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The median amount older homeowners owed on mortgages jumped 82% from 2001 to 2011, increasing from approximately $43,400 to $79,000, which is jeopardizing retirees' financial security, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In a Wednesday report, "Snapshot of Older Consumers and Mortgage Debt," the CFPB's Office for Older Americans says that Census data shows that the percentage of homeowners age 65 and older with mortgage debt increased from 22% to 30% (3.8 million to 6.1 million homeowners) from 2001 to 2011. Additional data from the Federal Reserve shows that consumers older than 75 had the greatest increase during this period, and that the proportion of consumers 75 and older with mortgage debt more than doubled from 8.4% to 21.2%.
The CFPB report notes that in general, older consumers are carrying more debt, including mortgage, credit card, and even student loan debt, into their retirement years than in previous decades.
"Carrying a mortgage well into retirement poses many potential challenges for older Americans who typically live on reduced income yet face increased expenditures for health and long-term care," the report states.
The Office for Older Americans also found from July 2011 through December 2013, consumers 65 and older submitted approximately 15,500 complaints on a range of financial products and services, with about one-third of their complaints, 32% being about mortgages.
The most common types of mortgage complaints from older consumers (46%) concerned problems they face when they are unable to make payments (such as issues relating to loan modifications, collections or foreclosures). Other common types of mortgage complaints (32%) involve problems older consumers have when making payments (such as issues with loan servicing, payments, and escrow accounts).


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Lower gas prices in April weren't enough to embolden U.S. consumers to spend much more elsewhere.
The Commerce Department said retail sales rose only 0.1 percent last month. After excluding gasoline station sales, consumers increased their spending on retail goods by just 0.2 percent.
That followed two stronger months, February and March. Some economists say a mild winter and early Easter led consumers to make purchases earlier in the year, effectively stealing sales from April.
Still, there were positive signs suggesting that tepid spending in April might prove to be a temporary lull.
Americans spent more on autos, furniture and electronics — big purchases that help drive growth. They also spent more at restaurants and bars, which is generally a sign of confidence in the economy.
Excluding autos, gas station sales and spending on building materials, core retail sales increased 0.4 percent.
One reason for the weakness was that gasoline prices have fallen sharply in the past month. The national average dropped to roughly $3.73 per gallon Tuesday, roughly 17 cents cheaper than a month ago, according to a survey by AAA. That pulled sales at service stations down 0.3 percent.
But consumers cut spending sharply at department stores and clothing stores. And sales dropped 1.8 percent at hardware stores.
The retail sales report represents the government's first look at consumer spending for the April-June quarter. Consumer spending is closely watched since it accounts for 70 percent of economic activity.
Dan Greenhaus, an analyst at BTIG in New York, said the weaker April figure likely reflects a temporary slowdown in further solid gains. He expects cheaper gas prices to lift consumer confidence.
The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index for May rose to its highest level since January 2008.
Greenhaus predicted that consumer spending in the April-June quarter likely would grow at an annual rate of roughly 2.6 percent. That would be down only slightly from the 2.9 percent spending growth in the first quarter, the best since late 2010.
In the January-March quarter, overall economic growth slowed to an annual pace of 2.2 percent. That's down from the 3 percent increase in the October-December period, but faster than last year's 1.7 percent pace.
Economists are concerned that income growth continues to lag behind inflation. That could weaken further if job gains don't pick up in coming months. Workers' average hourly earnings have risen just 1.3 percent during the 12 months that ended in April. That's roughly half the pace of inflation over the same 12 months.
And job growth has slowed from the start of the year. Employers added an average of 252,000 jobs per month from December through February. The average fell to just 135,000 jobs per month in March and April.
Many economists expect job growth will pick up during the next few months.
But few see it being as strong as earlier this year. That should keep consumer spending up and help the economy grow at a moderate pace.

subset: commoncrawl


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Published in June 1971, A Traveler's Map of France contains a wealth of information about each region as well as helpful hints about clothing, dining, currency, sightseeing, transportation, camping, and more. Half of a two-map set, this map also includes a list of the various festivals and events held in France each year.
Coverage Area: France, Corsica


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In celebration of the Tempo 7 launch, we created a fun infographic that shows who wastes time at work, how they are wasting it, and other interesting statistics. There are also some ideas for how to minimize time-wasting (and increase productivity), like creating flexibility, asking for input from employees, and using time tracking software (because if you're not measuring, you don't know where you can improve).
Fun facts:
- Those born between 1980 - 1985 waste almost 4 times as much time at work as those born between 1930 - 1949
- Most distracted state ... (drum roll) ... Missouri with 3.2 hours per day
- 47% feel that office politics take away from their productivity
Check out the infographic for more:
Like this infographic? Learn more about time tracking with Tempo and Atlassian JIRA.
Next steps
- Get a 30-day free trial of Tempo
- Read testimonials and case studies from happy Tempo customers
- Check out all the features of Tempo here
- Watch videos that give you a glimpse of what Tempo does and how it can help you
- Purchase Tempo and add it to JIRA
Use this infographic on your own site
You're welcome to use this infographic on your site. If you do, please make sure to give Tempo credit with a link back to https://www.tempo.io/ and/or https://www.tempo.io/blog :) Thanks.


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Capac Real Estate - Find Your Perfect Home For Sale!
Capac Listings Summary
Capac - Town vs. County Stats
Avg Walkscore in Capac: 35 / County Avg 23
Avg Year Built in Capac: 1935 / County Avg 1965
Capac Real Estate Market Health
Capac was founded and platted by a group of men from Romeo headed by George R. Funstan and Judge DeWitt C. Walker in 1857. The judge named it after Huayna Capac, Sapa Inca of the Inca Empire. A nearby post office named "Pinery" was transferred to and renamed "Capac" in January 1858. The Grand Trunk Railroad opened a station in 1866. Capac incorporated as a village in 1873.
Preston Tucker, designer of the 1948 Tucker Sedan, was born near Capac in 1903. Tucker is the subject of the 1988 movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream.


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Cramer's Ten Commandments of Trading
Commandment 1: Keep It a Trade
In this special look at Jim Cramer's latest book, he lays out a brutal, but effective, rule. More
Commandment 2: First Loss Is Best
Why you should leave a trade that doesn't work immediately. More
Commandment 3: Take Your Losses
Cramer clears up a common, and costly, trading misconception. More
Commandment 4: Trading Gains, Not Investment Losses
Cramer describes a slippery slope for traders and how to avoid it. More
Commandment 5: Tips Are for Waiters
Cramer points out why tips are best left on the table. More
Commandment 6: No Sale? No Profit
Cramer lays out why you have to take gains, especially now. More
Commandment 7: Control Your Losses
Cramer shows an easy way to improve your returns. More
Commandment 8: Don't Fear That You'll Miss Anything
Cramer points out a reason to control this impulse. More
Commandment 9: Don't Trade Off Only the Headlines
Cramer points out the reason to resist the knee-jerk reaction. More
Commandment 10: Don't Trade Flow
Cramer warns that the tape reveals sucker plays, not good trades. More


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New fire station proposal on Town of Delafield ballot next week
For the third time, voters in the Town of Delafield will soon decide whether to fund a new fire station.
The vote on the $3.9 million project is set for Tuesday. The measure failed twice when different locations were proposed.
The proposed site is on vacant land near the town's sports complex at Silvernail Road and Highway E. The site would also house a new town hall.Town supervisors said the average home in the area costs about $400,000. If the measure passes, those homeowners would pay an additional $80 in property taxes each year.
"I know it's a cost to the taxpayers but they haven't had this cost for over 50 years that this building is here," said Fire Capt. Jim Dunker.
WISN 12 News reporter Max Seigle spent Wednesday evening at the current fire station, where conditions are cramped.
"There is not a square inch that's not being used right now," said Dunker.
Fire officials and town leaders said there's been no organized opposition to this ballot measure. They said there's been some talk about a new fire station having lots of frills, but they said that's not the case.
"There are no luxuries built into this building. It's designed (for) today with an eye to a 50-year future," Dunker said.


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The SEC on Wednesday is expected to release a rule proposal to allow the general solicitation and advertising of private placements made under Reg D Rule 506.
Given the complexity of the issues involved in the changes to Rule 506, plus the enormous impact those changes will have on the investing public, NASAA has strongly urged the SEC to consider a simple question: How does this help investors?
Perhaps the greatest persistent threat to investors—and one that is expected to grow as a result of the JOBS Act—involves private offerings made under the SEC's Regulation D Rule 506.
In the most recent survey of state securities regulators, fraudulent private placement offerings were ranked as the most common product or scheme leading to investigations and enforcement actions.
Regulation D Rule 506 is an exemption under federal securities laws that allows private placements to be sold to investors without registration. By definition, these are limited investment offerings that are highly illiquid, generally lack transparency and have little regulatory oversight.
While Regulation D Rule 506 offerings are used by many legitimate companies to raise capital, these investment offerings are high-risk and may not be suitable for many individual investors.
The JOBS Act significantly relaxed the restrictions on the manner in which Reg D Rule 506 offerings can be marketed to the general public, eliminating the previous ban on general solicitations or advertising.
Once the rules implementing this change are finalized by the SEC, investors will begin to see a variety of advertisements related to private placement offerings, even though only a very small percentage of the population will be eligible to invest.
Many may think the changes to Rule 506 are simple and straightforward, and we are aware of the pressure the commission is under to act quickly—on this and many other JOBS Act provisions.
The JOBS Act contains a 90-day limit for the changes to Rule 506, yet many of the rulemakings required by the Dodd-Frank Act are long overdue.
We have encouraged the SEC to prioritize investor-protection rules ahead of the exemptions in the JOBS Act, and we appreciate that the agency is resisting pressure to act hastily, especially where ill-considered changes could have such devastating impacts on investors.
But these changes also could come at a significant cost, including:
- The losses sustained in low-quality investments marketable under the newly expanded Rule 506 but would never have been sold successfully in a registered offering that required full disclosure, and
- The amount investors will lose in fraudulent offerings as a result of the changes to Rule 506. For example, the Justice Department recently indicted two executives of Provident Royalties in connection with a $485 million fraud against 7,700 investors in private placements. In 2011, states brought more than 200 enforcement actions for fraudulent Rule 506 offerings.
Unfortunately, if the new rule fails to strike the proper balance between capital formation and investor protection, the number of frauds and the amount of damages only can be expected to increase when it becomes easier to solicit victims under Rule 506.


