major issues low. Having an experienced plastic surgeon should provide you with the opportunity for a nice transformation in one procedure which also means overall less down time and costs.
Web reference: http://www.turkeltaub.com
Tummy tuck SAL and breast augmentation
It is certainly possible to perform a tummy tuck, SAL and a breast augmentation in one operative setting for the appropriate patient.
Web reference: http://www.stevenwallachmd.com
Mommy makeover or multiple surgeries- is it safe?
Mommy makeovers such as the one you describe are commonly performed and the safety level is quite high in experienced reputable hands.
Of course two surgeries at one time carry more risk than a single surgery; however is that risk the same or greater than when each surgery is performed separately?
A reasonable amount of time for a surgery is 6 to seven hours for an outpatient surgery in an otherwise healthy patient.
Web reference: http://www.drbrent.com/index.php
Full Tummy Tuck w/ Lipo and Breast Augmentation - Is This Safe?
This is not an uncommon combination of procedures in an otherwise young healthy individual. Nonetheless the potential for complications does go up as more surgery and more time in the operating room takes place under one setting. That being said it is important to express these concerns with your plastic surgeon until you feel comfortable will his/her answers. Best of luck for a beautiful result...
How much is too much: breast, tummy, liposuction?
It sounds like you have certainly done your homework. Cosmetic surgery in an outpatient setting should be limited to 6-7 hours for your safety. The risks of blood loss, anesthesia, blood clots and infection increase with long surgeries.
Board certified plastic surgeons perform procedures such as the one you describe routinely, but I would urge you to discuss any concerns you may have and review the length of the procedure with your surgeon. Breast augmentation in combination with tummy tuck and liposuction is commonly referred to as the "mommy makeover" and will usually achieve a very nice result. Check with your primary doctor first before any long surgical procedure if you have any concerns over your medical history. Otherwise, you sound young and healthy so I am sure you will be pleased with your outcomes. Good luck and enjoy!
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


text:
4th Quarter 2012 Commentary - ASTON/River Road Dividend All Cap Value Fund
4th Quarter 2012
Reversal of Post-Election Slump
The fourth quarter of 2012 provided a fitting end to what was a volatile, yet successful, year for equity investors. The broad market S&P 500 Index traded modestly higher in early October before experiencing a sharp, post-election decline. The slump reversed on surprisingly positive employment data, with stocks later propelled by rising optimism for a resolution of the fiscal cliff. The final surge arrived on December 31, as news emerged that lawmakers had finally cobbled together the framework for a deal.
Small-cap value stocks led the market during the fourth quarter and all of 2012, but the dispersion of returns was narrow for the year as the large-cap oriented Russell 1000 Index only outperformed the small-cap Russell 2000 Index by mere basis points. From a style perspective, value significantly outperformed growth across market-cap spectrum for both the quarter and the year.
High-beta (volatility) stocks led the market all year long and propelled the rally that followed the election, while high-yield stocks were blown away. Within the S&P 500, the highest beta stocks (fifth quintile) outgained the lowest volatility stocks (first quintile) by more than 10 percentage points for the quarter and the year. According to Ned Davis Research, stocks with the lowest dividend yields in the S&P 500 outgained the highest yielding by an astonishing amount (23.4% to 3.2%) for the full year, including by a six-percentage point margin during the fourth quarter.
The prospects for dividend investing brightened with the New Year, however. In December, a flurry of companies rushed to pay special dividends or move regular payments forward in response to a 3.8% dividend income surcharge related to healthcare reform and the risk that favorable tax treatment of dividend income would expire in 2013. After much speculation and concern, Congress finally passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, averting the tax cliff. Although the debt ceiling and spending debates were put off until February, we were pleasantly surprised that the net impact of the bill on dividend stocks was consistent with, if not better than, our best case scenario.
While we expected that dividend taxes were going to increase, Congress exercised restraint in maintaining the status quo for most investors and increasing the tax modestly for investors in the top tax brackets. They preserved the parity between the treatment of capital gains and dividends. Most importantly, the new tax rates were made permanent, eliminating a significant uncertainty for taxable investors in dividend stocks.
