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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Cracow, Malopolskie, Poland, 2011/04/11 - PMR released new report entitled: Distribution on the pharmaceutical market in Poland 2011, Development forecasts for 2011-2013 - PMRCorporate.com.
The report represents a comprehensive analysis of distribution on the pharmaceutical market in Poland, with information about individual distribution channel: Wholesale distribution, Pharmacy distribution (with a focus on pharmacy chains), Online distribution, Direct distribution, Non-pharmacy distribution.
The publication provides information on the current situation and trends in the individual distribution channels, presenting the profiles of the largest market players, as well as an overview of events that could take place in the future. In addition, it includes a detailed analysis of the possible impact of planned legislative changes (e.g. Reimbursement Act) on the individual distribution channels.
In order to benefit from opportunities created by quickly changing conditions in the market, you need convenient access to the latest news, most extensive and reliable statistics and solid and knowledgeable forecasting available. Read Distribution on the pharmaceutical market in Poland 2011, Development forecasts for 2011-2013 today, and refer to this new report from PMR Publications on a regular basis as you monitor market conditions and contemplate new business strategies.
Coverage begins with an introduction to the countrys largest pharmaceutical wholesalers their strategies, financials and number and location of their warehouse assets. Collaboration and ownership of pharmacy chains is described as well as activities focused on non-pharmacy and direct distribution.
Pharmacy operations are detailed, including chains that are wholesaler-affiliated and independent chains. The geographical layout of Poland is depicted in terms of saturation by vovoidship, and the current financial situations of top chains are reviewed along with projections for future growth, and franchise pharmacy development is also covered.
The current status and future of online pharmacies is explored, along with legal trends that have the potential to affect outcomes in the near future. The largest parallel importers are named, import permits are numbered and top products in this market category are revealed.
While preparing the report, PMRs expert analysts have thoroughly researched all salient aspects of the industry, consulted their most reliable sources and created the ultimate guide to both the current status and future progression of this dynamic marketplace.
Written by / Agency / Source: PMR Corporate
Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)
Traffic Booster: [/] Quick Newswire Today Visibility Checker
Distribution / Indexing: [+]


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Monday's deal completes a frenetic year for Jefferies. In early November 2011, independent ratings firm Egan Jones cut Jefferies bond ratings to BBB- citing the bank's near $3 billion exposure to European government debts, which it said represented 77% of the firm's shareholder equity. Shares plummeted 20% and prompted Jefferies and its long-time chief executive Jeffrey Handler to liquidate the firm's European debt position by the end of 2011, in a quick move that cut against some of the worst-case scenarios Egan Jones had expressed. Jefferies started 2012 on new footing and without analysts predicting its demise. After taking a 22.8% stake in and advising Knight Capital on its rescue efforts, Jefferies posted record third quarter results in September. Still underlying the firm's record profit - largely due to its Knight Capital stake -- were weak results in its core trading and investment banking business that augured poorly for its future. Excluding the stake in Knight Capital, Jefferies missed profit expectations, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, as core investment banking and trading businesses showed a slowing in revenue over the course of 2012. While Handler saw results as evidence of "the best nine-month period in our firm's history," and a balance sheet in record-strong position, according to a statement released with earnings, investors and ratings agencies saw differently. In mid-October, Moody's cut Jefferies bond ratings to a step above junk, citing the firm's increasing need of capital as it expands trading and investment banking businesses. "Since the onset of the financial crisis in 2007, Jefferies has grown significantly and opportunistically," Moody's said. "This growth also introduces risks as the firm integrates the people and operations that it has acquired, and establishes long-term discipline around risk-taking." The downgrade and Jefferies subsequent deal with Leucadia in a matter of weeks indicates that the investment bank was in need of capital or a strategic partner to survive a new trading environment on Wall Street of higher capital costs and diminished revenue opportunities. In the financial crisis, investment banks like Bear Stearns and Merrill Lynch fell into the arms of larger players like JPMorgan and Bank of America. Meanwhile, other independent Wall Street players like Lehman Brothers and MF Global fell to bankruptcy. Earlier in November, financial sector advisory firm KBW ( KBW) said it will be acquired by St. Louis-based investment firm Stifel Financial ( SF) for $575 million, in a deal that had little premium attached to it. -- Written by Antoine Gara in New York
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subset: commoncrawl


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My boyfriend and I have been safe in regards to protection. There was a time where we were not. 5 days before ovulation we did not use protection and I didn't worry about it. I had my period, which came early by one day. My period was normal except I didn't have cramps and it lasted 1 day longer. My back has been hurting. but I paid no attention. Today, I was bathing my son and I looked down and my breasts were leaking. I could feel it through my shirt and it was not from the bath water. I am to ovulate either today or tomorrow. We have had unprotected sex leading up to this day. I'm wondering why my breasts are leaking. Did we get pregnant before and the period that seemed so normal was not a period? Are my breasts leaking after 2 days of being fertilized? I mean, why would I be leaking with no implantation? I'm a little worried, scared, and confused. Can someone help me with this? I don't know if I am already pregnant or what.
Answer this question


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Tired Eyes + Restylane Q&A
Restylane for Hollow Eyes?
I am a 25 year old female who has always suffered from hollow eyes. People constantly ask if I'm tired and I just can't stand it anymore. I've even... READ MORE
What Are the Benefits of Restylane Versus Botox on tired eyes?
Which one of the products has less side effects? Restylane or Botox? Are patients happier with the results for tired eyes and dark circles when they... READ MORE
Can Cheek Fillers Such As Restylane Help Diminish Appearance of Undereye Bags?
I had thermage done when I was 23 and I went from being full faced to looking quite gaunt. As a result, I think it took a toll the structured support... READ MORE
Am I a good candidate for under eye fillers such as Restylane? (Photo)
I am 28 years old. I keep care of myself by a daily exercise regimen and healthy eating....with that said, I feel that I appear tired all the time. READ MORE
Am I a Candidate for Restylane For Tired Eyes? (photo)
Am I a candidate for Restylane? if not, any suggestions on how to make my eyes look less tired and healthy looking? I do have some darkness a bit... READ MORE
Restylane Injection Done Incorrectly?
I had half a syringe of Restylane put under both eyes to decrease the tired look. That was 3 weeks ago and it's already back to the tired think... READ MORE
Restylane in tear troughs looks worse. Any suggestions? (photos)
I feel my eyes look more tired now and when I smile it really indents so I don't smile anymore. What should I do? READ MORE
Bolotero or Restylane for under-eye filler?
I have gotten different responses from different doctors. I'm looking to have my under eye hollowness filled, only 25 and genetically have very hollow... READ MORE
Do I need Restylane shots or lower lid surgery and what is the cost ? (photos)
My eyes have been this way my whole life I feel like I look tired . What should I do trying to fix the problem soon READ MORE
I'm so tired of looking in the mirror and seeing these dark circles. Strongly considering Restlyane! (photo)
I don't exactly love the "crepey" look either but that's another story. I've had these as long as I can remember! I'm sure... READ MORE


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Consolidated CommunicationsDividend Yield: 7.90% Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL) shares currently have a dividend yield of 7.90%. Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services to residential and business customers in Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Kansas, and Missouri. The company has a P/E ratio of 26.20. The average volume for Consolidated Communications has been 183,300 shares per day over the past 30 days. Consolidated Communications has a market cap of $788.2 million and is part of the telecommunications industry. Shares are up 0.9% year-to-date as of the close of trading on Friday. TheStreet Ratings rates Consolidated Communications as a buy. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its compelling growth in net income, notable return on equity, good cash flow from operations, increase in stock price during the past year and impressive record of earnings per share growth. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated. Highlights from the ratings report include:
- The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. The net income increased by 1311.8% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from -$0.97 million to $11.69 million.
- The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry and the overall market, CONSOLIDATED COMM HLDGS INC's return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
- Net operating cash flow has significantly increased by 176.14% to $56.39 million when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, CONSOLIDATED COMM HLDGS INC has also vastly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of -7.59%.
- Compared to where it was 12 months ago, the stock is up, but it has so far lagged the appreciation in the S&P 500. Looking ahead, unless broad bear market conditions prevail, we still see more upside potential for this stock, despite the fact that it has already risen over the past year.
- CONSOLIDATED COMM HLDGS INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, CONSOLIDATED COMM HLDGS INC reported lower earnings of $0.13 versus $0.88 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($0.97 versus $0.13).
- You can view the full Consolidated Communications Ratings Report.