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The Central Connecticut Athletics Department announced the new
official name of the Blue Devil mascot on Saturday, Sept. 3, at
halftime of a 35-21 home football victory over Southern
Connecticut. Kizer the Blue Devil was
welcomed into the CCSU family in front of a crowd of over 4,000
fans at Arute Field.
Sept. 3 Football Photo Gallery
On Aug. 10, 2011, Central Connecticut launched a new athletics brand, along with a new Blue Devil mascot. During the ceremony a new mascot uniform was presented to a crowd of over 300 in attendance. But when the Blue Devil made his first appearance, he was without a name.
Aug. 10 Logo Launch Photo Gallery
A contest was run on the new CCSUBlueDevils.com, and fans,
students and staff all had the chance to submit their new name for
the Blue Devils. Over 300 submissions were registered online,
with over 250 unique names for the new Blue Devil.
In the end, it was a name from the past that was chosen: Kizer the Blue Devil. A committee of CCSU staff and student-athletes helped pick the name, which honors the late Harrison Kaiser, the "Father of CCSU Athletics". The name was submitted by a CCSU staff member.
Kaiser was school's first chairman of physical education department and later served as the athletics director for the college. He coached several sports for the Blue Devils, including baseball, basketball, football and track and field. In nine seasons as football coach he won 63 percent of his games, the third-best percentage in school history. He won a total of 30 games.
He was a member of the first CCSU Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame in 1979. He was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1958. Kaiser is commonly referred to as the "Father of CCSU Athletics", and the building that houses the athletics department bears his name (Harrison J. Kaiser Hall). Kaiser was a member of the athletics department for almost 30 years.
"This is a great way for us to honor someone who got it all started for the Blue Devils," Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann said. "Harrison J. Kaiser is a name synonymous with CCSU athletics, it is only appropriate that the Blue Devil now bears his name. Every student-athlete who competes for CCSU is familiar with Harrison Kaiser. This is a great way to connect our past, present and future."
The Harrison J. Kaiser Alumni Service Award is given to a CCSU alumnus/alumna who participated in intercollegiate athletics at CCSU and who, since graduation, has distinguished himself or herself and the University by his/her accomplishments and service. The award is given each year during the Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame ceremonies.
Kizer the Blue Devil will make regular appearances at all CCSU games, both home and away. He will also be very active in the community. A group of 3-4 students will rotate as Kizer throughout the year.
If you are interested in having Kizer attend one of your events, please call (860) 832-3072.


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Research Projects
- Solar Hot Water for Ithaca College: A Demonstration Project for Emerson Hall Dormitory, with Sarah Burleson (Physics 2011)
- Ground Source Heat Pumps: A Case Study of 5 Local Installations, with Caitlin Ahearn (Physics 2010)
- Wind Power for Ithaca College, with Allison Krasnow (Biology 2007), Steve Figgatt (Environmental Studies 2008)
- Solar Photovoltaics for Ithaca College, with Romaine Isaacs (Physics 2010)
- Radar and Infrared Survey of X/M/E-type Asteroids with Michael Shepard (Bloomsburg University), Maureen Ockert-Bell (Ithaca College), and Romaine Isaacs (Physics 2010)
- Spectral Modeling of Asteroid Composition Including Space Weathering Effects with Nate Ricci (Cornell)
- Asteroid Albedos with Sanya Levi (Ithaca College)
- Deconvolving Terrestrial Alteration Mineral Spectral Signatures from Meteorite Reflectance Measurements with Sweta Shah (Ithaca College), Taki Hiroi (Brown), and Mike Zolensky (NASA Johnson Space Center)
- Surface composition and photometric properties of asteroid 433 Eros with Britt Scharringhausen (Ithaca College) and Jay Schuren (Ithaca College, Cornell).
- The Cornell MID-Infrared Asteroid Spectroscopic (MIDAS) Survey with Lucy Lim (Cornell), Jim Bell (Cornell), and Tim McConnochie (Cornell).
- Radar and Spectroscopic Studies of Asteroid 2100 Ra-Shalom with Michael Shepard (Bloomsburg Univ.), Andrew Rivkin (MIT), and Jim Bell (Cornell).
- A teacher workshop series to develop instructional materials for spacecraft mission design with Maureen Bell (Sciencenter) and Jamie De Gregory (Ithaca College).
- Infrared spectroscopy of X,E,M, and P-type asteroids with Bobby Bus (U.H.), Andrew Rivkin (MIT), Josh Sanders (Ithaca College), and Sweta Shah (Ithaca College)
- Spectroscopy of MUSES-C spacecraft mission target asteroid 1998 SF36 with the MUSES-C mission team.
- History of Astronomy - oral history of the early days in astronomy research (with Jamie De Gregory (Ithaca College)).
- Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS-118)
- Power: Energy Options for a Global Society (PHYS-141)
- Earth Science (PHYS-171)
- Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies and the Universe (PHYS-174)
- Introductory Physics (PHYS-101 lab, PHYS-102 lab, PHYS-120 lab)
- Independent Research (PHYS-299, -399, -499)
- Math Methods for Physicists (PHYS-301)
- Intermediate Mechanics (PHYS-311)
- Member of the Presidents Climate Commitment Committee
- Organizer of the College-wide seminar series "Physics Cafe"
- Current Physics Department Chair
- Member of the Committee on Campus Energy Efficiency
- Former Member of the Center for Natural Sciences Sustainability Group
- Former Member of the Committee for the Freshman Reading Initiative
- Former Member of the Ithaca College Faculty Council
- Former Member of the Environmental Studies Steering Committee
Professional Activities
- Associate Editor, "Meteoritics and Planetary Science"
- Co-CHAIR, American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences Conference, Cornell 2008
- Former Member, NASA "Planetary System Science Management Operations Working Group"
- Editor, "Earth & Sky" Syndicated Radio Show
- CHAIR, Scientific Organizing Committee, 7th International Asteroids, Comets, Meteors (ACM) Conference Cornell University, 1999.
- Member, Scientific Organizing Committee, Asteroids 2001: From Piazzi to the Third Millenium . Palermo Italy, June 11-16, 2001.
- Member, NASA and NSF Program Review Panels, HST, PG&G, PA, PIDDP, Mars Exploration: 1995-present.
- Expert Reader, Millbrook Press, 2001-2006.
- Former Member, NASA Planetary Astronomy Program Management Operations Working Group 1995-2000.
- Music: Choir (soprano), Piano
- Outdoors: hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, & cycling
- Nature: birding, wildflowers, trees, wildlife
- Quilting
- Reading: biography, history, energy, science


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HONOLULU -- Some patients who suffer severe strokes can have a good recovery if those supporting the patient are willing to wait, says David Tirschwell, MD, in this exclusive InFocus interview.
Tirschwell's research is specifically aimed at patients who have intracranial cerebral hemorrhage, one of the most severe types of stroke. His propensity matched cohort study found that more stroke patients than typically believed could actually achieve an acceptable level of function if life support were not withdrawn.
An educational campaign aimed at healthcare providers and families of stroke patients is needed to break through outmoded perceptions of stroke recovery, Tirschwell told MedPage Today cardiology editor Chris Kaiser.
From the American Heart Association:


