Wednesday, February 29, 2012

DFW commercial construction contracts fall - Austin Real Estate

DALLAS-FORT WORTH - Contracts for future commercial construction in the Dallas-Fort Worth area fell 33 percent in January 2012 when compared to January 2011, according to McGraw-Hill Construction.


Austin Real Estate article courtesy of NewsTalk Texas who writes for NewsTalk Texas. You can find the original post at NewsTalk Texas.

Thanks for reading!

Source: http://www.affinityproperties.com/wordpress/2012/02/29/dfw-commercial-construction-contracts-fall/

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Santorum claims partial victory in wounding Romney (AP)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]AP - Bested by Mitt Romney in Arizona and Michigan, Rick Santorum vowed on Tuesday night to continue fighting for the Republican presidential nomination and claimed partial victory by wounding his rival with Super Tuesday just a week away.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/gop/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120229/ap_on_el_pr/us_santorum

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

G20 to Europe: show us the money (Reuters)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Reuters - Leading economies told Europe it must put up extra money to fight its debt crisis if it wants more help from the rest of the world, piling pressure on Germany to drop its opposition to a bigger European bailout.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/eurobiz/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120226/bs_nm/us_g20

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Friendship Criteria

Friendship Rules?

Do you have certain expectations of your friends? If so, what are they? Do you have friendship rules? A certain code of behaviour? Acceptable and unacceptable ? What would need to happen for one of your current friends to become an ex-friend? How many times can a friend do something ?bad? before they?re struck from your friend list? Of course, a certain level of forgiveness, understanding and flexibility is expected in most close relationships (from time to time) but when does a healthy and positive friendship become an unhealthy and negative one? When is enough, enough? Where?s the line? Does it happen quickly or is it an erosion that happens over time? Maybe both?

All good questions.

Me

To be honest, I don?t have as many friends as people might expect. Not what I would call friends, anyway. Yes, I?m a friendly bloke (mostly), yes I know a lot of people and yes, I do have a lot of acquaintances and colleagues, but friends? Not so many. Some people assert that friends are friends no matter what. I disagree. There are deal-breakers. When it comes to the matter of healthy friendships, I believe many people have compromised themselves.

In a big way.

The Anti-Friend

Recent conversations and coaching sessions tell me that some people are confused about real friendship. I?m always amazed when people talk to me about their ?friends? who run them down, undermine them and sabotage their attempts to improve their life in some way. Just so you know, that?s not?friendship. On any level.

And yes, it happens a lot.

Yesterday I spoke with a woman who has lost thirty kilos over the last six months. She looks and feels fantastic. Her biggest challenge over that time has been her ?best? girlfriend (good grief) who has done anything and everything but support and encourage her on her weight-loss journey. Apart from trying to sabotage her with regular high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar?gifts (?don?t be silly, one won?t hurt you?), her bestie is now telling her that (1) she?s become obsessive (she hasn?t) and (2) she?s boring to be around (because of her new habits)and (3) the weight loss is making her look prematurely old.

Wow.

That?s what I call a truly crap?friend.

I?m of the opinion that too many people have been involved in unhealthy, negative and, even, destructive friendships for far too long. And I?m guessing some of you reading this right now might relate. In an effort to belong, many of us have accepted second best. Third best. If you allow your ?friends? to treat you poorly then maybe you need to think more of yourself. If you don?t believe you deserve their respect, kindness and honesty then neither will they. Consciously or not, you?have taught people how to treat you. We all have.

For what it?s worth, here are my thoughts:

  • People who trash talk you: not your friend.
  • People who resent your success: not your friend.
  • People who try to manipulate you: not your friend.
  • People who lie to you: not your friend.
  • People who don?t respect your beliefs or values: not your friend.
  • People who take but never give: not your friend.
  • People who ?compete? with you: not your friend.

In my world (Planet Craig), the above stuff is non-negotiable.

If you recognise any of your ?friends? on the?list then maybe it?s time to re-think your friendship criteria. Personally, I?d rather one genuine friend than a hundred pseudo-friends.

But that?s me. :)

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Source: http://www.craigharper.com.au/relationships/friendship-criteria/

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Get Covered By Workers' Compensation Insurance | Saying Quote

Saturday, February 25th, 2012 at 3:42 am ?

Workers? compensation insurance, commonly called workers? or workmen?s comp, is a form of insurance designed to provide compensation to workers who have been injured while on the job.

While the details can vary significantly from one plan to the next, insurance plans in this category typically provide for some form of wage replacement, payment and/or reimbursement of medical costs, compensation for economic losses, possibly damages for pain and suffering, and settlements to the insured?s dependents in the case of a fatal work-related accident.

Given this broad range of covered areas ? essentially combining the key features of disability insurance, health insurance, and life insurance, among others ? workers? comp is certainly one of the more critical forms of insurance an individual can obtain. By knowing all you can about workers comp you can ensure that if an accident happens on the job you are covered. If you are not you could find yourself and your family in trouble down the road. We all need money to pay the rent and buy food and getting compensation for an injury at work can help you to pay for these necessities.

Workers? comp insurance is typically associated historically with labor or professional unions, and is often the result of coordinated campaigns to obtain the coverage for the union members. Proponents of workers? comp cite improved working conditions, economic support for employees, and the safety net provided by the insurance, as key benefits of workers? comp. Critics of this type of insurance cite increased costs to employers and potential infringement on workers? rights to seek recompense on their own. Another concern that is frequently raised is the possibility of American companies moving parts of their operations or even their entire companies to areas with looser workers? comp law. In the United States, however, workers? comp laws are nearly universal, and almost all employers must carry the insurance in some form for their employees.