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|A Qualitative Assessment of Teenage Pregnancy in Mongolia
|Study Number:
|Catalog Date:
|John Knodel
|Although a fair amount is known about the levels of sexual activity, contraceptive use and childbearing in and out of marriage among adolescents in Mongolia from prior research and statistical sources, little is known about the context and circumstances in which these occur. Given that most adolescent pregnancy and childbearing occurs later in adolescence, many of these births could be desired. We also have little specific knowledge about adolescents' own perceptions of their interactions with reproductive health service providers and the barriers to contraceptive use that they face. Finally, similar to other countries, even less is known in all respects about the experiences of adolescent boys.
The present study was undertaken to provide a more complete picture of adolescent pregnancy and childbearing by increasing our understanding of the context of the lives of adolescent girls and boys who experienced or were involved in a pregnancy. We sought to learn about the circumstances of sexual initiation, decision-making about sexual and reproductive behavior and contraceptive use, the reasons a pregnancy occurred, adolescents' perspectives on being pregnant, decision-making about the pregnancy, the implementation of their decision, the effects on their lives, and their ideas for solutions to unwanted adolescent pregnancy.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted among males and females who were or had a partner who was currently pregnant, had had an abortion or given birth before the age of 20 in Ulaanbaatar, Khovsgul and Arkhangai aimags. A total of 219 interviews were conducted, of which 208 were included in the analysis. Of these 165 were with females and 43 were with males, with about half in Ulaanbaatar and half in the two aimags. Interviews were conducted between July 2001 and January 2002.
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Last Date For Allama Iqbal Open University AIOU Admissions
The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has announced that today (Monday 25th March) is the last date for the submission of admission forms with late fee charges, for Matric to MA/M.Sc level programmes for the Semester Spring, 2013.
AIOU Director Admissions, Syed Zia-Ul-Hasnain said admission forms along-with prescribed fee can be submitted at the branches of Bank Al-Falah, Habib Bank Ltd, First Women Bank and Allied Bank as well as at the nominated branches of National Bank of Pakistan and Muslim Commercial Bank.
Further details about the admissions could be obtained from Information Management Unit, Admission Department at Ph. No.051-9057151.
The admissions of M.Sc are being offered in Mass Communication, Mathematics, Sociology, Forestry Extension, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics, four years BS programmes in Microbiology and Chemistry, Commonwealth of Learning MBA/MPA, M.Com, MA in Distance and Non-formal Education, Teacher Education, Educational Planning and Management (EPM), Special Education, Library and Information Sciences, TEFL and History while the admissions of M.Ed are being offered in Master in Education (Distance and Non-formal Education), Teacher Education, Science Education and Special Education. In Post-graduate diploma programme, Environmental Design, EPM, Mass Communication, Computer Science (On line), TEFL and Youth Development Work, at Bachelor level, B.Com, Mass Communication, BA, BLIS, FA, I.Com, FSc (Pre-Engineering), FSc (Pre-Medical)Matric, ATTC, CT, Matric, FA and BA in Dars-e-Nizami,6-Months duration of Certificate Courses, agricultural courses and 3-months duration of Short Term Educational Programmes are also being offered.


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Good Life, Good Food: New York Strip and Tomato Basil Salad
Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:44:55 GMT —
From the Panhandle's home for good news and great mornings, Chef Bud Andersen's recipe for Grilled New York Strip and Fresh Tomato Basil Salad.
Grilled New York Strip w/Chimichurri Sauce
4- 12 to 14 oz Choice New York Strips
1 C Parsley, firmly packed, trimmed of thick stems
¼ tsp fresh mint leaves
2 tsp McCormick dried oregano
3 cloves garlic
½ C extra virgin olive oil
2 Tblspn red wine vinegar
2 tspn kosher salt
1 tspn McCormick Coarse ground black pepper
¼ tsp McCormick crushed red pepper flakes
Finely chop the parsley, mint, garlic and oregano in a food processor using several pulses. Place in a small bowl.
Stir in extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to desired heat.
Set aside while steaks cook.
For the steaks:
Preheat grill to med high heat
Let strips set out for 15 to 20 minutes to remove the chill. Season with 1 tsp of kosher salt and 1 tsp of coarse ground black pepper.
Sit steaks on grates and let sear for 2 minutes. Pick up steaks and turn one quarter turn to create diamonds on the steak. Let cook an additional 2 minutes and turn, let steaks cook 4 more minutes for a medium temp.
Remove from grill, let rest for 1 minute then top with chimichurri sauce for a fresh herb flavor to your juicy, tender New York Steak!
Fresh Tomato Basil Salad
1 C grape tomatoes split
1 each cucumber, peeled, quartered length wise and chopped
3 each green onions, chopped
¼ C fresh basil, cut into strips
3 TB extra virgin olive oil
2 TB balsamic vinegar
3 TB feta or goat cheese crumbles
Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper to taste
In a large bowl toss together the tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, basil. Whisk together extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pour over vegetables and season with kosher salt and coarse black pepper then add and fold in cheese crumbles and serve.


text: Buddy of mine is getting into heli's now after flying mine and he is starting off with the mSR. The RTF is sold out EVERYWHERE online and locally. Did manage to find it in limited quantities at Robot Marketplace but otherwise we couldn't find them new anywhere. Popular little heli!


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The mayor of Otsu, Japan, said on Friday that she would launch an investigation into a teenager's suicide last year, after a survey revealed that he had suffered months of bullying without help from teachers, said ABC News.
Mayor Naomi Koshi said, "I cannot apologize to the students enough," after she calling the city's board of education's survey "inadequate."
The unnamed 13-year-old boy from southern Japan, who killed himself last October, suffered systematic bullying according to the survey conducted among 15 students. He was forced to "practice" his suicide, according to the Japan Daily Press. Information from the survey was never shared in a news conference in November of last year.
ABC News reported that one of the boy's last actions was to text his bullies, saying, "I am going to die." They responded, "You should die."
The anonymous survey showed that bullying of the boy had escalated to "punching and kicking" by September, a month before his death.
More on GlobalPost: 64 Cambodian children dead from mystery disease - WHO scrambles to find cause
ABC News wrote: "The victim was pressured into shoplifting, had his legs and arms tied while bullies duck-taped his mouth. Students watched as their peers pressured the teen into eating dead bees, 'pantsed' him, and made him 'practice' committing suicide."
According to the survey, when teachers were told of the bullying, they only verbally reprimanded the bullies but then laughed as the bullying continued.
More on GlobalPost: China lifts 14-year ban on lesbians donating blood
The boy's parents are suing three students and their parents, as well as the Otsu Municipal Government, in the local district court, seeking damages of 77.2 million yen ($966,235), according to Japan Daily Press.
Japanese newspaper The Mainichi also reported that police allegedly refused to accept a damage report on bullying in the case on three separate occasions, from the boy's father. The Otsu Police Station said the police did not accept the reports because they could not verify any criminal acts connected to the bullying.
The boy's father reportedly went to the police twice in October and once in December but was told that it would be difficult to establish a case against the bullies because his son was already dead. The boy also left no suicide note, making it harder to connect the bullying to his suicide.


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Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, is to visit Marlborough next week to help put the seal on the town's commemorations of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it was revealed yesterday.
The Duchess will unveil a mural made by the Marlborough Tile Factory showing scenes of the town on Friday.
For protocol reasons the royal visit had to be kept under wraps until yesterday, said mayor Edwina Fogg.
"We have been negotiating behind the scenes for months to get a royal visitor to come to unveil the mural and we are delighted that the Duchess has accepted the invitation," she said.
On arriving at the town hall on Friday morning the Duchess will be met by Coun Fogg.
After being presented with a posy of flowers by a pupil from St Peter's School she will be taken by the mayor to see the old cells in the basement where criminals were kept when the hall was used for the Assizes and Quarter Sessions courts.
Coun Fogg will then lead the Duchess up wooden steps from the cells and through a trapdoor into the courtroom where judges meted out justice until 70 years ago.
Waiting in the courtroom will be guests who have helped Coun Fogg with organising the Jubilee celebrations and members of organisations including St Peter's School and St Mary's Church that are represented on the huge mural.
Coun Fogg said: "For me this will be absolutely the high point of the Jubilee year and the celebrations in Marlborough."
She said in her acceptance speech at the mayor-making ceremony in May that she would like to see a mural of the town as a permanent feature of the Jubilee celebrations.
Marlborough Tiles took up the challenge.
Four of the Elcot Lane company's highly skilled artists have spent weeks hand-painting the tile mural that features the High Street and its iconic buildings together with features from the surrounding area including Savernake Forest, Silbury Hill and Wilton Windmill.
Having seen the mural –which is topped with a hand-painted coat of arms – in its final stages, Coun Fogg said: "It is beautifully done; I can't tell you how lovely it is.
"I am sure that when people see it they will agree that it is a stunning piece of work and we cannot thank enough Marlborough Tiles and their MD Jamie Robb for doing this for the town."
The four artists from Marlborough Tiles will be presented to her.
The mural will later be hung permanently in the court room, where there is a plaque recording that the Prince of Wales visited Marlborough during its 800th charter anniversary celebrations in 2004.
Although the Duchess, then Camilla Parker Bowles, came to the town the same day, a year before their marriage, she was not part of the official royal visit.


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Hi all,
I've looked around the interweb and this has been discussed elsewhere at length but no one seems to give a definitive answer so I thought I'd try here – always reliable advice in the past :clap:
So... I've got a PS4 connected to a Sony STR-DH800 via HDMI running through a Jamo S 526 HCS 5.1 speaker system.
My question is – what are the best audio output settings to use for games and for BluRay?
Any help and advice appreciated – let's get a definitive answer once and for all! :grin:


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A meeting at Pickwick Gardens
A celebration luncheon, but sad too….. The meeting of the Los Angeles Grassroots Army Advisory Council was held last Friday at the beautiful Pickwick Gardens in Burbank. Sharing the spotlight was LTC Robert Blankenship who has led the Los Angeles Army Recruiting Batallion for two years, and now is heading back to Kentucky with a new assignment.
On board for the next several years is LTC Joseph "Scott" Peterson who will officially take the reins on Friday, July 20th at the Change of Command ceremony at the Gene Autry National Center. Los Angeles Councilman
Dennis Zine officiated at the meeting. ( BTW Zine is on the ballot this
fall for City Controller.)
As always, the goal of the Council members is to successfully open doors so the recruiters are welcome on school campuses and other venues where they can tell the Army story. Hooah!
This blog post wouldn't be complete without showing some shots of the beautiful grounds at Pickwick Gardens.