Rough Quarter, Rough Year
The Fund underperformed its Russell 3000 Value Index benchmark during the quarter, and substantially underperformed for the year. This was the first time that the Fund had underperformed the index during a full calendar year since its August 2005 inception. At the same time, it has delivered returns with significantly less standard deviation (a measure of volatility of returns) than the benchmark through the end of 2012.
Both sector allocation and stock selection had a negative effect on overall relative performance in 2012, with stock selection within eight out of 10 sectors and sector allocation in five sectors hurting performance. Financials detracted from results the most owing to weak stock selection and an underweight position. Despite providing the highest absolute return in the portfolio, holdings in Financials underperformed the benchmark sector by more than seven percentage points. This underperformance was largely attributable to the lack of exposure to banking giants Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs Group, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
During the fourth quarter, stock selection negatively affected relative performance within six sectors, with the largest impact coming from holdings in Financials and Consumer Discretionary. The poor results in Financials were due primarily to positions in CME Group and PNC Financial Services, while Darden Restaurants and Kohl's drove the underperformance in Consumer Discretionary.
Darden is the owner and operator of full-service casual dining chains, including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and LongHorn Steakhouse. The stock gapped down in December after it pre-announced poor fiscal second quarter same-store sales and significantly lowered earnings guidance for its fiscal year ending May 2013. Several of the company's promotions did not have the desired effect on sales and traffic, primarily due to a lack of focus on affordability. Darden also suffered from bad publicity relating to reports that it was exploring ways to minimize the costs of the new healthcare mandate by reducing employee hours. Despite these near-term obstacles, we think the firm has enduring restaurant brands with strong growth prospects, leading us to maintain the Fund's position.
Off-mall department store retailer Kohl's reported disappointing November same-store sales after signs of a positive turn in the business since late June. Despite the operational setbacks, the company has rewarded shareholders with stock buybacks, and in November the Board of Directors again increased the firm's share repurchase authorization. With a healthy dividend yield, double-digit free cash flow yield, and strong commitment to shareholders, we are comfortable maintaining the position.
Elsewhere, global telecommunications company Vodafone reported weak first half results in November driven by a significant decline in service revenue in Southern Europe and impairments related to operations in Italy and Spain. Profits declined in both Northern and Southern Europe as the company faced intense competition and lower mobile termination rates. Although performance outside of Europe and the company's 45% stake in Verizon Wireless were bright spots, it was not enough to offset the European results. Given the poor fundamentals of the business in Europe and uncertainty of future dividends out of Verizon Wireless, the dividend growth outlook for Vodafone has become increasingly challenged. We trimmed the position at a loss in accordance with our sell discipline.
The biggest negative stock contributors for the year came from a variety of industries. Railroad Norfolk Southern encountered slumping demand for carloads of coal as utilities switched to cheaper natural gas. Shares of Intel suffered during the second half of the year following a disappointing second quarter earnings release and cuts to guidance for the next two quarters. The stock bottomed in November when the company made the surprise announcement that President and CEO Paul Otellini would retire from the company and the Board of Directors in May 2013. Kohl's fourth quarter slide made it one of the portfolio's worst performers for the year.
Positive Energy
Only three economic sectors in the portfolio had a positive absolute return during the quarter compared with seven sectors in the benchmark. Four sectors had a positive effect on relative results, with Energy providing the most significant impact owing to an underweight position. Sector allocation overall was also positive, aided by the Energy underweight and an overweight in Consumer Discretionary. Only two sectors aided relative performance during the year, with Energy again the biggest contributor due an underweight position and strong stock selection, and positive stock selection in Utilities adding value. Positions in Seadrill and Occidental Petroleum drove much of the outperformance in Energy in 2012.
Asset manager BlackRock was the top individual contributor to performance during the quarter. The stock rallied as lingering market concerns about the possibility of Chairman and CEO Larry Fink departing for the U.S. Treasury abated, allowing the market to refocus on the firm's ongoing stellar execution in growing its global brand, diversified business lines, and ample free cash flow. Part of BlackRock's strong contribution to the portfolio resulted from our decision to increase the position size during the second quarter of 2012. Shares have since approached our assessed Absolute Value, but we have maintained the position due to our favorable expectations for the company's business model and attractive return-of-capital actions via ongoing dividend hikes and opportunistic share repurchases.