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Picnic Time!
Spin for your plate
Dessert, of course, will have to wait.
Ants are cause for some concern;
If they appear you'll lose a turn.
Once your picnic plate's complete
You have won! Bon Appetit!
For 2 to 4 players
- For ages 5 and up
- Box is 10" x 10"
- Includes a real picnic cloth
Return Policy
While returns are subject to each individual store's return policy, we are happy to help facilitate this process. We do not charge a return fee, and will be happy to schedule a pickup with one of our drivers. There is a $25 minimum in product value required to return an item(s) (multiple products can be combined).
Please check the list below to find the store's individual return policy, and then fill out the returns form. If your store is not listed below, you can still fill out a return form and we will contact the store to try and setup a return!
|Store Name
|Return Policy
|Geometry Kids
Geometry Kids truly appreciates your support of our small business but is unable to accept returns on items purchased through Cinch at this time.
|Moto Spirits
All items are final sale.
|M Collection
All accessories are final sale and not returnable.
All sales are final with the exception of books or defectives and we have a 14 day return policy.
|Woods Grove
Subject to owner confirmation: The customer receives a store credit in the amount of the return if the item is unopened and in good condition within 14 days of purchase. We do not allow returns on vintage items and masks.
|Dumbo Salon
Because of COVID 19 we can't except returns
Glam Expressway
Glam Expressway is committed to 100% customer satisfaction! Customers can bring unworn items directly back into the store's DUMBO location to be returned or exchanged for refund or store credit within 14 days after delivery with original packaging and tags attached. Returned items must be new, unworn, unwashed and show no visible sign of wear. Due to the COVID19 pandemic lingerie, swimwear, face masks and fashion jewelry are final sale and cannot be returned.
Indie Untangled
Items need to be in or with their original packaging and yarns unwound/uncaked.
|Collier West
At Collier West, we are confident the quality of our merchandise will meet, if not exceed your expectations. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, you may exchange your purchased item or receive store credit. All exchanges must be made within 14 days of purchase. Please note: customized, sale, & discounted items are considered final sale. Special order items are not refundable, but may be exchanged for store credit within the 14 day period.
|Pier Wines
No refunds/returns/all sales final.
|Arco New York
Our refund policy is simple: we stand behind our products 100%. If for any reason, you are dissatisfied with our products, like-new and gently-used products may be returned or exchanged within 7 days for a full refund. Refunds will be provided in the form of the original payment method.
Duke's Liquor Box
Normally, liquor stores do not (might not even be allowed to) take returns. The exception is usually corked wine. When that happens we swap out for a new bottle and the distributor credits us back.
Any custom tie dye/dune dyed/ bleach out is final sale. All else can be returned in 30 days with tags attached etc
|All sales are final.
|Organically Maid
Organically Maid has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason a customer would like to return any of our products, we will refund their purchase in full.
Greschlers Hardware
Incorrect or defective items may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
Gleasons Gym
A customer may return unused merchandise without penalty.
Runnin' Wild Shoes
Shoes must be returned unworn and in the original shoe box with all tags and other packaging included.
Lovewild Design
We do not generally accept returns. Mostly from a sustainable stand point but now from a covid one as well.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.


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By Ian Lloyd
"Imagine a global spying network that can eavesdrop on every single phone call, fax or e-mail, anywhere on the planet. It sounds like science fiction, but it's true."
—Andrew Bomford, correspondent, BBC Radio4
Recent weeks have seen a plethora of media postings concerning revelations about the US government's systems for obtaining access to communications data. The passage quoted above would seem to fit well into these but actually comes from 1999 and relates to the disclosure of a massive surveillance operation, known as project ECHELON which allegedly allowed the US security agencies (and also those from the UK and a number of other countries) to monitor the content of all email traffic over the Internet (a report on ECHELON produced by a European Parliamentary Committee).
In the world of espionage and national security, little seems to change. There are always more questions than answers.
In early summer 2013 we learned much about two surveillance programmes apparently operated by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Under the first, the authorities have apparently been granted a secret court order requiring the major US telecommunications company Verizon (which offers fixed line and mobile telecommunications services as well as broadband Internet access) to transmit on an ongoing basis a wide range of data concerning its users' communications users to the NSA and the FBI. In the UK (and the EU more generally) we are not strangers to the notion that communications providers should be required to retain communications data and, under specified circumstances and procedures, transfer it to law enforcement agencies (and indeed to a range of public authorities). The transfer of communications data is authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2001 and is supervised by the Interception Commissioner. In his most recent report published in July 2012, he indicated that:
During the reporting year public authorities as a whole, submitted 494,078 requests for communications data. The intelligence agencies, police forces and other law enforcement agencies are still the principal users of communications data. It is important to recognise that public authorities often make many requests for communications data in the course of a single investigation, so the total figure does not indicate the number of individuals or addresses targeted. Those numbers are not readily available, but would be much smaller.
This may seem a substantial figure but, to put it into some perspective, Verizon have nearly 145 million customers, data on all of whom is required to be submitted on an ongoing to the NSA and FBI. It is not known whether other United States communications companies (in particular AT&T which is similar in size to Verizon) have been served with similar court orders but there are suggestions that these networks have been very willing to cooperate with law enforcement. In theory the requirement to obtain a court order is stricter than the UK procedure which requires only approval by a senior member of staff within the public authority. The fact that proceedings are secret and the fact that the US Verizon order became known only through a leak does not inspire confidence.
The second element of US practice which was exposed by the whistleblower Edward Snowden, concerned NSA access to content related data held by a range of Internet related companies such as Google, Apple and Facebook. This data is clearly much more sensitive than the communications data discussed above. As with all aspects of the story there is uncertainty over even basic issues. The claim is that the NSA enjoyed direct access to servers. This has been vehemently denied by a number of the companies involved. A Google statement asserted that:
Google cares deeply about the security of our users' data. We disclose user data to government in accordance with the law, and we review all such requests carefully. From time to time, people allege that we have created a government 'back door' into our systems, but Google does not have a back door for the government to access private user data.
Google publishes a 'Transparency Report' that provides data on the number of requests it receives from governments around the world for access to data on the browsing history of individuals. This does not, however, give details how many requests from the US authorities relate to national security concerns. A number of other Internet companies have produced similar statistics although again with very limited data about the proportion of national security requests. At the time of writing, Google and a number of other communications providers are seeking permission from the US authorities to publish more data about the extent of national security related requests for data.
In the United Kingdom, a draft Communications Data Bill (subsequently dropped following objections from the Deputy Prime Minister) was published in 2012. It was subjected to scrutiny by a joint Parliamentary Committee. In giving evidence to the committee the Home Secretary was asked to comment on the uses made of communications data. Her response was:
As I say, I do not make any comment about individuals in relation to the security service, or any of the other security and intelligence agencies. It would not be appropriate for me to do so. Everybody who is working on this Bill is doing so because this Government believes that it is important that the police and the other agencies are able to continue to have the powers that they have today to do as we have discussed earlier, which is to save lives, in a new technological environment. I understand that the police estimate they get 30,000 urgent requests for communications data per year, and they estimate that they save lives in 25% to 40% of those cases. I think that matters to the public.
Very large numbers but ones that sit rather uncomfortably with the statistic that a 'mere' 640 murders were committed in the UK during 2012. It does seem hard to credit that between 7,500 to 12,000 lives are saved annually in the United Kingdom because of access to communications data.
There is no doubt that communications data can be a valuable investigative tool for crime detection. In evidence before the Committee the Director General of the Serious and Organised Crime Agency indicated that it was used in 'around 95%' of their investigations. It is very common for information about Internet activity to be led in criminal cases. In 2012, the Telegraph newspaper reported on a murder trial in which the female victim had vanished from her home with her body being found several weeks later. At the trial of the accused:
Lyndsey Farmery, an internet use analyst who assisted police with the investigation, took the jury through Tabak's online activity in the days after killing 25-year-old Miss Yeates.
Web records from work and personal laptops show he researched the Wikipedia page for murder and maximum sentence for manslaughter, she said.
While regularly checking the Avon and Somerset police website and a local news site, the Dutch engineer was also checking body decomposition rates.
Days after killing Miss Yeates at her Clifton flat on December 17, Tabak watched a time-lapse video of a body decomposing, Bristol Crown Court heard.
Tabak — who denies murder but admits manslaughter — also went on Google to look up the definition of sexual assault.
At another level of communication data, a freedom of information request in 2012 disclosed that the Metropolitan Police had made 22,000 requests over a four year period for access to data held by London Transport relating to journeys made using its system of Oyster cards. The data can be used to place a suspect (or a card registered in the suspect's name) in the vicinity of an offence at the appropriate time. In another example of the use of electronic data, a magistrate was convicted of theft. A woman had lost a Rolex watch in a Tesco supermarket. Two years later the watch was handed in to a jeweller's for repair. Its serial number was checked against a list of missing watches and this led to the arrest of the magistrate who had handed it in for repair. His defence that he had bought the watch as a present for his wife in a second hand shop (whose location he could not remember) was undermined when data relating to use of his Tesco Clubcard placed him in the supermarket at the time the watch went missing.
As the above examples show, communications and location data can be crucial evidence in criminal investigations. In the Tesco example, there is an issue why the loyalty card data was still available in such detail two years after the event. The Data Protection Act requires that data be retained for no longer than is necessary. It is difficult to see what justification there might be for keeping data at this level of detail for two years.
In any matters relating to criminal investigations and even more to issues of national security, there has to be a balance between the legitimate need for secrecy and public accountability. The key issue is perhaps proportionality. We live very large parts of our existence online. OFCOM data indicates:
The average UK consumer now sends 50 texts per week — which has more than doubled in four years — with over 150 billion text messages sent in 2011. Almost another ninety minutes per week is spent accessing social networking sites and e-mail, or using a mobile to access the internet, while for the first time ever fewer phone calls are being made on both fixed and mobile phones.
We have established laws relating to respect for our physical property. Search warrants are required to be issued before law enforcement agencies can enter our houses and it is perhaps time that our virtual houses received similar protection. Another recent tool which has been extremely useful for law enforcement agencies is DNA evidence. There is certainly controversy concerning the circumstances under which DNA is collected and retained but there does not appear to be a strong body of opinion in favour of universal DNA profiling. Effectively, however, that is what appears to be happening with communications data in the United States. UK practice is more restrained but we do need a more evidence based debate. I gave data relating to the number of requests for access to Oyster card data. There is no data that I have been able to find relating to the number of times it has been used in the course of criminal prosecutions. In the wake of the Prism revelations in the United States, some cases were cited as evidence of the value in communications data in preventing terrorist offences but other sources have cast doubt on this suggesting that other and older forms of intelligence gathering deserve the credit.
To finish on a lighter note, but one that does perhaps make the point about proportionality, I recall an intellectual exercise intended to identify the best way to reduce casualties in road accidents. We can all think of suggestions, invariably involving additional or improved safety features in cars. The winning suggestion was rather different. Prohibit seat belts and air bags. Instead make it mandatory to have a sharp spike fitted on the steering wheel pointing directly at the driver's heart. I'm sure it would cut the number of accidents but …
Ian Lloyd is the author of Information Technology Law, now in its sixth edition. Ian received his PhD from University of Strathclyde. He has previously taught in the Department of Private Law at the University of Aberdeen and served as Professor of Information Technology Law at University of Strathclyde until 2010. He is now Professor of Information Technology and Telecommunications Law at the University of Southampton. He is on the editorial team of the International Journal of Law and Information Technology
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Image credit: Big Brother Orwell "1984" in Donetsk, Ukraine by Борис У. Creative Commons license via Wikimedia Commons.