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Betty L. Feiock, 78, of Alliance, died Tuesday. Cassaday-Turkle-Christian.
Robert W. Schafer, 86, of Spring Hill, Fla., formerly of Alliance, died Friday. Arrangements are by Merrit Funeral Home, Spring Hill, Fla.
Gary L. Stoudt, 60, of Louisville, died Monday. Cassaday-Turkle-Christian.
George F. Tarter III, 83, of Edinburg, died Tuesday. Wood-Kortright-Borkoski, Ravenna.
Marilyn B. Wagner, 81, of Sebring, died Monday. Gednetz-Ruzek, Sebring.
Harold E. West, 89, of Alliance, died Tuesday. Cassaday-Turkle-Christian.
* * *
Death notices are printed as a free service for our readers. Information regarding paid obituaries can be obtained from your local funeral home.


text:
Home > Welcome to Meagoes Website!
Which color do you want for your i...Space gray, rose gold, silver white or gold.
About UsMore..
Meagoes Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. is a company specializing in car charger, power adapter and car mount holder supply series products manufacturer, with 2000 square meters of production plants. Our main products include: car charger, vehicle power adapter, cell phone charger, universal ch...
Brand Zone
Contact Us
Contact Person:Mr. Ross
Tel:+86 755 27808705


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Project Engineer
Join us in our commitment to provide services and solutions to one of the world's most liveable regions. We deliver service excellence in the areas of regional growth planning, air quality, water, liquid and solid waste management, regional parks, affordable housing, and community engagement to over 2.3 million residents. We invite you to bring your skills, passion, and expertise to help us in our commitment to sustain and enhance our region's liveability. We offer competitive salaries; excellent benefit packages; a municipal pension plan; employee wellness programs; and varied opportunities for professional growth and development. Our Liquid Waste Services Department is currently seeking:
Project Engineer
(Full-Time Temporary)
(This position is to last no later than April 1, 2015)
Working under the direction of a Senior Engineer, this position is primarily responsible for design, preparation of contract documents and the construction of a variety of major water and wastewater capital projects and upgrade works. During the work term the focus will be on the design of large diameter sewer mains.
The successful candidate will work with other engineering staff members, consultants and members of the public, liaise and coordinate with various departmental staff in all project phases including pre-design, site/route selection, detailed design and construction project management; involved with multiple projects from pre-design through to commissioning and start-up.
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline, plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant technical experience in the water and wastewater environment.
Membership or eligibility for immediate membership as a registered Professional Engineer in the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia is required.
Sound understanding of hydraulic principles and a history of sewer design and construction experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills including demonstrated letter and report writing skills. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal tactfully and sensitively to a variety of situations, including contact with the public, member municipalities, government agencies and contractors.
Proven contract administration and project management skills with attention to detail.
Computer competency (MS Project, Word and Excel preferred) with the ability to apply computer applications to engineering projects.
*An EIT with relevant experience may be considered at an Assistant Project Engineer level
Please follow this link www.metrovancouver.org to our Careers page where you can submit your application by March 25, 2014.
While we greatly appreciate all the replies we receive, regretfully only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Metro Vancouver


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Archeologists unearth intact Waterloo soldier
BRUSSELS -- Almost 200 years after Prussian and English troops defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, Belgian archeologists have unearthed the complete remains of a young soldier in what they dubbed a rare find.
"You can almost see him dying," Belgian archeologist Dominique Bosquet said of the skeleton, lying on its back with the spherical musket bullet that felled the soldier still between his ribs.
"The skeleton is intact," Bosquet told RTL television on Tuesday.
Believed to have died June 18, 1815, the remains were found under 40 centimeters (15 inches) of soil as if the young soldier's comrades had hurriedly buried him when he fell on the battleground.
His uniform had been eaten away but archaeologists were studying a spoon, a coin, a leather strap and a piece of wood carved with the initials C.B. to see whether they might help to identify the skeleton.
It was found last week on land held at the time by English troops by a team of archaeologists investigating the site ahead of major renovation.
Bulldozers rolled into action a month ago to spruce up the site in a project that will see the demolition of restaurants, stores and parking lots.
The yearly re-enactment of the famed battle between Napoleon's 125,000 men and his 210,000 victors takes place this weekend, gathering hundreds of Waterloo buffs in period costumes.
More than 12,000 soldiers died on the battlefield.
|Copyright © 1999 – 2017 The China Post.
|Back to Story


text: David M. Cooke wrote: > Basically, when doing numerical computations, there are two levels of > >analysis: numerical analysis, where you're concerned about which >algorithm to use, how stable it is, etc., and then the nitty-gritty >things about floating point. For the last bit, you mainly worry about >if rounding errors, etc. are big enough to worry about :) (In my >experience, most people don't do that bit, but they're usually ok, >except when they're not.) > > > Which, to bring the discussion back to SciPy, it is such an excellent idea that the basic algorithms in it are from the well tested NETLIB and related routine libraries. The people who wrote those did worry about rounding errors and the like, and the code is well crafted. Don't re-invent the wheel and all that.


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For over 10 years, the release of a new J.K. Rowling book has meant hoards of kids lining up at midnight at bookstores around the country, and reading through the night about the continuing adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter.
Today, Rowling released her first novel for adults, "The Casual Vacancy," which she tweeted earlier this year "is very different to Harry, although I've enjoyed writing it every bit as much."
In 1999, 60 Minutes profiled the British writer (video below), who told Lesley Stahl about the tough times in her past. "I was in worse straights than ever before," Rowling told Lesley about her life as she was writing the first Harry Potter book. Rowling was on welfare and skipping meals to support her infant. Now, 450 million book sales later, she's on to the next chapter.
To read more about Rowling's new novel, and the possibility of additional Harry Potter books, click here.


text:
You were interning at a gallery, s/he was reviewing the opening's hors d'oeuvres in a chat show format for a performance. An affair begins. A sense of danger surrounds him/her, racking you with both intoxication and jealousy. The whole thing's in constant peril of sliding through your fingers. Passion becomes anguish. ("Was my Netflix choice stupid? Should I have lied and said I've tried opium?") It's actually an old story.
"Rimbaud Eyes," the new single from Dum Dum Girls, takes its name from Arthur Rimbaud, a French teenage poet who drove his companion Paul Verlaine to attempted homicide. Likewise, the gothic mall pop song is written from an obsessed and tormented perspective. It's all adoration on the glossy hook then plunges deep into the tempest of a one-sided relationship, mournful yet totally ensnared in its web. But the cheerful and propulsive mood seems to suggest that the Girls still have stars in their eyes instead of blood on their hands. The exiting halcyon days are still relatively clear, and good for one last confused love song.
Dum Dum Girls' Too True is out January 29th via Sub Pop.


text:
The word momentum was popular with AT&T Inc. Tuesday during the Dallas-based company's second-quarter earnings conference call.
"We have improved momentum heading into the second half of the year," chief financial officer John Stephens told investors. Minutes earlier, the company had reported that its revenue increased but net income declined in the period that ended June 30.
Smartphone sales were strong, wireless data revenue rose rapidly, U-verse sales were solid and the company's deployment of its high-speed 4G LTE wireless network is ahead of schedule.
Wireless data revenue was up nearly 20 percent to $5.4 billion in the quarter, the company said. "Mobile data is now nearly a $22 billion annualized revenue stream for us," AT&T Mobility chief Ralph de la Vega said.
Stephens said U-verse, the TV and broadband business started seven years ago, has annualized revenue of nearly $12 billion.
AT&T reported that its overall revenue in the second quarter totaled $32.1 billion, up 1.6 percent from the year-earlier period, while its net income declined 2.1 percent to $3.8 billion.
AT&T released the numbers after the markets closed for the day. The company's stock closed up slightly at $35.81 a share during regular trading Tuesday, but it declined by nearly 1 percent in after-hours trading.
AT&T said it sold 6.8 million smartphones in the period, its best-ever second-quarter total. Thirty-five percent of its smartphones are on LTE, the company said, and data use per device is up 50 percent year over year.
The company said it added a net 551,000 postpaid subscribers in the quarter, the strongest second-quarter growth in four years. Postpaid is the industry term for customers who generally sign longer-term contracts.
"As customers add tablets, they are increasing the size of their data buckets," de la Vega said, referring to the wireless data plans offered by the company.
Total U-verse subscribers, TV and high-speed Internet, reached 9.4 million in the quarter, including 641,000 Internet additions and 233,000 TV additions.
AT&T said its LTE wireless network reached 225 million people at the end of the quarter and was 75 percent complete. The company expects the network to be about 90 percent complete by the end of the year.
De la Vega was also upbeat about Digital Life, AT&T's new home security and automation business. The service is now available in 33 markets, and the company expects to be in 50 markets by year-end.
He declined to give specifics but said, "I believe Digital Life is a large, untapped opportunity for us."