Industrial equipment and casket-maker Hillenbrand made two significant announcements that boosted its stock. It announced the accretive acquisition of German bulk material handling equipment manufacturer Coperion Capital to diversify its industrial equipment business and the company reported better than expected fourth quarter results, driven by stabilization in its core casket business, significant revenue growth, and margin improvement in the process equipment segment.
Steel producer Nucor sold off earlier in the year as economic concerns and bearish commentary from management regarding a rise in U.S. steel imports weighed on investor expectations. Those concerns eased as Nucor's financial results came in above Wall Street expectations. In October the company announced better than expected third quarter results that, while down somewhat year-over-year, showed sequential growth. In addition, Nucor raised its base dividend for the 40th consecutive year.
The biggest contributors for the year were a mixed bag. Sabra Healthcare REIT made a number of acquisitions to grow its portfolio of properties and opportunistically reduced financing costs. Interest savings from aggressive refinancing as well as acquisitions are driving increased cash flow and our calculated Absolute Value. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) continued to deliver in 2012, and while we are not going to chase relative values to add to the portfolio's limited exposure to REITs, Sabra is still trading at a discount to our Absolute Value.
Kimberly-Clark, a global health and hygiene company that manufactures and markets tissue, personal care, and healthcare products, repeatedly topped analyst quarterly estimates and raised annual earnings guidance. The company also committed more than a $1 billion to share buybacks in 2012 and had one of the highest dividend yields among its peers. Finally, BlackRock's fourth quarter rally and shareholder friendly actions made it one of the year's top performers as well.
Portfolio Changes
Among the Fund's 73 holdings at quarter end, 14 had increased their regular dividend payments and two—Pfizer and Sysco—announced dividend increases payable during the first quarter of 2013. Eleven holdings either paid a special dividend or accelerated their regular payments to the fourth quarter due to the uncertainty surrounding the fiscal cliff and potential dividend tax increase in 2013.
Four new positions were established and four eliminated during the quarter, but turnover was relatively low and there were only modest changes in the overall relative positioning of the portfolio. The position in Energy increased marginally with the introduction of Occidental Petroleum, reducing the portfolio's substantial underweight slightly. The introduction of Emerson Electric and Geo Group boosted the Fund's overweight in Industrials despite the sale of United Technologies at a premium to our assessed Absolute Value.
The largest new position added during the quarter was Emerson Electric, a leading industrial manufacturer that serves a wide customer base with a diversified portfolio of products. The company focuses on high quality, strong service, and innovation (1,000+ patent portfolio) to differentiate itself from competitors. This has led to consistent returns and an economic moat despite the competitive nature of its industry. Management has a stated goal of returning 50% of annual cash flows to shareholders through dividends and repurchases. The company is a dividend aristocrat with double-digit compound annual growth in its dividend since 1956. The stock was trading at a 16% discount to our assessed Absolute Value at the time of initial purchase.
Another notable change for 2012 was the addition of two new Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). MLPs have played an important role in the portfolio in the past, but we sold most of these holdings as valuations soared at the end of 2009. The past year marked the end of 12 consecutive years of outperformance for MLPs versus the S&P 500 as measured by the Alerian MLP Index. The group garnered significant attention in recent years, but finally succumbed to a wave of new equity issuance, poor energy sector performance, and tax concerns. This pull back offered the opportunity to begin building a position in the group again, and we are evaluating others for consideration in 2013.
Thoughts on Performance in 2012
In terms of relative performance, 2012 was clearly a challenging year for the Fund. Not only was it the first calendar year that it underperformed its benchmark since inception, but the magnitude of relative underperformance was significant. In analyzing the results, we've previously noted the remarkable underperformance of high-yielding and dividend-paying stocks, but also want to highlight two other factors that contributed to turning 2012 into a perfect storm against the Fund.