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On 20 August 1866, President Johnson officially declared the end of the Civil War upon the cessation of "insurrection" in Texas. His Proclamation 157 reads in part:
"Now, therefore, I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim and declare that the insurrection which heretofore existed in the State of Texas is at an end and is to be henceforth so regarded in that State as in the other States before named in which the said insurrection was proclaimed to be at an end by the aforesaid proclamation of the 2d day of April, 1866.
And I do further proclaim that the said insurrection is at an end and that peace, order, tranquillity, and civil authority now exist in and throughout the whole of the United States of America.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this 20th day of August, A.D. 1866, and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-first."


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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsoDq5AsL8A%5D
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson continued his post-MMA boxing career with another knockout win today.
The former UFC fighter and "The Ultimate Fighter 10" cast member stopped Australian heavyweight Shane Tilyard (6-7) via second-round body shot.
The fight, which took place in Sydney, was part of the undercard of the Daniel Geale vs. Anthony Mundine IBP middleweight title fight.
Ferguson, who went 4-2 during an MMA career with EliteXC and the UFC, was rocked on at least one occasion in today's sloppy but entertaining bout. The victory moved him to 7-0 since he made his pro boxing debut in August 2011. Six of the seven wins have come via knockout.
Check out the video above.


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Bonds Not Shaken or Stirred by Fed Meeting
With the Federal Reserve starting a pivotal two-day meeting Tuesday, it seems as if nearly everyone in financial markets is trying to handicap whether it will curb bond purchases now or early next year. The smart money may not care much one way or the other. Spencer Jakab joins MoneyBeat. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... been been been been BdB ... that is Ben burn Anqi Diaz already know ... chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank if it starts a two-day meeting ... the policy setting committee meets today and tomorrow tomorrow the given outlook ... you know the markets can do market is going to ... jump all over the place but they do what always happens ... after that happens you wanted to it the smart money is going ... to do the smart money might do what it might mean ... a smart man Spencer Jacob ahead of the Tape columnist top shocks and a Leica M D with Mr ... so let's talk about the bond market which is what you are talking about your piece ... yet ... I mean the stock market is treating this is a very very big event the bond market not necessarily ... you think the bond market would care much more but I mean ... that ... it's ... quite possible that long yields are sorta anchored at this point whether or not I bringing in thirty years in ten years Lettie was the longer end of the curve and that's really what the Fed has his whole QE has been trying to offend they've always been able to affect the short end of the ochre very short-term interest rates ... that's that's traditionally what they've been effective ... Q we ... by buying long term bonds ... has the effect of and has been effective in pushing those yields down ... but ... they can anchor those yields ... if they get the message ... whether it's now or in a month for an for months ... when they finally decide to taper that were to keep these were low short-term rates remain low for pretty long time were not so sure you know were to be more cautious and err on the side of keeping them low ... if you keep them low ... then on traders in the same as ... I can buy short-term bonding keep on rolling over again and again and again and again three months of Bill or something ... or I can own a ten year Treasury ... IPO that get the difference between those is already pretty big ... before getting paid for the risk of you know them making that move when two or three years ... and that that that kept me be wide enough today that they don't care and the stock market should be looking at that the stock markets can to do was gonna do tomorrow ... bought ... rise early ... on ... the deviation ... of all what the Fed is going to do tomorrow short essay printed at ... half the people the stock market guessing one way happy other machines unique Regent's white knee-jerk reaction in Tuesday's meal ... move on ... hyper kinetic moves ... this one of the bond market the Fed's been a huge buyer of the spots try to get to the psyche ... if they know the tapering if they say they are going to be buying less and less in the piece punched ... somebody is going to pick up that slack great for gaming control the market today use some of the total a go around saying that the of the tapering has been priced in happen over the summer we saw yet ... but the Fed starts backing out of the bond market other people's for coming and ... what is that due to its two spots was a queue we already lost its ability to control belong in the bond market once they ... said in me the you know that ... the end is nigh ... in terms of of ... of Kiwi ... Kiwi we're about one point two five percent percentage points higher now than then even though they've been buying the same amount ... which tells you that the amount that they're buying is is no longer the consequential obviously have an issue of supply and demand of this of the attack anti prior to the tune of ... over trillion dollars the year ... beginning to pare back its purchases that has some effect ... but there is demand for these bonds ... and ... if they step out it's possible that nothing or very little happens to long and the yield curve ... because it's already been priced in its already a much wider and in a so-called term premium that's in there ... and not much happens and so the stock market yet so unusual because usually the Fed the recently ... has been very good telegraphing its move has won this prize to Market surprise the market pleasantly ... in September one delay tapering that was completely unexpected are very few people expected at this time I see reading the ... different things I get my inbox I get a lot of stuff instead of forty sixty or that the odds that people are putting on and so whatever they do people are going to react violently initially one where the other ... but the bond market I think is being pretty ... calm and cool about and I think eventually ... the stock market ... will take its cue from them because it's not like you we ... these injecting money directly into purchasing stocks or that it's that you know the material and it's not you know he did the connection between Kiwi ... and the value of all of the stock is is very disconnected me it's tight to what the bond yields are two of the alternative is the risk free Treasury market ... and and if that doesn't change much ... the stock market's going to take it in stride yet ... Spencer Jacob could ... think you're a much