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Healthline Blogs
Get advice on healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss from expert dietitian Tara Gidus.See all posts »
What the New USDA Dietary Guidelines Mean For You
The 2010 guidelines didn't revamp our way of thinking in regards to health and nutrition, but instead built upon past guidelines and made recommendations clearer and simpler for the general public to follow. The guidelines aren't meant to be scientific and hard to follow—they are made to be simple and allow individuals to reach their goals through small changes that can produce big results.
Don't believe that the guidelines will provide realistic, simple recommendations that won't deprive you? Think again! Below is a sampling of some of the guidelines so you can decide for yourself.
- Enjoy your food but eat less.
- Avoid oversized portions.
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
- Switch to fat-free or low fat (1%) milk.
- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals—and choose the foods with lower numbers.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
- If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation: up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men—and only by adults if legal drinking age.
These guidelines are simple and doable and can help you reach your goals through small changes. Eat food that you enjoy, but watch portion sizes and eat less. Supply your diet with nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, and low sodium foods. Be aware of portion sizes and make simple changes like choosing water over sugary drinks, and limiting alcohol consumption. Following the USDA recommendations can bring you closer to living a longer, healthier life without sacrificing your favorite foods.
For more information and a breakdown of these new guidelines visit: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Dietaryguidelines.htm
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Hungarian Doctors Seek Fortune Abroad
Like governments the world over, Hungary is seeking ways to rein in spending on health care. If anything, the problem may be even more acute for the Fidesz party-led Hungarian government, which has the highest debt-to-GDP ratio in Central and Eastern Europe and aims to trim its budget deficit to close to 3% of GDP this year.
The government and the country's pharmaceutical industry are at loggerheads on how to best tackle the issue of bringing down the roughly 340 billion forints ($1.84 billion), or 1.4% of GDP, Budapest is spending on subsidizing drugs. While the government proposes to cut the subsidies, the pharmaceutical lobby suggests levying a new tax to help raise the money to keep the subsidies flowing.


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|What's up at Loon Lake
Monday, July 17, 2017
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Ever so random
This one is just stream of consciousness. I wanted to do an abstract thing on the left and another image on the right, but instead it just became a hodgepodge of randomness. My friend Yvonne and I were talking about drawing hands which she kinda hates and I kinda love.
|Sketchbook Number something-or-other
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Hollywood, CA, July 4, 1941
Happy 4th of July, freedom-loving folks! lately I've been wanting to draw an old Hollywood leading man, a fancy cowboy, and a swimming pool. And then by the time I got around to it, it was practically the 4th of July. So naturally, I had to add a few more elements. I think I spent WAY too much time on this. I probably shoulda gone ahead and done a full-size painting.
|Hollywood, Ca, July 4th, 1941
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Rita's Window
Here's a cover for a story I'm working on. Rita has the best window on the block. She can see north, she can see west. But I believe the south is the view she likes best. Isn't that an old song?
|Rita and her neighbors
Monday, June 19, 2017
Florian meets the bees
Today I'm into greenhouses. Especially victorian greenhouses. So that means I have to paint a scene with a greenhouse. Check!
|Florian meets the bees.
Friday, June 16, 2017
The croc who ate our golf balls
Here's another take on a fabric design that I did for Spoonflower, "Goats on the Green."
|The croc who ate my golfballs
Monday, June 5, 2017
Back Window
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Early morning bus ride
The young wolf siblings join their mates on the school bus one rainy morn.
|Early morning bus ride
|The sketchbook painting
Friday, May 26, 2017
Monday, May 15, 2017
At last I have some time after a couple busy weeks to get back to some "serious" painting.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
New in the shop: Snowflakes
Just added this print to my Etsy shop. It's a signed, limited edition of 200.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Here's Bully!
Saturday, April 22, 2017
A manly man
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Birds & blossoms
Here's another fabric design for the latest Spoonflower Design challenge. As the theme is Birds & blossoms, and my sister, who's in Japan on a teaching gig, has been posting delectable images of the Cherry Blossom trees there, I knew what must be done. Voting begins today, so go on and vote for your favorites here.
|Cherry blossoms, y'all.
Monday, April 17, 2017
The Easter bunny truck
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Cabin Cruisers
For some reason I'm obsessing about vintage cabin cruisers lately. I grew up in a neighborhood that bordered on a creek and river, so many of my friends and neighbors had boats of all kinds. My family once owned a metal canoe. Not very exciting.
|Lola and the Cabin Cruisers
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
And here's a little animation project
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Horse and Dog statues
When I was a kid, my friends and I used to have collections of cheap china animal figurines from the drugstore (or as Grandma called it, the "Dime Store"). Sometimes dogs, sometimes horses. In my little crowd, you were either a dog or horse person, and your statues reflected your preference. It seems the girly-girls were all horse people, and the tomboys were dog people. I was a dog person, Kelly was a horse person, Anne a dog person, and boy was Jeannie a horse person. The figurines sometimes sat on a shelf, but mostly they were trotted around on the floor, horses and dogs rearing up and saying hello. Consequently, their legs and tails were always being broken off. But we were handy with our Elmer's, so most recovered nicely!
|Horse statues & dog statues
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Employee benefits
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Welcome to Sox Bridge, home of the Stinky Sock Factory
There's only one road leading out of Sox Bridge, and after it leads you out, it leads you right back in again.
|Home of the Stinky Sock Factory
Friday, March 17, 2017
Disruption at Madame Faverolle's Egg Emporium
Snaking its way through the streets, it caused much disruption. Even at Madame Faverolle's, where poached, scrambled, coddled, fried, deviled, creamed, soft- or hard-boiled, you could buy any sort of egg your heart desired.
|Disruption at Madame Faverolle's
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
That's Mrs. Peel to you
I have a bunch of incomplete pages in my art journal that I'm trying to finish up. Here's one from March 6th, dedicated to Diana Rigg and her kick-ass Avengers character, Emma Peel, from the original UK series of the swinging 60s. She knew chemistry and karate, and how to rescue her "veddy" British partner John Steed, all while rocking the greatest 60s fashion.
|Mrs. Peel, Avenger
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Happy Valentine's Day
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Citizens of the rainforest
Here's another fabric design for the Spoonflower Design Challenge. These recent challenges are for a shoe company called Bucketfeet, who are doing a series of spirit animal inspired shoe designs and contributing to NARF (Native American Rights Fund). Spoonflower is also contributing a buck for every entry in the challenge. Voting starts Thursday, Feb. 9.
|Rainforest citizens fabric on Spoonflower
Thursday, February 2, 2017
The mountains of my mind
Here's another fabric design for The Spoonflower Design Challenge on the theme of mountain animals. I'm into bears, goats and owls lately, so this was a fun project to work on. I wish I had remembered to get in a Moose! Go here to vote for your favorites.
|The high life
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Desert Animals
I can't seem to think of a clever name for this, but it's my entry in this week's SpoonflowerDesign Challenge. Can you guess the theme? Could it be Desert Animals? Today's the last day of voting here.
|Desert Animals on Spoonflower
Women Painters on Spoonflower
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Goodbye 2016!
And good riddance to ye. Here's my first sketchbook of 2017, complete with a list of some of my many, many resolutions for the coming year. And more Raccoons, naturally. Happy New Year!
|Late & incomplete, some resolutions & raccoons.
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text: My father has some vintage body-building magazines. Also some old B&W prints signed by the body builders. I was curious, does anyone know about the photographers involved in bodybuilding? Were there any mainstream photographers that dealt with the subject? Were there any notable photographers who specialized in the sport? Thanks in advance! Darin


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This is a big week for oil, or more specifically for big oil. By the end of this week Exxon Mobil (XOM), BP (BP), Chevron (CVX), and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS-A) will have reported earnings. The market will then have a good picture of the state of the oil industry today after these Big Four provide results and issue outlooks.
But an interesting thing is happening to oil stocks, namely the equities of the major producers. A barrel of oil today is at $107, a price where the majors can certainly make plenty of money. But five years ago this week -- as the markets were about to implode -- a barrel of oil hit $147. Since the price of oil weighs heavily on the profitability, and therefore the share price, of oil companies, one would rationally expect that owning oil stocks has been dreadful the past five years.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the four oil majors collectively earned $28 billion in profits last quarter. That was $10 billion less, however, than the collective number five years ago. Indeed, the 40% drop in the price of oil over those five years was a factor.
Just as important was the capital allocation decisions that occurred. Big Oil reduced investment in exploration and some have even gotten smaller by selling off assets. The Journal further notes that the Big Four are collectively producing 300,000 fewer barrels per day than they were five years ago.
Yet during those five years, the oil majors continued to allocate capital toward share buybacks and dividend payments. In the past four years, Exxon's annual dividend payout has increased from $1.66 a share to $2.18 a share. Shares outstanding have declined from 4.8 billion to 4.6 billion. Shares are up around 30% over that time even though the price of oil has steadily dropped.
Chevron has increased its dividend payout from $2.66 a share to $3.51 a share in four years. Shares outstanding have dropped slightly from 2 billion to 1.96 billion. Shares are up over 80%.
This experience with the oil companies should crystallize to investors one important thing: the undeniable value of capital allocation in the overall performance of a company. Take two companies with identical operating activities but different capital allocation strategies, and the best shareholder returns will come from the company that does a better job deploying its capital.
For most companies not called Berkshire Hathaway, the best course of actions is to buy back your own stock and return cash to shareholders.