Although high-yield stocks underperformed dramatically, stocks with high dividend growth rates surged. According to Merrill Lynch's Quantitative Strategy (MLQS) team, dividend growth was one of the best performing factors for the year, despite dividend yield being one of the worst. We focus on companies that can and do grow their dividend, but the market in 2012 was dominated either by companies initiating a new dividend or those that significantly increased their dividend payout from a previously low yield. The vast majority of these companies did not qualify for inclusion in the portfolio before their dividend increases as they did not meet our minimum yield requirement.
An analysis of the portfolio's holdings also revealed that losses from individual stocks were limited, but so was the size of the portfolio's biggest winners. Of holdings with a positive (18) or negative (8) impact of 25 basis points or more, the average weight of the winners was only 0.92% versus a 1.76% average weight for the eight big losers. We were too conservative in our position sizing, especially among holdings that had lower yields. Thus, the income bias of the our strategy essentially proved to be an impediment.
The lesson we have learned from this is to realize that we need to be increasingly conscious of a company's total potential shareholder yield. This is a function of not only the current yield, but expected dividend growth and planned share repurchases. Last year demonstrated that while we cannot lose sight of the portfolio's dividend income objective, in a low rate and (increasingly) low growth environment, additional components of total shareholder yield demand more attention. We correctly identified during the third quarter that sizing was an issue and a need to better assess a holding's conviction, discount to value, and total shareholder yield at the time we initiate a new position to better capitalize on our best ideas.
Although our outlook is not a forecast, our perspective of the economic and market environment can affect our stock valuations and portfolio positioning. Valuations are the primary driver of our outlook. When stocks are cheap we get excited, but as the discount declines we get more cautious. With our discount-to-Absolute Value calculation for the portfolio at 93%, we are again cautious about broader market valuations especially as earnings growth slows.
Despite modest economic growth and firmer employment data, US Federal Reserve monetary policy remains hyper-aggressive. Chairman Bernanke has explicitly expressed his strong preference for higher asset values during periods of deflationary pressure and deleveraging. He also recently declared the Fed would continue to provide extraordinary stimulus until unemployment reached 6.5%. While it is unlikely we will see a 6.5% headline unemployment figure in 2013, 7% is a possibility if growth accelerates. Furthermore, Fed officials Bullard and Plosser have stated that quantitative easing (QE) measures could end at 7%. Either way, we think the Fed continues to stimulate equity prices, but if unemployment drops more quickly than expected, the Fed is likely to begin to withdraw its more extraordinary stimulus measures sooner than the market currently anticipates.
Fiscal policy is poised to be the major headwind as we look ahead, however. Higher taxes, lower federal spending, fewer economic incentives for business, and the upcoming debt ceiling debate collectively represent the greatest risk to our outlook. As recently reported by the New York Times, upper income earners now face the heaviest tax burden in more than 30 years. The debt ceiling debate promises to be highly contentious and, according to ISI Research, spending cuts are highly unlikely to produce the longer-term savings necessary to keep credit rating agencies from further downgrading U.S. debt. Various actions already taken in association with the fiscal cliff are likely to shave an estimated 1.0% to 1.5% from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013. That massive drag comes at a time when corporate profit growth is slowing dramatically. If there is one concern that should keep investors up at night, it is the chaos and policies currently emanating from our capitol.
There is a profound and lingering nervousness among businesses, consumers, and investors hanging over this recovery. That is not uncommon following a major financial crisis, especially one resulting in massive credit deleveraging. Fortunately, stocks have thus far successfully climbed the wall of worry. With China averting a hard landing and European tail risks diminishing, we see investors facing fewer global macro concerns in 2013 than in 2012. Closer to home, ongoing improvement in both employment indicators and the housing market could lift sentiment. This should be positive for fundamental stock pickers, as investor focus shifts away from the macro and toward the micro.
The threat of a significant dividend tax increase has hung over the heads of dividend investors for more than a decade. There is little doubt that some of the underperformance in 2012 was the market discounting this risk for 2013. The permanent removal of that threat clears the way for dividend-oriented strategies to participate in what we believe is a secular bull market for "income replacement" securities. Therefore, we anticipate that there will be some reversion of the 2012 underperformance in 2013, which should contribute positively to expected return over the near- to intermediate-term. We remain steadfast in our focus on stocks with high and growing dividends, healthy balance sheets, and attractive valuations, as well as opportunities presented by heightened market volatility.