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FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids | MLS Match Preview
FC DALLAS vs COLORADO RAPIDS
TOYOTA STADIUM, Frisco, Texas
Aug. 9, 2014 (WEEK 22, MLS Game #205)
8 p.m. CT (TWCS-TX; Altitude)
FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids meet in a crucial match for both clubs in the Western Conference when they face off Saturday evening at Toyota Stadium. The teams come into the game separated by just three points in the division, both currently holding onto a playoff position. FC Dallas have put together a seven-game undefeated run following their 1-0 win at Chivas USA last weekend. The Rapids have been shut out in back-to-back games following their 1-0 loss at home against arch-rivals Real Salt Lake last weekend.
REFEREE: Jose Carlos Rivero. AR1 (bench): Kevin Klinger; AR2 (opposite): Eduardo Mariscal; 4th: Ismail Elfath
Rivero MLS Career: 29 games; FC/gm: 27.1; Y/gm: 3.8; R: 8; pens: 16
SUSPENDED: none
SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: DAL: Matt Hedges, Fabian Castillo
SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS: DAL: Michel, Blas Perez, Je-Vaughn Watson, Victor Ulloa … COL: Carlos Alvarez
DISABLED LIST: DAL: Hendry Thomas (season-ending injury)
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: none
ALL-TIME (60 meetings): FC Dallas 29 wins (2 shootout), 99 goals … Rapids 20 wins (1 shootout), 75 goals … Ties 11
AT DALLAS (31 meetings): FC Dallas 21 wins (2 shootout), 59 goals … Rapids 6 wins (1 shootout), 32 goals … Ties 4
FUTURE MATCH: 10/18: Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas, 1 p.m. MT
6/7: DAL 3, COL 2 (Escobar 33; Loyd 47+; Castillo 62 – Brown 25; Martin 52)
- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Fabian Castillo scored a brilliant goal to snap a tie midway through the second half and give FC Dallas a 3-2 victory June 7 at Toyota Stadium.
- Each team won away from home in the series in 2012, for the first time in a while. FC Dallas won at Dick's Sporting Goods Park for the first time since 2007, while the Rapids won in Frisco for the first time since 2008.
- The teams did meet in MLS Cup 2010 in Toronto, an own goal in extra time giving the Rapids a 2-1 victory and their first league title.
- Coaches' records: Pablo Mastroeni v DAL: P1 W0 L1 D0 … Oscar Pareja vs. COL: P1 W1 L0 D0
- The Rapids opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Drew Moor nodded a cross back across the face of goal and Deshorn Brown reacted quickest to it, chipping FC Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez from inside the six-yard box.
- The home side were level just eight minutes later. Jair Benitez hammered a free kick straight out from goal, just beyond the restraining arc. The ball took a deflection off FCD striker Andres Escobar and wrong-footed Colorado goalkeeper Clint Irwin on its way to goal.
- FCD took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Fabian Castillo saw his dribbling run halted just before reaching the Colorado penalty area, but Moor drove the loose ball goalward, again leaving Irwin little chance as it deflected slightly off a defender before reaching the back of the net.
- The Rapids again leveled terms in the 52nd minute when a corner kick by Dillon Powers was powerfully headed on goal by Jose Mari. Benitez nearly nodded the ball off the line, but the ball still crashed into the top of the goal.
- That set the stage for a brilliant match-winner. Castillo won the ball near the center circle, beat three Rapids defenders directly off the dribble and then took a quick shot from the left side of the penalty area for the 62nd-minute winner.
- FC DALLAS (4-4-2): Raul Fernandez - Zach Loyd, Walker Zimmerman (Stephen Keel 44), Matt Hedges (Je-Vaughn Watson 46), Jair Benitez - Fabian Castillo, Peter Luccin (Andrew Jacobson 57), Victor Ulloa, Tesho Akindele - Blas Perez, Andres Escobar.
- COLORADO RAPIDS (4-4-2): Clint Irwin - Marvell Wynne, Shane O'Neill, Drew Moor, Christopher Klute - Dillon Serna, Jose Mari (Gabriel Torres 90), Nick LaBrocca (Charles Eloundou 83), Kamani Hill (Marlon Hairston 55) - Dillon Powers, Deshorn Brown.
FC Dallas stretched their undefeated streak to seven matches, defeating Chivas USA 1-0 on Sunday evening at StubHub Center. FC Dallas sit in a tie for third place in the Western Conference with 33 points from 22 games.
- The game's lone goal came minutes into the second half. Fabian Castillo cut in a rolling ball from the left side of the area and Tesho Akindele was there to tap home for the eventual winner.
- FCD goalkeeper Raul Fernandez was credited with four saves in keeping the clean sheet.
- FCD head coach Oscar Pareja made three changes to the team that reached a 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. Je-Vaughn Watson, Fabian Castillo and Andres Escobar came into the team, in place of Stephen Keel, Walker Zimmerman and Michel.
- FC DALLAS (4-4-2): Raul Fernandez, Je-Vaughn Watson, Zach Loyd, Matt Hedges, Moises Hernandez – Fabian Castillo, Adam Moffat (Michel 88), Victor Ulloa, Andres Escobar (Mauro Diaz 46) – Tesho Akindele, Blas Perez (Walker Zimmerman 84).
- FC Dallas extended their undefeated streak to seven games, the club's longest since going nine games without a defeat March 17-May 11 of last year.
- "The team is playing great. We know our chance and we know what happens if we miss it. But at this point getting three points away, we appreciate and it says a lot of the team," said FCD head coach Oscar Pareja. "Getting players back from injuries and players who are just ending their suspension; all those things make us be very offensive."
- Rookie Tesho Akindele scored his third goal in the last four matches, and now has four goals for the season. He has started the last 10 games in attack.
- "That's what he knows how to do," head coach Oscar Pareja said. "The kid is growing. He knows that in the box, he scores. That is what he does."
- Said Akindele: "I thought it wasn't the best game that we've played but everybody just worked hard and we ended getting the result and that's the kind of things that you need during the season."
- Following a four-match ban, Fabian Castillo returned to the FC Dallas lineup, playing 90 minutes in a wide midfield role. He contributed his third assist of the season.
- "It took him a little bit to get in his rhythm but Fabian is Fabian," Pareja said. "He made some great movements in the second half. Having him back is fantastic."
- Mauro Diaz made his fourth consecutive substitute appearance, coming on at halftime for a second consecutive match, after missing 10 consecutive matches through injury.
- "The first half we couldn't find the rhythm. We lost control in the middle, but that was fixed in the second half with the subs we made with Mauro [Diaz] and bringing Fabian [Castillo] on the left," Pareja said. "The boys did an excellent job. We won a game that we needed to win."
The Colorado Rapids suffered their second consecutive loss, falling 1-0 to Real Salt Lake on Saturday evening at at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids are in fifth place in the Western Conference with 30 points from 22 games.
- RSL hit for the opener after just 14 minutes. Chris Wingert's run down the left side opened up plenty of space for a hard-charging Javier Morales, and he fired into the bottom corner from just inside the penalty box past Colorado goalkeeper Clint Irwin.
- Real goalkeeper Nick Rimando made six saves, perhaps the best saved for last, as Deshorn Brown's desperation blast required a terrific diving save for Rimando's 112th career shutout, equaling the all-time MLS record.
- Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni made six changes to the team that fell 3-0 to D.C. United at RFK Stadium. Only goalkeeper Clint Irwin, defenders Christopher Klute, Drew Moor and Marvell Wynne, and midfielder Nick LaBrocca kept their places.
- COLORADO RAPIDS (4-2-3-1): Clint Irwin - Christopher Klute, Drew Moor, Marvell Wynne, Marc Burch - Nick LaBrocca, Jose Mari (Carlos Alvarez 73) - Dillon Serna (Gabriel Torres 73), Dillon Powers, Vicente Sanchez - Deshorn Brown.
- The Rapids have lost back-to-back matches for the second time this season, the first since May 11-17. They have also gone 196 minutes without scoring a goal, shut out at the attacking end in back-to-back matches for the first time this year.
- "I think experienced teams, and teams that have been together for a while, will put those performances together in consecutive games. We're still building, we're still trying to do that," said Mastroeni. "I think the effort was tremendous. I'm not upset, I'm not disappointed, that's life."
- After a two-match absence after he was forced off through injury after 24 minutes on July 18, Deshorn Brown returned to the Rapids attack.
- "Especially early on, I thought he was causing them grief over the top, and giving them something to think about. We were able to find Vicente [Sánchez] underneath, and a lot of nice things in the first half," said Mastroeni. "Everyone contributed today. I think it was a really good and solid effort. The only thing lacking was the result, and that's one thing I've always said you can't control."
- José Mari made his start since June 7, the first meeting with FC Dallas, missing the last seven matches with an ankle injury. He played 73 minutes in a deep-lying central midfield role.
- "He's not 90 [minutes ready yet]. I was quite impressed with his ability to go out and actually contribute the way he did. I think he's been missed, not to take anything away from the guys that have been filling in," said Mastroeni. "His experience was valuable out there tonight. I think he controlled the rhythm of the game in the middle. It was good to have him out there."
- For the third time in the last five games, the Rapids conceded a goal in the opening half-hour of the match. They have allowed just four goals total this season in the opening 30 minutes.
- "The mindset was to go out and start playing from the beginning. I think it took us getting scored on to really open up," Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "It's a level of comfort. Players on the ball have to want to have it, and have to want to play. For whatever reason, after we got scored on everyone woke up and wanted to get on the ball."
- "I think they just started brighter than us," Rapids captain Drew Moor said. "They won a couple tackles down our right-hand side and it allowed them some space in the box and [Javier Morales] had a good finish. After that it was a completely different game. This is one of those where you can't wait to get punched in the mouth before you start going."


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Results for Camps and Summer Programs and Science Camps in San Jose and Palo Alto
Techlab Education
Bay Area's #1 Rated Coding and Design Academy for Kids. Techlab Education provides technology programs for kids (grades 6-12). Techlab's core teaching philosophy is anchored on active learning and change maker life skills in the classroom and beyond.
1340 S De Anza Suite 201
San Jose, California 95129
United States
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The Science Factory (K-8 Summer Camps)
Engineering, chemistry, silly science, LEGO® and more! We offer exciting weekly science and art camps that run 9a - 3p on Mon - Fri (extended care available). For more info, visit www.sciencefactorycamp.com or email email@example.com!
1051 W San Fernando St
San Jose, California 95126
United States
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Sunshine Summer Camp
in General and Traditional Day Camps
Get ready for an action-packed summer! Our 2019 Camp is from June 10th to August 9th. Each week, students will dive into an exciting theme and go on an adventurous field trip. Themes this year include Cooking, STEM, Arts, Sports, Zoology, and more!
1363 Turlock Lane
United States
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Novel Writing Studio
Begin or continue your novel, under the guidance of a qualified teacher, with a small group of enthusiastic writers.
1366 McKinley Ct
San Jose, California 95126
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College Essay Camp
Get a head start on your college essays! For rising seniors only.
Palo Alto, California
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Athena Camps | Girl-Powered Camps
in Sports Camps
Athena Camps' mission is to inspire courage and build confidence in girls through a unique combination of athletic, creative, emotional, and social activities in a nurturing community. Sign up your daughter today for Summer 2019's sports + themes!
1261 Lincoln Ave Suite 107
San Jose, California 95125
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Writer's Playground
Creative Writing Camp for middle school students.
1366 McKinley Ct
San Jose, California 95126
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Last year, HTC launched the amazing HTC Desire S smartphone. It is the successor of the highly popular HTC Desire smartphone. This device was announced and showcased at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2011 in Barcelona. HTC Desire S was launched in India with a price tag of Rs.27,990. However, the price was later reduced to just Rs.20,990.
With the launch of HTC One X and HTC One V, the company further reduced the price of the HTC Desire S. Saholic, a popular online retailer is currently selling this device at a reduced price of just Rs.15,990. You heard it right! If you are planning to buy one, then check out the complete specs below.
HTC Desire S features a 3.7 inch touchscreen display with 480 x 800 pixels resolution, 1 GHz processor, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS, HTC Sense, 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash, HD (720p) video recording, 3G Connectivity, Google Play Store and much more.
Other features include a 3.5 mm headset jack, micro-USB, Internal GPS antenna, Bluetooth 2.1 with FTP/OPP, Wi-Fi connectivity, G-Sensor, Digital compass, Proximity Sensor, 1.1 GB internal storage, 768 MB RAM, microSD card slot, up to 590 mins talk-time, up to 455 hours stand-by time and a 1450 mAh battery. This handset measures 115 mm x 59.8 mm x 11.63 mm and weighs just 130 grams.
The HTC Desire S currently runs on the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System. However, the much-awaited Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update is on its way. This handset will compete with the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus, Motorola Defy Plus and LG Optimus Sol in India. To get this handset, head over to this page at Saholic.