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Fungus-hit ash trees at Birstall Park and Ride destroyed
Almost 500 ash trees recently planted in Leicestershire are being destroyed after becoming infected with a fungus.
In June, a Leicestershire County Council officer noticed that some of the leaves on the trees at Birstall Park and Ride were wilting and dying.
The 484 trees have Chalara dieback of ash, an aggressive disease caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea.
The trees had been supplied by a Lincolnshire nursery. The disease has caused loss of ash trees across Europe.
'No impact on humans'
Lesley Pendleton, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, said a team of experts were tackling the problem.
"We want to reassure people that this disease has no impact on humans or animals," she said.
"The operation of the park and ride will be unaffected. Sadly the trees will have to be destroyed on site but this is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading.
"We have taken advice on the disposal of the trees, which will be replaced."
John Morgan, head of plant health at the Forestry Commission, said: "It's quite widespread in northern Europe.
"But this is only the first findings that we've had in this country and now inspectors are on alert."
Mr Morgan is encouraging professionals to check on the health of recently planted ash trees and notify any symptoms of Chalara dieback of ash to them.
The commission and the Food & Environment Research Agency are investigating the source of the disease.


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It is a fact well known to parents that teens, unsurprisingly difficult about a great many things, are also typically surly and uncooperative when it comes to eating well. For their part, adolescents often tell the researchers who study their nutrition habits that they simply aren't set up with the tools for healthy eating: time, access and money.
Get the full list of diet tips for teens at HuffPost Healthy Living.
More From HuffPost Healthy Living:
50 of the Healthiest Foods in the World


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My teeth are not bad just a little crooked I can live with them but I don't like them. Also what places do you suggest me go see for a consultation In the NY-NJ- area for veneers? Can I get away with veneers only on the top and leave the bottom and is it ok if the top are more whiter than the bottom?
Can Veneers Be Done If Teeth Are Not Straight?
Doctor Answers 1
Veneers Can Be Done if Teeth are not Straight
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Yes, Porcelain Veneers can be done on the top teeth only to improve the alignment. It is perfectly OK if the upper teeth are a little whiter than the lowers. You might even be able to bleach (whiten) the lower teeth to get the color closer to match the uppers. Call my office for a complimentary consultation. I'm located in Gramercy Park, Manhattan.
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: Welcome The Swarm's world migration website. Please click through the menu to discover more about the project and where the butterflies will be traveling. Our collaborative blog is now live and full of amazing installation photos. Check it out by clicking the photo below or the photo section of this site. Thanks so much for stopping by!


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A Modern Brand with Timeless Values
The global reach, financial strength, and fresh brand make Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties, New York Properties, and Westchester Properties the premiere real estate firms in the Northeast.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offers an exclusive Home Valuation System and Buyer Connect program, tools that combine sophisticated predictive analytics with our agents' local expertise.
It delivers real-time, comprehensive data to more effectively match qualified home buyers and sellers within our family of companies.
Read More
Research New England's towns and cities for up to date information, trends and market conditions.
Don't let the perfect home get away! Enter your search criteria and receive the newest listings as well as price changes, open houses or updates to a property.
Mortgage Rate Watch
Strategic Partners
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Westchester Properties is a leading real estate brokerage firm with over 1600 REALTORS® in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island. Selectively chosen by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and HomeServices of America; the global reach, financial strength and fresh brand make New England Properties and Westchester Properties the premiere real estate firm in the Northeast. Whether it be residential, commercial, corporate relocation, equestrian or waterfront living, our company and REALTORS® are local market experts committed to providing exceptional service to our clients.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties is the trade name of CTRE, LLC, and is licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island.
MLS information last updated 9/26/2017 12:37:00 PM
© 2017
BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.


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Katching up with Hydrofunk
DJ Katch first came to widespread attention as a member of Brisbane based collective The Resin Dogs. Jen Paterson caught up with their turntablist DJ Katch this week in Brisbane to chat about his label Hydrofunk.
In conjunction with friend and band member Dave Atkins, Katch formed Hydrofunk in 1996. The imprint was initially just an effort to put together a label to house their work "To begin with we just needed something to put our stuff out on, although it's grown over the past few years to the point that we're now able to support local Brisbane acts." In addition to supporting local talent the label also acts as a stable for the each of the band member's side-projects. "We wanted to let people know that we're out there, that this sort of sound around. There's not so much of our sort of stuff on the market locally but I think the artists we feature are as good as anything on international labels like Ninja Tunes or Grand Central Records."
Does he think Hydrofunk has been able to create its own niche in a typically hard-to -crack Australian market place? "Yeah I do think we have our own niche. Obviously there are people like Creative Vibes doing similar stuff, but not exclusively. I don't think there's as much of this stuff coming out of Australia but if some of these guys were working in the UK, for example, they'd have been signed to labels like Ninja Tunes. It's simply a case of there being less of a market for it locally because of our population size. There's so many incredible artists, so much great music being produced in our own background that the general public doesn't get to hear. I get really frustrated when I see local acts passed over for big name international DJs at some of the big festival tours, either that or they're given a token half hour set which doesn't really allow you to do much."
While Australia's undeniably a great place to live, demographics make monetary success difficult for the average musician. Katch still feels that our geographic isolation is "only a restriction if you if you let it be. Anyone can ring up a promoter or label over the other side of the world and have a go. That's how we developed a relationship with The Bronx Dogs foe example. We've been putting music out for seven years now, artists like Mad Dr X was a hero of ours – now we're releasing his work!"
'Sub-urb-an Files Volume 1' is the "first documentation of Hydrofunk's existence as a music utility. I'm really proud of this compilation. It features anything from artists like Katalyst – who's obviously doing really big things; to Downsyde who've just released a new album and Blunted Stylus who's producing work which is far superior to artists like DJ Shadow in my opinion. There's a track by Mostyn who makes stuff which sounds like a lot of the work on Stereo Deluxe label – that real Viennese dub feel – and tracks by local stalwarts Ransom and Regal." There are also a couple of stellar numbers by the boys themselves, one of which ('Stand Firm') features vocal contribution from Grand Central Records' Spikey Tee. "Yeah we're really happy with that tune, it was so great to have artists like Spikey Tee singing on one of our tracks."
I admit that I was surprised to hear such a degree of diversity on this release, given what I'd heard from the imprint in the past. "We've been spearheaded into a hip hop label but we're really about the beats. We used to be part of a Mr Bungle style live act, for example. Both Dave and myself are really into jazz, and our tastes have matured as we've gotten older. That's reflected in the artists we're signing."
As for what else is on the agenda this year. "We're currently trying to have a bit of a rest actually, focusing on the Resin Dogs Stuff. We're obviously DJing as Two Dogs a lot but I've been trying to get back to doing some solo stuff at places like Rics – keep my hand in so to speak. We're trying to sort out a Resin Dogs album that will probably be a bit more down tempo, and feature the odd overseas guest. We're also currently working on getting the compilation on to vinyl, and organizing some release parties for the CD."
While the Dogs' work has undoubtedly paved the way for some of the contemporaries they house on Hydrofunk, Katch is reticent to take too much of the credit for their success. "Maybe [we can claim] a little bit, but the artists have still done the hard work themselves. I think one thread that links us all is doing this for the love, not the money. As clichéd as it sounds, it's about the music for every artist on this label, and that shows."
Sub-urb-an Files is out now on Hydrofunk.


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Katherine Wintsch is the founder of The Mom Complex. As a mother of two and award-winning strategic planner at one of the nation's leading advertising agencies, Katherine's two worlds collided when she discovered that 3 out of 4 moms say marketers have no idea what it's like to be a mother. In an effort to change this, Katherine envisioned and pioneered a new global division of The Martin Agency called The Mom Complex.
Utilizing cutting-edge research methodologies, The Mom Complex is now making it easier for companies around the world to develop products, services and advertising for the way moms really live. The result is better relationships with their core consumers and bigger, bottom-line growth.
Prior to launching The Mom Complex, Katherine served as a Senior Vice President and Group Planning Director at The Martin Agency where she ran the strategic planning efforts for the world's largest marketer to moms, Walmart.
Katherine has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Mintel's annual "Marketing to Moms" report, Forbes, Inc., The Huffington Post and on The Today Show.
Katherine lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and two children.