River Road Asset Management
16 January 2013
As of December 31, 2012, CME Group comprised 1.20% of the portfolio's assets, PNC Financial Services – 1.25%, Darden – 1.22%, Kohl's – 1.43%, Vodafone – 1.47%, Norfolk Southern – 1.92%, Intel – 2.12%, Seadrill – 0.00%, Occidental Petroleum – 0.99%, BlackRock – 2.16%, Hillenbrand – 1.46%, Nucor – 1.45%, Sabra Healthcare REIT – 1.76%, Kimberly-Clark – 2.41%, Pfizer – 1.73%, Sysco – 2.08%, Emerson Electric – 1.32%, Geo Group – 0.51%, and United Technologies – 0.00%.
Note: Funds that invest in small- and mid-cap stocks are considered riskier than large-cap stocks due to greater potential volatility and less liquidity. The Fund seeks to invest in income-producing equity securities and there is no guarantee that the underlying companies will continue to pay or grow dividends.
Before investing, consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact 800 992-8151 for a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this and other information. Please, read it carefully. Aston Funds are distributed by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC.
Aston News
Fund updates and Press Releases from Aston Funds, including the "Aston News" newsletter.
Aston in the Media
Links and media article reprints featuring Aston's funds and their Subadvisers.
Fund Reports
Comprehensive quarterly reports comprising portfolio performance, holdings, characteristics, rankings, and manager commentary all in one package.
Fund Commentaries
The most recent quarterly commentaries from our Fund managers.
Uncommon Sense Investing
A column that seeks to examine current conventional investment wisdom and provide practical insights for mutual fund investors.
Commentary on investment themes and topics from Aston's investment team.
Manager Insights
Market and investment commentary from Aston's asset manager partners.
Aston History (212 KB, PDF)
Capabilities Brochure (2 MB, PDF)
Aston Style Box (46 KB, PDF)
Aston Subadvisers (490 KB, PDF)
- Shareholder Account Access
Shareholder Account Access
- Distributions/Capital Gains
Distributions/Capital Gains
- Need Help? Contact Us by E-mail
Need Help? Contact Us by E-mail
- Research - Our Subadvisers
Research - Our Subadvisers
- Performance
- Funds
My Pages
Click the "Add Page" icon located on the upper right side of each page to start creating your own personal navigation for this site.


text:
A letter from Nov. 6 starts with "I am a conservative Christian" doesn't that opening sort of grab you, sort of like, "I'm not a racist, but..."?
The writer rails about illegal immigrants and blames President Obama and endorses Governor Romney.
My definition of "conservative" whether Christian or otherwise, begins with the requirement for integrity. How can one stand for integrity and denounce our president while promoting Romney? Romney has more than adequately demonstrated his contempt for the truth. The Bible and the Book of Mormon speak very clearly about lying.
W4 (Ret) Carl L. Hess
Ozark, AL
Ozark, AL


text:
A trademark can consist of all kinds of symbols and must be reproducible in graphic form.
A trademark can consist of words and combinations of words (for instance, slogans), names, logos, figures and images, letters, numbers, sounds, and moving images, or a combination of these.
Word marks, e.g. Freia og Bik Bok
"Rent mel i posen"
Slogan, e.g. "Rent mel i posen" (Lunch Box AS)
Letters and numbers, e.g. 4711 and IBM
Alert Self-Service helps you set up and follow your competitors in the fields of patenting, trademarks and designs Read more
Send application/ correspondence online via Altinn.
Send application/ correspondence
Find out what others have done, and what your competitors are doing.
Order a preliminary search


text:
Last week's column on mortgage modifications drew lots of comments and questions from readers. This weekend, It's Only Money explores advice from homeowners who successfully reduced their mortgage payment. How did they do it?
In the meantime, more bad news about the government program and foreclosures in the U.S.:
More than half of the 1.3 million homeowners helped by the Obama Administration's foreclosure-relief plan have dropped out since its inception in March 2009 (Reuters). Only 18,000 modifications started last month (WSJ). Of those who fall out of the program, nearly half get other forms of relief from their loan servicers (CNN).