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Flights to Taveuni
Fly to Taveuni (Fiji) with Destinia. We offer you flights at economical prices or in the class you choose. To select your flights Taveuni, type the name of the city you wish to depart from in the Departure box and write Taveuni in the Arrival field. Then select the departure and return dates. You can buy several airline tickets to Taveuni at the same time by indicating the number of adults, children and babies travelling. You can filter the type of flight if you are only interested in direct flights to Taveuni (Fiji), multiple destinations or flight stopovers.


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Lula Mena
Black Copper Cuff Bracelet
Thread by thread, stories that have been transmitted from generation to generation are woven in this community, to create textiles that carry in their design its cultural identity.
Located in a place where 40 years ago there were more than 50 artisans and 200 looms engaged in weaving in lever looms, our community Hand-woven Stories is the only one that survives, led by artisanal master Mr. Don Ciro Castro.
Don Ciro learned the technique of weaving in a lever loom from his father and has passed it on to new generations, who at present are the ones that produce the lines of textile accessories that Lula designs for the home.
Lula designs lines of products using artisanal techniques that are disappearing in El Salvador, such as weaving in lever and double frame looms, and markets them throughout the world. This enables communities of artisans to access fair and sustainable work opportunities by producing Lula's designs.
58% of the people that live in rural areas in El Salvador live in overcrowded conditions. When there is overcrowding in families, there is a higher risk of certain problems occurring, such as domestic violence, family disintegration, poor school performance, among others.
When Lula Mena began working in rural communities, many of the young women wanted to immigrate to the United States. Now that they have seen that there is an opportunity for a better life in their community, their perception of immigration has changed. They feel more confident that they will be able to provide for their families without having to leave the country. We want to continue to grow in order to offer more young adults the opportunity to work with us and avoid immigration.
One of the major challenges we faced when we began working with women was gaining the approval of their husbands. Most of the husbands and family members worried that the women would not be able to work and meet the household's responsibilities.
Now, their husbands prepare dinner, take care of the children, and offer them support. There is still a strong sexist culture, "machismo", in rural areas of El Salvador that we are trying to change by empowering women.


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This is the continued saga of Commander Shepard. It's the future, and all sentient life across the galaxy is in peril. An advanced race of machines known as Reapers is intent on wiping the slate clean. Shepard, a distinguished soldier, has faced this threat and emerged triumphant once, but victory is far from assured. Now Shepard must take the fight to the enemy -- a mission that is dubbed suicidal from the outset. Things don't look very promising, but Shepard has a plan. It involves recruiting the best and brightest from around the galaxy and somehow convincing them their lives are worth sacrificing for the greater good.
These heroes are what drive the story. Their motivations become yours as the experience continues to get better with each addition to the cast. Shepard's compatriots are fascinating and flawed; captivating and occasionally despicable. The arc of the main tale itself isn't in itself exceptional, but the characters BioWare has crafted most definitely are. These are some of the most compelling players I've ever seen in a videogame -- the Drell named Thane is a particular favorite of mine -- and the great design and writing isn't limited to the main cast. The citizens of the galaxy are extraordinary and offer more than enough reason to explore every location and talk to everybody.
Collector's Edition
EA and BioWare didn't stray too far from the beaten path when deciding what to include in the Collector's Edition for Mass Effect 2. At just a $10 USD premium over the standard edition, you shouldn't be expecting anything extraordinary here. If you go in with modest expectations, however, you will find a deluxe edition that contains quite a few collectible goodies.
Here's a full list of what you get:
So how does it all stack up? The package contains a few hits and a few misses. The special armor set includes a helmet that makes it so you can't see Shepard's face, even during cutscenes and conversations, which makes it a bit disappointing. The comic book does a good job of explaining why exactly Liara is behaving the way she is in Mass Effect 2, but you can also get a digital copy on iTunes if you'd like.
The big items that fans will appreciate the most are the Making-of DVD and the art book. Since the box isn't any taller than a traditional DVD box, the art-book is relatively small. Still, fans will appreciate the high-quality concept art. The Collector's Edition DVD contains a few standard-definition behind-the-scenes videos, some trailers that you can probably find in 10 seconds on the Internet, and some nifty wallpapers that you can access by tossing the DVD into your home PC.
Perhaps the nicest part of the package is the package itself. The discs come in a shiny metal case that looks quite slick. And the cover art on the Collector's Edition is far better than the standard edition box art.
All told, this isn't the greatest Collector's Edition ever created, but it certainly isn't the worst. Fans with tempered expectations will find a satisfying package.
All of this is made even better by Mass Effect's trademark cinematic and interactive approach to conversations. With Mass Effect 1, BioWare introduced a conversation wheel that allowed for fast-moving, intriguing, and player driven cutscenes. Rather than slowly moving through conversations by selecting dialogue from a list, Mass Effect allows the player to quickly choose an emotional response, which generally include an honorable paragon reaction and a snappy renegade remark. The result is that every little dialogue snippet is about as engaging as they come. It was innovative when Mass Effect 1 first came out, and it's still so far ahead of the curve, backed up by further refinements, including a quick-time interrupt system, and powerful voice acting. Mordin Solus, a Salarian scientist played by Michael Beattie, and Martin Sheen as the Illusive Man, are high points in an all-star cast of voices.
The true strength of Mass Effect 2's story, however, is in how personal BioWare has made it. If you played Mass Effect 1 through to the end and still have your save data, this game will import your character and all the decisions you made. The central plot will not drastically change, but the experience most certainly will. Some old friends and acquaintances will return – and others won't – based on decisions you made in the last game. Even the opening moments of Mass Effect 2 can be slightly different.
The actions you take in the sequel only compound this feeling of personalization. By the finale you'll have made so many decisions – ranging from simple things like whether you play as a male or female all the way up to those governing life or death – that the result is a game that is yours and yours alone. Choices you made in Mass Effect 1 come back to remind you of past good deeds or injustices. Decisions made here affect the final outcome. Reminders that everything you do will be reflected in Mass Effect 3 are everywhere, adding further drama to every conversation. Things you say and do actually matter, and that's an incredible sensation to get from a videogame.
Starting New?
Whether you're new to Mass Effect or simply don't like the look of your Shepard, Mass Effect 2 gives you the opportunity to start anew. Those imported saves can change how Shepard looks. You can even pick a new character class. And everybody will start from level one.
Even if you didn't play Mass Effect 1, this game is worth playing. If you're not importing a character, BioWare simply makes some of the decisions from Mass Effect 1 for you. It's slightly less dramatic and the story here is often references events in the first game, which might make some bits less thrilling for novices. There are revelations and tantalizing plot twists that Mass Effect veterans will go crazy for. These same moments simply won't carry the same weight with those hopping in for part two. It's a bit of a Catch-22 for the designers tasked with the impossible job of pleasing newcomers while still pushing the limits.
Speaking of pleasing people, BioWare listened to every last bit of criticism leveled at Mass Effect 1. That game, particularly on Xbox 360, suffered from a few technical and presentational issues. This sequel is a much, much cleaner experience. Long elevator rides and slow-loading textures are gone, replaced with (occasionally lengthy) loading screens. Generic cut-and-paste side quests and empty planets to explore have been totally ripped out. Pretty much everything that anybody took even the slightest issue with in Mass Effect 1 has been axed or rebuilt entirely..


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The boundary separating biology and chemistry has blurred in recent years as chemical principles are increasingly used to characterize biological processes. Jointly offered by Loyola's biology and chemistry departments, this interdisciplinary major provides students with a thorough understanding of the life sciences from a molecular point of view.
The curriculum offers students excellent preparation for careers in medicine and other health-related professions, as well as for careers in science related areas such as the biotechnology industry. It is also an excellent foundation for graduate studies in biochemistry, molecular or cell biology.
Students should declare this major by the end of their freshman year.
Interdisciplinary majors allow students to combine interests in two different disciplines. This enables students to individualize their curriculum and helps to prepare them for our interdisciplinary world. Disciplines combined with biology in this way include communications, computer science, mathematical sciences, philosophy, political science and psychology. It is possible, however, to combine biology with many other disciplines. The general biology requirements for an interdisciplinary major (unless specified by targeted programs) are as follows:
Students interested in a career in health fields such as medical, veterinary or dental should visit the Pre-Health website.
Dr. Thompson sees the combination of service-based learning and Jesuit values at Loyola preparing students to be leaders of change
A student shares his experience as an intern with the National Aquarium in Baltimore—and how it shaped his academic path and career goals.