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Gas prices slip across Ariz.
Arizona motorists saw pump prices edge a bit downward this week, reversing a recent trend, according to AAA Arizona.
The statewide average price fell about a half cent in the past week to $3.24 per gallon of regular on Friday. The national average dropped about a penny to $3.28 per gallon, AAA reported.
Tucson had the lowest average gas price among surveyed metro areas in the state, down about 2 cents in the past week at $3.16 per gallon on Friday. Flagstaff had the state's highest average price, at $3.36 per gallon, with Scottsdale a fraction of a cent lower.
tucsoncitizen.com becomes archival site
tucsoncitizen.com will become a website for the archives of the defunct Tucson Citizen, Gannett Co. Inc. announced Friday.
The free archives, dating to 1993, will be available in several days, the company said.
The announcement was posted on tucsoncitizen.com
Arizona Daily Star


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List Entry Summary
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
Name: THE TERRACE
List entry Number: 1249952
The building may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.
County: Greater London Authority
District: Richmond upon Thames
District Type: London Borough
National Park: Not applicable to this List entry.
Grade: II*
Date first listed: 10-Jan-1950
Date of most recent amendment: 25-Apr-1989
Legacy System Information
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System: LBS
Asset Groupings
This list entry does not comprise part of an Asset Grouping. Asset Groupings are not part of the official record but are added later for information.
List entry Description
Summary of Building
Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.
Reasons for Designation
Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.
Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.
(east side)
10.1.50 No. 3, The Terrace
House. Built 1767 for Christopher Blanchard, possibly to designs of Sir Robert Taylor. Flemish bond brown brick with stone ashlar dressings; slate roof. Central staircase plan. Pedimented Palladian - style front. 3-storey and base- ment, 2-bay range. Cornice over richly-carved frieze and rusticated ground floor with triple keystones set in semi-circular arches over two sash windows to left of panelled door with decorative wrought-ironwork to fanlight. C.20 first floor windows are set in pedimented aedicules with ionic half-columns set on stone podium; C20 second-floor windows set in cored stone architraves. Blind lunette with carved stone palm fronts set in tympanum of open pediment. Fine wrought-iron railings to front. 3-storey canted bay window to rear, with wrought-iron grilles to ground-floor windows and panelled door. Interior: bolection moulded panels to walls and segmental vaulted ceiling of narrow entrance corridor running to central stairhall, lit by glazed-dome in roof; fine open-well cantilevered staircase with ramped handrail set on decorative wrought-iron balustrade; panelled walls, with profile heads to medallions hung from drapes, wheatear swags hung from drapes beneath enriched egg and dart cornices and coved cornice with floral swags to dome; enriched panelled doors set in fine pedimented architraves to ground and first-floor rooms; roccco plasterwork to swan-necked pediment over enriched plaster architrave to large panel framing medallion on first floor landing. Ground-floor room to front has very fine reset marble fireplace with engaged ionic columns, enriched carving to door and shutter panels, dado rail and skirting, and fire rocco plasterwork to ceiling with coved cornice. Ground-floor room to rear has fine marble fireplace with fluted frieze, panelled walls with finely carved narrow panels alternating with large panels,and fine panelled plasterwork to ceiling with floral swags and coved cornice and rococo centrepiece. similar rococo plaster ceiling to first floor room to front, which also has finely-carved rococo friezes to door architraves, and fine coloured marble fireplace with fluted half-columns. Small closet with panelled corner cupboard opens off first-floor room to rear which has marble fireplace with fine cast-iron grate and panelled plaster ceiling. Second floor room to front has segmental arched alcove framed by Ionic brackets.
Listing NGR: TQ1797474460
Selected Sources
National Grid Reference: TQ 17974 74460
The above map is for quick reference purposes only and may not be to scale. For a copy of the full scale map, please see the attached PDF - 1249952 .pdf
The PDF will be generated from our live systems and may take a few minutes to download depending on how busy our servers are. We apologise for this delay.
This copy shows the entry on 21-Sep-2017 at 04:26:05.
End of official listing


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NBA Miami Heat Wallpaper HD
Are you a basketball fan
Micromax Bolt A69 smartphone was launched in May 2014. The phone comes with a 4.50-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 480 pixels by 854 pixels.
The Micromax Bolt A69 is powered by 1GHz dual-core Broadcom BCM21663 processor and it comes with 512MB of RAM. The phone packs 4GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 32GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Micromax Bolt A69 packs a 5-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 0.3-megapixel front shooter for selfies.
The Micromax Bolt A69 runs Android 4.2 and is powered by a 1800mAh removable battery.
The Micromax Bolt A69 is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Regular and Regular. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM and 3G. Sensors on the phone include Proximity sensor and Accelerometer.
How to download NBA 2012-2013 Wallpapers form Micromax Bolt A69?
- Check the Android version to verify compatibility of NBA 2012-2013 Wallpapers with Micromax Bolt A69.
Find Android version: go to "Settings" - "About the phone" - "Android version". Make sure NBA 2012-2013 Wallpapers is compatible with Micromax Bolt A69.
- Click the download button to download NBA 2012-2013 Wallpapers in Micromax Bolt A69.
- Once the download and installation are complete, find NBA 2012-2013 Wallpapers in your home screen and tap the icon to open it.
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Other supported phone models
Lava P7+
Adcom A350
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Archos 50f Helium
Asus ZenFone Zoom
ZTE Blade A2
Motorola Droid Turbo
Intex Aqua N7
Celkon Campus A35K
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-N1
Xolo Prime
iBall Cobalt 5.5F Youva
Lenovo A5000
Huawei Ascend P1
Karbonn Alfa 112
LG Optimus L3II
Maxx Mobile GenxDroid7 AXD11
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua Dual
Gionee Pioneer P5L (2016)
Samsung Galaxy Core Lite
BlackBerry DTEK50
Lyf Wind 5
Spice Smart Flo Pace 2
Zopo Color F1
Videocon Infinium Z45 Amaze
Blu Vivo 5
Alcatel One Touch Pop 2 (5) Premium Edition
iBerry Auxus Aura A1
HTC One X9
Vivo X5Max
Acer Liquid X1
Wickedleak Wammy One
LeEco Le 1
Xiaomi Redmi Note
Coolpad Dazen X7
Swipe Konnect 4E
InFocus Bingo 20 (M425)
Ringing Bells Freedom 251
Yu Yureka
Philips S388
Meizu U10
Zen Cinemax 2+
Datawind PocketSurfer 2G4X
Obi S500
Idea !d 1000
Fly F53s
MTS Duet 2
Nokia E1


text: I am looking for some guidance on tickets/days for an upcoming trip to disneyland. We are DVC members and annual pass holders to WDW but wanted to try something different this springbreak and travel to disneyland for the first time this year. We will be there March 30-April 7 at the villas in GC. I was going to buy 6 day parkhoppers(unless someone know where to buy 8days) and just go to a beach or sightsee the other two days. However, the disneyland website is listing this week as a blackout week. Does that mean crowds are going to be awful? Would I be better doing 3/4 days at DL and trying to get a night in San Diego or any other suggestion or would you just buy as many days as possible and come and go with the crowd. Are there extra magic hours or will they stay open late? We have done springbreak at WDW this way but worried about the size and lack of alternatives at DL. Thank you !


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Web Marketing Works Out1 Jan, 2011 By: Jackie Jones Response
As health and fitness continues to dominate the DRTV space, marketers find increased success by expanding into online and digital platforms.
As far back as direct response marketers can remember, health and fitness has always been a staple of success in the industry, and 2010 didn't differ. With P90X by Beachbody, Body Makeover by Provida Life Sciences and Total Gym by Total Gym Fitness claiming the top three spots in the 2010 IMS Top 50 Long-Form Rankings, and big-brand names such as Shake Weight, eDiets, Bowflex and NordicTrack earning high honors among the top 50 spots in the IMS National Cable DR Spot Rankings, it's clear health and fitness has kept up its stamina in the world of DR.
Many marketers are using tried-and-true DRTV methods to drive new evolving DR platforms while learning just how mutually beneficial the online sector and DRTV can be for products and programs in the health and fitness space.
"2010 has been a unique year for direct response. Trends have changed and fragmentation is more prevalent than ever. For marketers to stay ahead, covering all communication channels in their advertising efforts is extremely important," says Olga Ackad, vice president of client services for Mercury Media's long-form division. "The shift from phone orders to Web orders has been a huge contributor to the change in trends and it's extremely important to consider orders from both avenues to truly gauge the success of a DRTV campaign."
Honing in on Home
Even amid economic struggles, the health and fitness industry continues to see success because of the intrinsic motivation behind most consumers' decisions to purchase a product.
"People want to take care of themselves, they want to treat themselves to a product that will make them better," says David Savage, executive vice president of R2C Group and Cmedia and a member of the Response Editorial Advisory Board. "Even in tough times, one of the societal trends is that people are taking better care of themselves. People watch and research and purchase because they know these products can help them reach their goals."
Direct response — both through DRTV and other emerging platforms — provides the perfect avenue for brands to connect with consumers in this mindset.
"The longer formats of DR — whether it's 60 seconds or a half-hour — give room for the before and after's, the results and depictions, and the testimonials of people saying, 'Wow, I really love this product,'" Savage says.
Weight-loss services provider eDiets.com — ranked No. 8 in the IMS Top 50 Spots of 2010 — is one brand that continues to see growth. Just in time for the holidays — prime time for most to pack on the pounds — eDiets.com launched two new 30-, 60- and 120-second DRTV campaigns developed by R2C Group. The television spots offer consumer testimonials and drive customers to both a toll-free phone number and URL, where they can claim a one-week trial of free food to be delivered to their homes. The marketer's Web site also features online lifestyle modification support to further help consumers lose weight.
"They've got multiple campaigns going on — both the home-delivery campaign and 'The Biggest Loser' meal plan supplied by eDiets.com," Savage says. "They've experienced extreme growth in their business."
A good mix of traditional DRTV and digital marketing has served eDiets well. Revenues for the marketer's third-quarter 2010 were $6 million, a 42-percent increase from the $4.2 million of 3Q 2009, and early numbers from fourth quarter showed similar promise. In mid-November, eDiets reported meal-delivery sales of approximately $1.8 million for the month of October, compared to the $1.7 million of the entire fourth quarter of 2009, according to Kevin McGrath, president and CEO of eDiets.com.
"We are very pleased with the continued growth in our meal delivery business," McGrath said at the time. "Our focus on expanding our customer base and improving gross margins continues to be effective."
A continued mix of short- and long-form spots is the most effective strategy for health and fitness marketers, according to Savage.
"Many of the most successful marketers in health and fitness are using both short- and long-form: long to launch a product and short for front-end sales and to drive retail," Savage says. "Long- and short-form really complement one another in this industry."
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DC Forecast: A cool, rainy, and drizzly start to the weekend before a sunny finish
This Afternoon: Mostly Cloudy, Chilly, Areas of Fog & Drizzle
Highs: 40-44 | Rain: 40% Chance
Tonight: Cloudy, Showers Possible
Lows: 30-36 | Rain: 30% Chance
Sunday: Turning Sunny, Breezy, Milder
Highs: 46-49 | Wind: NW 10-15/G 25 mph
With the{ }thermometer fllrting with the freezing point,{ }a mix of rain and freezing rain complicated some travel this morning.{ }{ }But with temperatures now well above freezing, all of the earlier Winter Weather Advisories have expired and most of the showers associated with a coastal low are well to our east.{ } The onshore flow of warmer air will keep most of the DC area in the clouds this afternoon with{ }some lingering fog and drizzle.{ } But the quick{ }movement of the low{ }to the northeast will make for some{ }late day clearing, especially to the west of the Appalachians.{ }{ }High temperatures should reach the low 40s here, but could rise to near 50 in the far western regions.
Sunday looks to be a far better day with high pressure and sunshine returning. { }After a{ }cloudy start, the winds will turn breezy out of the northwest gusting to 20 mph and highs should top out near 50.{ }{ }
NOTE: Mother Nature continues to be parsimonious with our precipitation{ }as our seasonal snowfall tally is{ }a mere 1.5", a whopping 11.7" below normal.{ } WIth just{ }piddling amounts{ }of rain as well - we're already down 1.4" for the year{ }{ }and got less than one-tenth of an inch this morning{ }{ }- even the current drizzle is appreciated.{ } Even on the weekend!{ } Enjoy your Saturday.{ }