Fannie Mae will stop counting jobless benefits as income for mortgage modifications, sharply curtailing the ability of unemployed workers to reduce their monthly payments (CNN).
Concerns about a "robo-signer" (WSJ) led to the halt of GMAC Mortgage foreclosures in 23 states, and other big lenders have used similar types of "affidavit slaves." in foreclosure proceedings (Washington Post). The revelation could cause judges to put a halt to foreclosures if there are any questions about the accuracy of documents involved, experts say. An Iowa assistant A.G. says the accuracy of such documents are "of great concern."


text:
Even Les Grossman knows: Your smartphone is not just for calling (or shouting in Les' case), and texting anymore! Whether you're using the iPhone, an Android phone, the HTC, Samsung Galaxy Ace or any other smartphone, you hold in the palm of your hand the key to modern day filmmaking. Wanna make a movie with your iPhone? We'll help. Keep reading.
To start, we recommend you read Part I and Part II of our #Aspring2ActWriteDirect series on creating films and videos using your smartphone (or tablet). In the year since we shared those helpful blogs with you, Hollywood is seriously taking notice of the creativity and those creating new content in this innovative way. In fact, there are two recent projects we thought would inspire you.
'Departure' is a groundbreaking new film project. Produced by the same team behind the iPhone/ Smartphone Film Festival, this new movie is shot entirely with an iPhone. It is a "venture in cost effective, expeditious, and epic filmmaking" and is described as follows:
Departure is a film utilizing three main locations, in three separate countries, the United States, France, and Belarus, and three distinct directors from those respected regions. Each filmmaker will contribute their assigned footage, shot exclusively on the iPhone apparatus, to form one complete project, one complete intertwining story.
But wait, it gets even cooler! The producers of 'Departure' are not the only ones spearheading innovation in filmmaking. Samsung, a leading manufacturer in the smartphone market and the New York Television Festival teamed up for a Second Screen Storytellers Contest. What is a Second Screen Story? Basically, as defined from their website, "A filmmaker must integrate multiple screens into their overall narrative, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience for fans and viewers."
A second screen can be anything from a laptop to a smartphone to a tablet to any other screen that the main storyline isn't already showing on. For instance, if your movie is showing on a traditional movie screen, and your leading character is searching the web, all of that web content might be available at the same time on a laptop. Two storyline's going on at once on two separate screens. How cool is that?!
Need it in simpler terms? Watch this 3 minute YouTube video below.
iPhone/Smartphone Film Festival - The iPhone Film Festival was started by a filmmaker for other filmmakers.
The International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego, CA - The Mobil Film Festival is a two-day special event showing films that were shot only with cell phones. Films will be presented to promote the filmmaking skills and/or talent of prospective filmmakers using the creative medium as professional equipment.
Mobile Film Festival – France - 1 Mobile. 1 Minute. 1 Film.
Tunisian Mobile Film Festival - Teams of Tunisian filmmakers will have 24 hours to shoot their short films using mobile phones.
indieFone Film Fest - Shoot a short film with your iPhone and compete to be one of the top 7 filmmakers to participate in our reality show. – WIN $10K.
The Original iPhone Film Festival - The Original iPhone Film Festival. Bringing the emerging community of iPhone and iOS filmmakers into the spotlight.
Sony Mobile Film Festival- Italy - Sony Mobile Festival – Moving people, making movies is a creative call entirely dedicated to short movies and music videoclips.
Cinepocket Film Festival- Brussels - Belgium's international mobile film festival is for films shot entirely with mobile phones & mobile filmmaking in general.
The Disposable Film Fest - We show films made on everyday equipment like cell phones, webcams & point and shoot cameras.
For some added inspiration, we wanted to share with you "The Adventures of a Cardboard Box." It is an 8 minute movie shot on a Nokia N8 smartphone. It was one of the winners from the Sony Mobile Film Festival. We hope you love this beautiful story as much as we did.