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When we refer to climate change, we immediately think of the impacts it has on the livelihoods of large numbers of people, and the habitats of aquatic species on all continents.
As climate change intensifies, so do the threats to the environment and ecosystems because they are affected by variations in the weather such as temperature, rainfall and river flow. In recent years these have led to widespread flooding and drought, especially in the Mekong Basin countries.
Among the lower Mekong Basin countries, Laos and Cambodia have been identified as the most vulnerable, in part because of their limited capacity to cope with climate related risks.
Climate change is affecting the sustainable development of most developing countries in Asia. It compounds the pressures on natural resources and the environment, which in turn have profound effects on people's health, safety and livelihoods - especially where poor people are concerned.
"Recently, researchers have told us that the most noticeable changes in the weather have been the increasing number of hot days, with higher temperatures, whereas the numbers of cold days have been decreasing. This will have an effect on ecosystems, especially the lives of animals and plants, as well as leading to an increase in disease," said Dr Robert Mather of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Southeast Asia.
He said that while Laos is considered to be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the situation here is not as serious as in coastal countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
The IUCN runs a project to strengthen the ability of local governments and communities to prepare for and adapt to future climate risks in some coastal provinces, especially in the Mekong Delta region, which is one of the areas of the world that is predicted to be most affected by the rising sea level.
According to the National Disaster Management Office, for decades Laos has been experiencing small-scale weather extremes, which affect over 10 percent of the population. Recurrent floods and droughts are considered to be the main natural hazards in addition to fires, landslides, erosion, tropical storms, and disease epidemics, while floods mostly occur during the monsoon season from May- September.
People became especially aware of the impacts of climate change in 2008 when the Mekong River rose and Vientiane suffered flooding not experienced since the city was inundated in 1966. In the dry season, the Mekong was so low it was easy to cross the border to Thailand.
In 2009-2011, several typhoons struck Laos, notably Ketsana, Haima and Nock-ten. They brought torrential rain, high winds and widespread flooding, which took the lives of many people. Furthermore, thousands of people were left homeless and large numbers of livestock died, while many hectares of crops were severely damaged.
This has led the government and Non-government Organisations to set up projects that address planning, coping and raising awareness among local communities, to help them adapt to climate change.
One of the major ongoing projects in Vientiane is riverbank protection. Sand is being taken from the exposed Mekong riverbed to build up the riverbank along Fa Ngum Road, to prevent further flooding of the city.
According to the World Fish Centre, climate change is directly affecting fishery production along many pathways. Fish reproduction, growth and migration patterns are all affected by temperature, rainfall and hydrology. Changes in these parameters will therefore shift patterns of species abundance and availability.
Mrs Chanthone, a 57 year old fisherwoman living on Khone Island in Champassak province, says that in the past she could catch more than 30- 40 kg of fish per day, but now it's hard to catch just 7 or 8kg per day.
"I don't know what 'climate change' means, but I do realise that the weather is getting hotter every day and the rain sometimes comes at the wrong time. The level of the Mekong is falling rapidly, especially in the dry season, which is affecting fish breeding because fewer fish can migrate upstream to the places where they traditionally breed."
Mr Sitthisone, who works on a fish farm in Sikhay village, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane, has similar concerns about the fluctuating level of the Mekong, because the poor quality of the water is causing fish to die.
Just across the border, Cambodia is considered to be more affected by climate change than Laos, because it has a coastline. According to the Cambodian Ministry of the Environment, the direct impact of climate change is reflected in changes to the natural rainfall pattern, higher temperatures and the rising sea level, which result in flooding or drought.
Extreme weather conditions can harm fish production in Cambodia by depleting stocks, and destroying fishery and aquaculture infrastructure. Changes in fishery production are likely to have the greatest impact on the people who depend on fishing because it is their primary livelihood activity.
As these people are often poorer and more marginal than those who own land and have other primary sources of income, the effects of climate change on fisheries can harm those who are least equipped to cope.
Two boatmen named Bmoby and Vanna said they grew up in the Chong Kneas floating village, just 20 minutes drive from central Siem Reap. They can clearly see environmental changes in the floating village on Tonle Sap. In the past the water in this huge lake was fresh and there were plenty of fish that they could easily catch.
However, the water level has now fallen, which makes it difficult for larger boats to cross the lake. The dirty water results in smaller fish stocks, and the larger species are increasingly difficult to catch.
The men said that rising temperatures made the lives of people in the floating village harder, since they depended on the lake for their livelihood. The future impact of climate change in Laos and Cambodia will depend on the readiness of the two countries to adapt, including reducing vulnerability and building their capacity to cope with the risks.
By Phoonsab Thevongsa
Vientiane Times, Feature, p. 17
Thursday May 3, 2012


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text: Portable entertainment is everywhere, so take your favourite music and video with you wherever you go with the digital audio/video players from BT Shop. We have products from Apple, Philips and more; catering to the demands of the modern consumer who is always on the move. Whether it's a device to listen to your favourite tunes or something to catch up on the must-see TV show you missed last night, we've got the digital audio/video players for a high quality viewing or listening experience.


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SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) — As California endures one of its driest winters on record, some state water managers are focused on the opposite end of the precipitation spectrum — the one in five residents who live in regions susceptible to catastrophic flooding.
More than $575 billion in development and $7 billion in farm output rests on or around floodplains, according to a joint state-federal report released Tuesday to sound a warning.
The price tag for capital improvements that would be needed to protect the state's infrastructure from potential devastation could top $100 billion, the report warns, which is 10 times more than exists in funding from bond measures and other sources to shore up aging levies and dams.
Already 800 flood projects have been identified.
"We realized that even those projects will not even provide the basic level of flood protection from 100-year and 500-year floods statewide," said Terri Wegener, manager of the Department of Water Resources statewide flood management program.
The report released on the department website attempts to identify areas at risk so water managers can prioritize projects.
The report by the department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the first comprehensive look at flood dangers and impact across a state exposed to tsunamis on the coast to rapid snowmelt in Sierra watersheds.
Authorities hope that it's used to guide future land-use and development decisions, as well as by policymakers charged with protecting state assets.
"The point is to raise awareness statewide," said Wegener. "The risk is complex in California and it's important for people to understand."
The report also considers the impacts that100-year and 500-year floods could have on the more than 300 endangered and threatened plants and animals that live in some of the most at-risk regions and on flood plains altered by development. It recommends restoring natural ecosystems in some places to improve water movement.
The department will hold a series of meetings across the state through April to talk about findings.
"We made recommendations for managing flood risk so we can inform decisions about policies and financial investments in the coming years and decades," Wegener said.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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All Balanchine
April 15-25, 2010
by Alice Kaderlan
One audience member leaving the opening night performance of PNB's All Balanchine program said it all. This is the best PNB production this season, and that's saying quite a lot considering that the last, all-Dove program also brought the house down.
Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Carrie Imler and Lucien Postlewaite with company dancers in Square Dance, choreographed by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling
One of the things that's so special about All Balanchine is how at home the entire PNB company looks in performing three of the most appealing works that Balanchine created over his lengthy career. "Serenade," "Square Dance" and "The Four Temperaments" show the hallmarks of Balanchine's best work and PNB's dancers have his sharp, angular technique down pat. It's a testament to former artistic directors Francia Russell and Kent Stowell and current artistic director Peter Boal that even foreign-born dancers like Olivier Wevers and Bakhturel Bold have mastered Balanchine's groundbreaking style.
Taken together, the three works on this program could serve as a Balanchine primer. Even in the two earliest works, "Serenade" and ""The Four Temperaments," there are the signature movements that Balanchine pulled out of his astonishingly vivid imagination flexed feet into pointed toes, ribbon-like interweavings, side-facing plies, hyperextended torsos, thrusting hips, backward jumps, arms at right angles and much more.
It's striking to see how many different body positions Balanchine created and how well PNB's dancers execute them all. From the split leg jumps and rapid-fire entrechats (scissor like jumps) that Carrie Imler carried off with aplomb to the elongated backward bend that seemed to pull Jonathan Poretta offstage and into the wings, PNB's dancers look like they were born to dance in the Balanchine style.
Pacific Northwest Ballet corps de ballet dancer Sarah Ricard Orza with company dancers in Serenade, choreographed by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling
This particular program showed off both the range of Balanchine's style and the ability of PNB's dancers to carry off both his lyrical and blockbuster works. The evening began with "Serenade," which still looks fresh more than 80 years after its premiere in 1934. The opening tableau, with female corps in flowing blue gowns and single arms held high, always draw oohs and ahs from the PNB audience. This is due partly to the striking body positions and costumes but also to PNB resident lighting designer Randall Chiarelli's illuminating lighting. Chiarelli is one of PNB's unsung heroes and he may be at his best in this opening sequence.
Although "Serenade" was choreographed for students, the only dancers Balanchine had in the early '30's, the version we see today is the one that Francia Russell performed at New York City Ballet. Of special note on opening night was Kaori Nakamura, who has matured into a beautiful lyrical dancer. The richness she brings to her role here enables us to truly appreciate the lushness of Tchaikovsky's score.
The most exciting ballet on the program is "Square Dance," a wonder of nonstop pyrotechnics. Carrie Imler, always a powerhouse of energy, has never looked better. From the instant she steps out on stage, she commands our attention and keeps it riveted through every challenging jump or leap that Balanchine throws at the role. Lucien Postlewaite, who seemed to hold back emotionally during "Serenade," lets loose in his moody "Square Dance" solo, turning his gorgeous body into a delicate, kinetic sculpture. Most of the rest of the troupe keeps up with Imler and Postlewaite as they whip across the stage as though dancing on hot coals.
Closing out the evening was "The Four Temperaments," whose premiere in 1946 established Balanchine's place as one of ballet's greatest innovators. Though "The Four T's" as it is lovingly known has changed more than many other Balanchine works over the years even the version that we see here – the one danced by Francia Russell in the '50s and '60s still looks contemporary with its spare, streamlined style and dancers in practice clothes.
It's also important to mention the PNB orchestra, which has sounded somewhat ragged in recent performances since the departure of former principal conductor Stewart Kershaw. On opening night, three different conductors took their turn at the podium and all Alastair Willis, Allan Dameron and Judith Yan elicited a fine, nuanced sound form the orchestra.