text: Need more space than the S3 provides and 4 doors to make loading my 2 year old easyer and quicker,so guys what do you think is a good price to ask for my 99 T reg Imolla yellow S3 with total audi main dealer history 62k miles new discs/pads,blue alcantara interior,6 cd,Bose,heated seats,millteck,revo,r32 rear arb,uprated pads all round,4mm of goodyear rubber left,etc...... The car was described as excellent condition by local audi dealer recently, if anybody is interested mail me. please give me an idea of value chaps as i feel a V6 twin turbo estate will better suit my needs. Cheers chaps "Bingo"


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My heart goes out to all of those families.
it's horrible. I will never understand how someone can just decide to go out and destroy peoples' lives... My heart goes out to everyone affected and I'll be hugging my children extra tight today
SAHM, military wife, momma to DSD 2004, 2007, DS 2008, DD 2011
I have no words. Well, I have lots of words, but they probably shouldn't be written down. What kind of a person, indeed...
WOHM to Leo (4/08) and enjoying the journey with DH
Announcing the arrival of Clara in August 2013!
There is a battle of two wolves inside us. One is good and the other is evil. The wolf that wins is the one you feed.
Book and herb loving mama to 2 teens and one young adult.
How do you even begin to explain something like this to your children? It's just horrible. My heart is breaking for the families affected.
such a sad story.....prayers to the families
Single mama to an only born November 2012.
Co-sleeping, vaxing, baby-wearing, sometimes cloth diapering, car seat safety advocate. Still nursing with no end in sight
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This isn't just sad news, it is more sad news (after Arizona, Wisconsin, Colorado, Oregon and now Connecticut), but this time horrifyingly sad and disturbing to the bones.
It's wrong to not talk about this and not communicate it to children who are old enough to hear it from peers or elsewhere. Children who don't learn about this from their parents will not know how to cope with it once they hear it from other sources, because they won't really have a model for how to respond and process. And really, the question is about guns just as much as it is about mental instability.
If mothers aren't thinking about this, processing it and making their voices heard, there won't be any more safety than there is now, and obviously that is not good enough.
The isolating, screen-obsessed time in which many young people spend their entry into adulthood is simply appalling. Add to that the presence of any mental instability and the easy access to guns and you have this scary scenario. It is horrifying that there are so many guns floating out there and no regulation.
Tonight on TV, I listened to a man being interviewed (Larry Pratt) who declared that teachers should be armed so this doesn't happen. He is the Exec Director of Gun Owners of America. And then I learnt that this man is extraordinarily powerful, having politicians on his side.
In my view this man was completely out of line and simply insane. To have a teacher carrying a rifle in every room in every school is simply horrible. Yet that is what he wants. It doesn't make the least bit of sense.
Take heart that the majority of teachers do not want to be armed; I live in an ultra conservative state with high gun ownership and 99% of the teachers I work with do not want to be armed at school. We have an armed police officer on campus and many security procedures in place, and I am happy that we do. I do not want to be responsible for a gun; what if a student steals it? (I teach in a high school).
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|This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (April 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
FAT bastard is a French wine produced and distributed by a British and French partnership.[1] FAT bastard is a fast-growing brand, recently[when?] selling over 400,000 cases per year in the United States alone, shortly after its introduction.[2] BusinessWeek has called FAT Bastard a "marketing phenomenon".[3] Despite a few states' resistance to selling FAT bastard in the 1990s,[4] it is now available across the US.
A 2005 survey found that 72 percent of the adult French population finds it difficult to understand French wine labels, and the problem is not unique to that country. Research has also found that most American consumers, especially younger ones, dislike wine labels that picture chateaux, that appear elitist, and that are difficult to understand.[5] FAT bastard appears to solve that marketing problem. The label reflects the fact that most New World (and many Old World) consumers prefer to buy "brand name" wines that are labeled by the variety of grape from which they are made.[5]
The wine is reported to have started off as an experiment, and when Thierry Boudinaud tasted the wine he proclaimed "now that is what you call a fat bastard".[6] The wine label says that it's "named after a British expression describing a particularly rich and full wine".[7]
See also[edit]
- ^ http://www.fatbastardwine.com/about.htm
- ^ http://www.fatbastardwine.com/pdf/fb_sauvblanc_qa.pdf
- ^ Winning Back Joe Corkscrew. Business Week (2006)
- ^ Click, Jerry. Bastards are Here! Wine Trader, T(3), 1999, 57-58.
- ^ a b Franson, P. Labels Gone Wild. The Wine Advocate, March, 2006, pages 28-33.
- ^ "Fat Bastard Wines: Our Story". fatbastardwine.com. 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.