Tom's Film and Events Calendar…


text:
Popular Lyrics
Billboard Hot 100
Upcoming Lyrics
Recently Added
Top Lyrics of 2011
Top Lyrics of 2010
Top Lyrics of 2009
More »
Popular Artists
Artists A-Z
Popular Albums
Upcoming Albums
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Lil Wayne
Hip Hop/Rap
All Genres »
All News
Daily Roundup
Album Reviews
Song Reviews
Sign InRegister
Artist: Barry White
Album: Just For You
I never take anything for granted
Only a fool maybe takes things for granted
Just because it's here today
It can be gone tomorrow
And that's one thing that you
Never in your life ever have to worry about me
If I'll ever change towards you because
Baby I love you
Yeah I love you
Just the way... You are...
Don't go changing, trying to please me
You never let me down before
I don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I would not leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are
Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care
I don't want clever conversation
I don't want to work that hard
I just want some someone to talk to
I want you just the way you are.
I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.
I said I love you and that's forever
And this I promise from my heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com
Get the embed code
Barry White Lyrics provided by SongLyrics.com
Note: When you embed the widget in your site, it will match your site's styles (CSS). This is just a preview!
Preview the embedded widget
Cannot annotate a non-flat selection. Make sure your selection
starts and ends within the same node.
An annotation cannot contain another annotation.


text:
There is always plenty to be concerned about — high costs going higher; unexpected moves by the competition; uncertainty in the world that could inadvertently impact your business and your life.
Owners and leaders often forget that everyone has strengths. The more a person is able to use strengths, the more productive and engaged he or she becomes. The focus in business is, unfortunately, on the very visible weaknesses that each person has.
Here are two short stories of people who were at turning points and used their strengths to make a comeback:
Carl Bernstein had been employed at the Washington Post newspaper for six years. During that time he had managed to anger almost all of his colleagues and all but one of his supervisors. He had violated more company policies than the next 250 employees combined.
In the late spring of 1972 he was stuck covering local Virginia politics, and was on the verge of being fired. Carl had spent a year's worth of budgeted expense money in a very short time as he ate his way through a number of fine dining establishments while on the job.
In his enthusiasm to get to one story he rented a car and when he was finished using it, simply parked it, forgetting to turn it back to the rental car company. The bill was enormous. Bernstein's days were numbered.
Management had him in their sights to let him go.
In mid-June 1972, fellow Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward was assigned to cover the break-in of the Watergate complex, because it was deemed a metropolitan police story.
Behind Woodward's back, Bernstein took the role of editing Woodward's articles. While not pleased with what Bernstein had done, or how he did it, when he found out, Woodward appreciated the editing that resulted in a better written story.
As the Watergate story grew, Bernstein's local upbringing, connections and persistence uncovered more than anyone at the Post thought existed.
Between Bernstein's know-how and Woodward's persistence, the two of them became known as "Woodstein" in the pressroom.
Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward won a Pulitzer Prize for their reporting in 1973. The two reporters combined to write two books about the Watergate affair, "All the President's Men" and "The Final Days."
In the movie version of "All the President's Men," Bernstein was played by Dustin Hoffman.
After leaving the Post, Bernstein worked at ABC News, Time and has written numerous articles. He has also published books on his parents, ("Loyalties: A Son's Memoir"), on Pope John Paul II ("His Holiness") and most recently on Hillary Clinton ("A Woman in Charge").
Around that same time, a tie salesman became a $10 million dollar a year fashion guru, but his business was going broke. The man, Ralph Lauren, was an excellent designer, but manufacturing costs were driving him out of business.
Lauren took a step back and assessed his strengths. According to Bill Pullen, a career coach in Washington D.C., one of the least-applied concepts in corporate America is assessing strengths with objectivity and then concentrating efforts for success.
What did Lauren do? He outsourced production and marketing on everything but the men's line. He took his life savings and applied it to his plan.
What happened to Ralph Lauren? Within a decade he was doing $1 billion a year in business.
"Now, Discover Your Strengths" remains on the best seller lists for a very good reason. Millions of individuals are learning what their strengths are and how to apply them at work and in life.
Ken Keller is CEO of STAR Business Consulting Inc., a company that works with small and midsize business owners to grow top line revenue. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Keller's column reflects his own views and not necessarily those of The Signal.


text:
NAHU represents licensed health insurance agents, brokers, consultants and benefit professionals who serve the health insurance needs of employers and individuals seeking health insurance coverage.