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Update: Check on how you can check CAT 2011 Results.
The Common Entrance Test exams held in 2010 will be made available to students on January 12, 2011. The results will be available online at the official CAT website.
The CAT exam which is held by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) will be declared on January 12, 2011 according to reports. CAT 2010 results had previously leaked on the internet but were quickly removed from the website.
If you are a student who had appeared for the CAT exams in 2010 and are awaiting results, you should check the official CAT website at http://www.catiim.in/ for the results.
We will keep you updated when the results go live.


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Corn Lily poisoning: Corn Lily is a poisonous plant native to the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's appearance is similar to the corn grown as a crop. The plant poison primarily affects the nervous system. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Corn Lily poisoning is available below.
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Prognosis for Corn Lily poisoning: Symptoms usually persist for 12-15 hours; Severity of symptoms and prognosis varies depending on the amount consumed.
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Conn. gov forms commission to explore gun policies
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has formed an advisory commission that will review and recommend changes to state laws and policies in the wake of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Malloy announced Thursday he has appointed Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson to chair the panel. An initial report is due to Malloy by March 15, in time for the General Assembly to take action during the next session.
The group plans to examine gun laws, school safety measures, gun violence prevention and mental health services.
Additional members of the commission will be announced later. Malloy said they will include experts in education, mental health, law enforcement and emergency response.
A gunman killed 20 children and six adults at the school on Dec. 14.


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Monitoring the HIV response in EuropeArchived
The second ECDC advisory group meeting will discuss progress and future challenges in reporting and monitoring following the commitment outlined in the Dublin Declaration.
Expert meeting drug-related infectious diseases (DRID) key indicatorArchived
ECDC and the EMCDDA have joined forces to identify seven interventions to reduce and prevent infectious diseases in this vulnerable population.
World AIDS Day scientific seminarArchived
This seminar focused on HIV and hepatitis prevention among people who inject drugs.
Workshop on global and regional HIV monitoringArchived
This workshop brought together experts on HIV monitoring and reporting from EU Member States, ECDC, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the European Commission, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization and the Civil Society Forum.
Comprehensive Approach to Disease Prevention in the context of Sexual HealthArchived
In an expert meeting in Stockholm, identified synergies and gaps in the availability of sexual health data, programmes, initiatives and policies across Europe and possibilities for future work will be discussed.
19th International AIDS ConferenceArchived
The International AIDS Conference gathered those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. The AIDS 2012 programme presented new scientific knowledge and offered opportunities for dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV.
World AIDS Day 2012Archived
Marking World AIDS Day 2012, ECDC and the WHO Regional Office for Europe released their joint publication HIV/AIDS surveillance in Europe 2011
Improving monitoring of HIV in migrant populations in the EU/EEA
Workshop that aimed to contribute to improving the monitoring of HIV in migrant populations in the EU/EEA.
44th Union World Conference on Lung Health
This year the conference theme was "Shared air, safe air" highlighting the need to ensure air quality for lung health.
World AIDS Day 2013
World AIDS Day was introduced by the World Health Organization in 1988 and is observed on 1 December each year to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by HIV infection.


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There can be few Turkish players with better first-hand knowledge of the advantages of playing internationally at youth level than Nuri Sahin. The 24-year-old midfielder has already made 32 senior appearances for his country, having shone as a youngster in different European and global tournaments. To many he is a model footballer, who has come through the ranks and since become an idol to younger generations.
2005 was an unforgettable year for the affable playmaker. First he led Turkey to UEFA European U-17 Championship glory in Italy, where he was also voted player of the tournament. He followed that up by playing a leading role in his country's top-four finish at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru. There he was awarded both the adidas Silver Boot for finishing as second highest scorer and the adidas Bronze Ball as third-best player. All of a sudden, Nuri Sahin was a household world.
Sahin, born and raised in Germany, subsequently experienced a swift upturn in his career trajectory. He became the youngest ever player to appear in the Bundesliga after making his debut with Borussia Dortmund later that year. A first senior cap for Turkey soon followed, against Germany of all teams. Shortly after coming on as a substitute he put Turkey 2-0 up and today he remains both the national team's youngest ever player and scorer.
When a short loan spell at Feyenoord ended, Sahin returned to Dortmund and was the attacking fulcrum of the championship-winning 2011 side, earning the additional honour of being voted Bundesliga player of the season. However, his ensuing eye-catching move to Real Madrid was overshadowed by injuries. With first team appearances at a premium in Spain, Sahin moved to Liverpool on loan for the current season.
The next couple of years hold two tournaments of particular interest to the midfielder. To begin with, he will be closely following the action in his homeland when the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2013 gets under way, where memories of his own participation in youth competitions are sure to come flooding back. Then comes the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, a tournament Sahin is determined to participate in, as he revealed to FIFA.com in an exclusive interview.
FIFA.com: In nine months the football world will turn its attention to Turkey... Nuri Sahin:[laughs] Yes, definitely. We're hosting the U-20 World Cup and I can tell you already that everyone is full of drive and anticipation preparing for it. It's a great opportunity for Turkey to prove it can organise a big tournament. Football plays a huge role in everyday life in Turkey, maybe the biggest role. Not a day goes by when football isn't mentioned. We're so passionate. I'm really looking forward to it and I know that my compatriots will enjoy the tournament a lot.
You know the answer to this better than most people: how important is it for a young player to take part in a major international tournament?It's priceless, especially for their development. These kind of tournaments are the first step into professional football. You appear on television for the first time and you return home full of confidence because you've tested yourself against the best. I have wonderful memories of the U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005. For me it was the perfect introduction and I had a lot of fun. The tournament made the next steps easier for me and was a big help in making me a better player.
Football plays a huge role in everyday life in Turkey, maybe the biggest role.
In your opinion, what is the Turkish U-20 team capable of achieving on home turf at next year's tournament?I have to say, I don't know the team that well, but generally Turkish sides tend to go far once they've qualified for the finals. That's why I'm convinced that the guys will make an impact. They'll be well prepared and will go into each game with the whole country behind them. With those conditions in place, winning the title is well within the realm of possibilities.
Where do you think Turkish football currently stands compared to the world's top teams?Unfortunately the senior side wasn't involved at the last two big tournaments, the 2010 World Cup and EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. That was a huge step backwards, especially when you consider that Turkey finished third at the 2002 World Cup and got to the semi-finals of EURO 2008. But it's something we just have to accept and now we must look forward to the future optimistically.
Where does that optimism come from?We have a new coach, we're taking his playing philosophy on board and we'll return to our former strength. But there's one thing we can't forget: there are no small teams in international football anymore. There are three or four sides at the top but it's very close after that. That affects us too.
We (Turkey) have a new coach, we're taking his playing philosophy on board and we'll return to our former strength.
What has been the biggest change under the new national team coach Abdullah Avci?
I think we're all benefitting from him. He knows almost the entire team as he worked with several players in the youth sides. There's no-one else in the whole country who knows the players as well as he does. For example, he coached me at U-17 level. The advantage is that he is aware of every player's strengths and weaknesses.
Looking ahead to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, what can you achieve there?Our first objective is of course qualification, no doubt about it. We've started fairly well and are confident going into the games. After losing 2-0 in the Netherlands we beat Estonia 3-0 at home. But we can't afford to make the mistake of underestimating our opponents.
What are your personal aims for the next couple of years?First of all, I'll give everything to have a successful season at Liverpool and to play as many games as possible. Recently I've experienced how quickly an injury can set you back. And of course, I want to be in the starting eleven for Turkey. That's my main aim and I think I'm close to achieving it.* To go to Brazil as a starter in the Turkish side?*That's my goal and I'm confident I'll be on the pitch in Brazil as long as I stay healthy. That's what I'll be focusing on.