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Jonathan Zimmerman: Gallaudet and the perils of cultureRoundup: Historians' Take
I've never met Jane Fernandes. Nor do I know if she would have made an effective president at Gallaudet University, America's only liberal arts university for the deaf, which revoked her contract last weekend. But here's what I do know: The attacks on Mrs. Fernandes reflected one of the very worst trends in American life, extending far beyond the gates of Gallaudet. And it all starts with the term "culture."
Culture, it seems, defines us as human beings. Every person is born into one -- and just one -- culture. And culture imprints itself on each one of us, in exactly the same way.
Alas, some of us forsake our "real" culture for a fake or synthetic version. So the goal of social policy -- and, especially, of education -- should be to protect and defend colorful, authentic cultures from pale, inauthentic ones.
That's hogwash, of course. But it's hogwash that we live by. And last week, it got Jane Fernandes fired.
Although Mrs. Fernandes was born deaf, you see, she's not a true embodiment of "deaf culture." Why not? Because, her detractors say, she communicates mainly via oral methods rather than signs. Like most deaf children, she grew up reading lips and making sounds; she didn't even learn sign language until she was a young adult.
"Many of us don't see her as truly deaf," one Gallaudet sophomore told a reporter from Inside Higher Ed last spring, prefiguring the student protests that would bring down Mrs. Fernandes. "Even now she seems to prefer voice to sign."
Translated: there's only one way to be authentically deaf. And we know what it is.
True, there's a long and brutal history of repression against sign language among the hearing impaired. Most early institutions for the deaf punished or expelled children who spoke with their hands, insisting instead upon oral communication. But it hardly follows that every deaf person who prefers oral methods today -- or every parent who wants her child to have cochlear implants and other hearing aids -- is somehow in league with The Enemy.
By the same awful logic, Latinos who don't speak Spanish aren't "really" Hispanic; they're craven toadies to the Anglo oppressor. African-Americans who work hard in school aren't "really" black; they're just acting white. Homosexuals who want to get married aren't "really" gay; they're merely imitating straights.
Like the deaf, all of these groups have suffered for centuries at the hands of bigoted majorities who told them how to think and behave. Today, ironically, self-appointed policemen within these same groups try to impose their own codes of thought and behavior upon them. And they do so in the name of singular "cultures," which don't really exist.
That's right: cultures don't exist. There are millions of deaf people, in the United States and around the globe. But there is not and will never be a unitary "deaf culture," any more than there's a single black or Hispanic or gay one.
Once upon a time, white men pretended they owned a monopoly upon culture; by definition, everyone else lacked it. Then anthropologists and social activists brought forth a more democratic conception, insisting that every people had a culture -- and that no culture was better or worse than another.
This concept was one of 20th century America's greatest achievements, helping to spawn a far more just and tolerant society. It gave millions of repressed people a new sense of dignity and pride; even more, it taught many whites to accept and respect them. But today "culture" itself has become the problem, oppressing the same peoples whom it arose to defend. Deaf people don't need culture-cops to tell them how to act "really" deaf, any more than blacks or Hispanics do. Jane Fernandes is as deaf as any hearing impaired person on earth. Shame on her critics, for denying her the freedom to define this identity on her own.
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|You are here: Rediff Home » India » Get Ahead » Careers » Work place
With blogs and social networking sites becoming a part of our daily lives almost as much as emails, it may be tempting to be an active participant on these. For professionals, it may be both interesting and rewarding to seek out conversations related to their work. And why not? It is a sure way to network and expose oneself to new ideas and thoughts. But is your company management open to you engaging in the same?
Yes, a few companies are quite liberal in their outlook but most continue to keep a tight leash on what and where their employees talk. Not only in India, but all over the world including the US and UK, the two most mature Web 2.0 societies. Are the companies right in playing it safe, or are they losing out on benefits and opportunities in the process?
The fear factor
The biggest apprehension for companies is classified information going out. These include those related to clients, innovations and new developments, finance etc. But is a blanket gag the only solution?
"As long as you are talking about general topics, it should be fine according to me. But if there is a post specific to your company or related to it in any sense, definitely a clearance is required and should be taken," says Jaideep Khanduja, general manager, Group 4 Securicor.
Adds Balaji Sadana, group account manager at Bangalore-based The Lighthouse Consulting, "Such restrictive company policies are designed to cover those who may not have a complete understanding or knowledge to interact with media of any form. That is why one designates only a few people within the organisation to speak about anything related to the company's business."
A lost opportunity?
Despite some justified fears, companies may be the losers if their employees cannot benefit from participating in various online forums for their professional growth. They may also be putting themselves at a risk if employees start seeking out more open work cultures in other companies.
Says Jim Collins, CEO of US-based Affinity Internet, "In my own experience, creating opportunities for open communication significantly curbs the frustration that unavoidably builds in an organisation. Seeking candour, especially in times of difficulty, and enlisting the creative talents of the organisation on a path to problem solving does a much better job of keeping the corporate secrets secret than creating a thick policy manual. In the end though it is important to understand that secrets really no longer are secret. Therefore, the best way to make these leaks irrelevant is to make them yesterday's news."
"There is no denying these restrictions exist and would constrain employees from freely expressing themselves on social forums. Even on intranet forums, not too many companies are currently comfortable allowing 'unmoderated' content on their collaboration portals," feels Rakesh Vajpai, Director, Prosares Solutions. "I guess caution is only a natural response to such new developments. As time progresses, companies would realise the benefits they could reap by being more liberal in this regard. At the risk of exaggeration, Web 2.0 has the potential to convert your entire workforce into your Sales force,"
"Internally, a more liberal environment would help foster creativity, help embed organisational knowledge and its effective sharing. The experience of social communities managing their own content and flagging any inappropriate content has proved to be extremely beneficial. There is no reason it cannot be replicated in a corporate environment," he adds.
"Organisations talk a lot about the knowledge economy, about knowledge management and the importance of knowledge, yet they have absolutely no intention of altering the culture in order to facilitate the value of the inherent and explicit knowledge. Remember, Knowledge = Cost + Opportunity = Advantage. Not using this knowledge still incurs the cost, it misses the opportunity and diminishes the advantage.
"It is organisational suicide to place barriers in the way of knowledge capture, use and development. As the global competitive environment increases, the capture, use and development of inherent and explicit knowledge will be a survival necessity for all organisations. Those who fail to put in place the necessary cultural developments and management / governance mechanisms will increase their cost, diminish their opportunity and lose market share to their competitors," says UK-based strategic management consultant James Stuart.
Is there a way forward?
The official spokesperson policy adopted by companies when dealing with traditional media may not always work with new media. What one needs are a diverse set of voices who not only speak with authority and passion, but are also willing to engage with their audience in a conversational mode. But how do companies justify and manage a more liberal policy?
To start with, have no policy. "In my experience, the effectiveness of regulatory policy has an inverse proportionate relationship to the size of the organisation and the ease with which the policy can be violated. The seeming anonymity of the internet, combined with its utter pervasiveness and the emerging workforce's dim view of limiting expression create a fertile pasture for unwanted disclosure. Determining the drivers for such behaviours and working to address them in tangible ways is much more effective than the creation of policy," says Collins.
Employees can also make it clear that they speak on these forums in their personal capacity. "As long as an employee does not claim to represent the employer's views and does not share confidential information, the net effect of allowing the employees to speak up would be only positive for the employer," believes Vajpai.
"As long as they are not speaking as 'company employees' they can and should feel free to collaborate online using their individual educational backgrounds, their own ongoing self-education etc.
If employees have opinions or perspectives that are a result of their own resources and thoughts that are not directly related to the company or job, then why not participate in online collaboration for knowledge attainment and integration," says Sherri Dohemann, a US-based sales professional with Johnson and Johnson.
Will we see attitudes and mindsets changing anytime soon? Keep a lookout on the Web 2.0 space!
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The president of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank, Narayana Kocherlakota, told Twin Cities CEOs Tuesday that the economy is recovering, but he warned the recovery won't be very robust.
Kocherlakota predicted the gross domestic product will grow and unemployment will fall in the next two years, but not rapidly. He said he expectes the nation's gross domestic product would rise at about a 3 percent annual rate while unemployment will remain stubbornly high.
"Unemployment has fallen somewhat, but the forecasts remain uniformly troubling. It's notoriously slow to recover as a variable and has been especially slow to decline after the last two, milder recessions," he said. "I would be highly surprised if unemployment were below nine percent by the end of 2010 or below eight percent by the end of 2011."
On the matter of financial industry regulation, Kocherlakota argued Congress would be wrong to limit the Feds authority to supervise banks. He said it is critical for the Fed to retain its supervision of the nation's banks to guard against future financial crises.


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Space Coast Merger Helped Pull Eastern Financial From the Brink
In July, Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union merged into Space Coast Credit Union to create a $3.2 billion cooperative with 360,000 members. The move came nearly two months after Eastern Financial was placed in conservatorship by the NCUA. On March 19, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation issued a cease and desist order against Eastern Financial for a series of "unsound and unsafe" practices. After reviewing findings from an Oct. 6, 2008, report of examination, the OFR concluded that the credit union was engaging in 15 unsound and unsafe practices, including not possessing adequate loan underwriting standards or a loan review program that evaluates risks and excessive concentration in member business loans.
As of Sept. 30, Space Coast had $15 million in charged-off real estate loans, up from $8.4 million in June, according to NCUA data. Total loans charged off were nearly $58 million, up from $37 million in June. Member business loans less unfunded commitments totaled $179 million and real estate loans reported as business loans were down to $151 million from $175 million.
The Melbourne, Fla.-based Space Coast did not waste any time assuming control of Eastern Financial's loan portfolios and operations. The Miramar, Fla.-based CU's lending production had nearly stalled prior to the conservatorship, Space Coast spokeswoman Meredith Gibson said at the time. Members now have access to a new express service that shortens the time it takes to apply for a car loan application and open a checking account. Credit cards and membership applications were now available over the phone.
Space Coast also made some changes with some of Eastern Financial's branches. One closed, another moved to a bigger facility and Saturday hours were cut at four others. Gibson said several of the branch changes were in place before the June merger. Eastern Financial's Lake Asbury branch closed on Sept. 4. The branch was acquired after the credit union merged in a small credit union in 2007, but it never grew beyond serving 200 members, Gibson explained. In another premerger move, Eastern Financial's Pembroke Pines branch was set to relocate to a larger facility with more amenities in October. Eastern Financial now has 29 branches.
Looking ahead to 2010, Gibson said there will be a continued focus on rebuilding the lending production that was impacted by Eastern Financial's financial condition.
"[Space Coast] is a leading auto and mortgage lender in the area we served prior to the merger, and we have already introduced our products and efficient lending processes to the EFFCU market, already resulting in increased loan production," Gibson said.
Indirect vehicle lending has already been reintroduced, Gibson noted. Additional mortgage loan officers have also been hired and plans are in place to bring in more, she added. Members may not see any new branches in 2010. Because Eastern Financial had already established relationships with most of the key employers in the market, the development of new select employee groups will not be a significant focus next year.
Like many other CUs, Eastern Financial found itself in a contentious situation with a member and mortgage payments. Kathleen Soto, a member of the CU for several years, complained to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation over claims that some of her mortgage payments were not applied correctly. In October, Soto provided Credit Union Times with a spreadsheet of her payment history that showed several payments were not applied toward her mortgage balance. Soto worked with several Eastern Financial employees to resolve the matter. However, the complaint ended up on the desk of Robert Hayes, bureau chief of the Florida OFR. At last check, Soto said the investigation was closed after an audit of her account concluded that every payment was posted correctly. Soto said she recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
"Other than telling me everything was posted correctly, not much is new," Soto said. "According to my records, only one of the payments was correct."
Gibson had previously said Space Coast "has maintained a consistent focus on addressing the financial pressures of members who are negatively impacted by current economic conditions" and, as of October, had processed modifications for more than $80 million of mortgage balances.