About NAHU
History, Mission, Vision, Ethics
Policies and Procedures
Financial Information
Board of Trustees
Leadership Committees
Chapter Information
Logo & Promotional Pieces
Speaker Request
Staff Directory
Contact Us
Annual Convention
Capitol Conference
Regional Conferences
State Conferences
Industry Meetings
Find an Agent
The Broker Advantage
Glossary of Terms
Related Links
Education Foundation
Legislative Issues
Federal Action Center
State Action Center
Policy Documents
Position Papers
Comment Letters
Press Releases
NAHU in the News
Media Resources
Advertising Opportunities
Professional Development
FFM Training
Certification Courses
Continuing Education
Online Learning Institute
Speakers Bureau
States' DOI Links
My NAHU
Update Member Information
Update Monthly Credit Card
Chapter Officer/Dues Search
Corporate Partnership
LTC Portal
Compliance Corner
Compliance Cornered Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Technology Solutions
Training Tools
Operation Shout!
Career Center
Vanguard Council
B2B - Broker to Broker
Leadership Tools
Award Tools
Chapter Tools
Legislative Tools
Media Tools
Press Releases/Editorials
Brokers Making A Difference
Media Spokesperson Database
Media Hits and Reports
Membership Tools
Applications and Forms
Professional Development Tools
Website Tools
Latest on Twitter
Focus on #EmployeeEngagement https://t.co/XDCRrB7HYU https://t.co/gi3I6C2x7z
Why a strategic plan is important for all employee benefit programs https://t.co/sWuvGeThjo https://t.co/jxhfyYh2CP
Training on Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Now Avaliable in English and Spanish
Based on a number of factors, including increased scrutiny of Medicare marketing activities, CMS requirements and pressure from Congress, beneficiary groups,and other stakeholders, AHIP's Center for Insurance Education and Professional Development and NAHU have co-sponsored the online training program,
Marketing Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Understanding Medicare Basics, Plan Options, and Marketing and Enrollment Requirements
. This course is designed to strengthen agents', brokers' and health insurance plan marketing staff's ability to provide the information beneficiaries need to make the decisions that are best for them. You'll learn the basics of Medicare fee-for-service eligibility and benefits, the different types of Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans, eligibility and coverage, and marketing and enrollment requirements under the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs, including requirements for Private Fee For Service (PFFS) plans. Get started today with either our
version of the online course.
Certification Clearinghouse for Producers and Employers
Plans which have adopted AHIP Medicare training
—List is being updated daily. You may also contact the
Center For Insurance Education and Professional Development
at (800) 509-4422. Clearinghouse addresses the need for a plan to access information about producer training in two ways – through a database of agents and brokers who have successfully completed the NAHU/AHIP Medicare Training Program and a reporting site for plans. The system includes the following key features:
Ability to capture agent and broker Medicare Training Program information in a centralized database:
All producers who have completed NAHU/AHIP's Medicare Training Program are automatically entered into the Clearinghouse
Clearinghouse serves as a central repository for producers' training completion information for both initial training and annual renewal training
Ability for carriers to access reports on producer NAHU/AHIP Medicare Training Program completions through a secure, password-protected interface.
Clearinghouse provides a single tool to access all training completions entered into the Clearinghouse– regardless of the plans from which the producer accessed the training
Clearinghouse offers the ability to generate reports by state or by individual
Clearinghouse offers plans access to copies of completion certificates for use in validating producers' training completion
NAHU Members Receive Discounted Pricing on Career Enhancing Training
Did you know that as a NAHU member, you are entitled to preferred pricing on the America's Health Insurance Plans' (AHIP)
Center for Insurance Education and Professional Development
full catalog of educational programs? These health insurance training programs are designed to help busy agents, brokers, consultants and benefits professionals sharpen their job skills, keep current on the latest industry trends, and earn continuing education credits.
Content copyright © 1998-2016 National Association of Health Underwriters.
All rights reserved.
National Association of Health Underwriters
1212 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100 - Washington, DC 20005
Ph. 202.552.5060 - Fax 202.747.6820 -
Website designed and developed by
NEWVISION Communications