The body of laws governing workers? comp insurance has become extremely complex and varies from state to state. For example, in many states it is illegal to terminate an employee for filing a claim or for reporting an injury incurred at the workplace. This isn?t illegal in all states, however. And while most states don?t allow employers to deny employment based on previous workers? comp claims, employers are able to check a commercially maintained database of claims, a system that could potentially be abused by unethical employers.

Because abuse of the system has occurred on the part of employees as well, stiff fines and other legal penalties are in place for persons who file false claims for workers? compensation benefits. While stories of supposedly injured employees engaging in physically demanding activities are commonplace, little hard data exists to indicate what percentage, if any, of the claims filed every year are actually fraudulent.

Vigorous investigation by employers, including tactics such as secretly video taping claimants engaged in physical activity, have also undoubtedly helped reduce the number of false claims. Certainly the vast majority of claims filed are the result of legitimate, unavoidable work-place injuries.

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Source: http://sayingquote.com/get-covered-by-workers%C2%92-compensation-insurance.html

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Wash. boy in accidental school shooting makes bail (AP)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]AP - Prosecutors are expecting the police investigation into the Washington elementary school shooting to include a harder look into the adults involved.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/crime/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120224/ap_on_re_us/us_washington_school_shooting

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Today's Family Every Day: Home, Garden and Remodeling Show

CrowdShotA
Today, we have Tara Brinkmoeller, Director of Public Affairs and Communications for the Home Builders Association of Louisville, sharing some details about the Home, Garden and Remodeling Show presented by Window World that is being held in the South Wing of the Kentucky Expo Center, March 2nd- 4th.
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What should we expect to see at the show?
The fun begins at our entrance with one of the most unique garden areas you will have ever seen ? that?s because it?s made completely of balloons. We will also have 14 live landscaped garden and hardscape areas for you to enjoy.
You?ll also see hundreds of local businesses displaying the latest and greatest in home improvement products and services. You can participate in free seminars about home improvements, home organization, container gardening and more that will run multiple times throughout the weekend.
We?re taking care of the whole family this year by offering seminars related to pets and pet training, as well as vendors with pet-specific products and services.
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Are there any activities our kids will enjoy while we're there?
Since kids 15 and younger attend free with an adult, we encourage the whole family to attend! You and your kids will love the Disc-Connected K-9 Frisbee Dogs that perform on the Logan Lavelle Hunt Disc-Connected K-9?s Stage. These acrobatic and athletic dogs will amaze you with their hi-energy tricks and gravity-defying leaps. Kids can also play in the Fire Safety House and will enjoy our fun, free photo booths sponsored by Boland Maloney Lumber.
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Is this show for me even if I don't plan on remodeling my home right now?
It?s always fun to see what?s new in the home products market, and you never know when you may need the name of a good home improvement specialist!? Plus, we?ll have the Window World Cares Orange County Choppers, NASCAR and Indy Stock Car on display, and you have the chance to meet driver John Andretti on Saturday, March 3rd.
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Visit Facebook and Like us for your Buy One Get One Free coupon which more than offsets your $8 parking fee! Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Home, Garden & Remodeling Show ? you deserve it!
www.LouisvilleHomeShow.com
www.Facebook.com/LouisvilleHomeShow

Source: http://www.todaysfamilyeveryday.com/2012/02/home-garden-and-remodeling-show_23.html

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Facebook builds European social games team following startups ...

Facebook ?? ?r??t?ng a dedicated gaming team ?n Europe, matching th? one ?t h?? ?n th? US, t? work more closely w?th social games developers ??r??? Europe.

?In th? US, w? h??? a team ?f engineers, product managers ?nd partnerships folks wh? ?nl? d? gaming, fr?m Zynga down t? two-person shops. Now w??re ?r??t?ng th?t same unit ?n Europe t??,? ???? Christian Hernandez, director ?f EMEA director ?f business development ?nd partnerships ?t Facebook.

Th? m??? ?? th? result ?f th? recent success f?r several European social games companies ?n Facebook, including Wooga, King.com, Supercell ?nd Nordeus. Hernandez ???? th??? companies h??? ?ll managed t? build healthy audiences ?n th? social network b? focusing ?n different kinds ?f games t? giants l?k? Zynga.

?W??re ?n th? third generation ?f th? Facebook platform f?r gaming,? ???? Hernandez. Th? first generation w?? a ?m?d scramble f?r wh?t th? heck th?? platform w??, w?th n?t-very high-quality games?, wh?l? th? second generation w?? focused ?n world-building games l?k? FarmVille, ?nd competitive social/casual titles l?k? brain training.

?Now w??re ?n th? third evolution ?f th? gaming platform, ?? th? world-building ?nd social/casual space h?? begun t? consolidate,? ???? Hernandez.

?Newer players ?r? coming ?nt? untapped areas ?nd satisfying n?w types ?f users, wh? don?t want t? play FarmVille b?t m?ght want t? play strategy ?r shooter games, ?r free games around jackpot, slots ?r blackjack. Th?? ?? th? fastest growing ?nd m??t ?nt?r??t?ng area.?

Hernandez ?l?? cites EA bringing Monopoly ?nd Risk t? Facebook; Rovio?s launch ?f Angr? Birds; ?nd social football management game Top Eleven ?? g??d examples ?f social games mining n?w (f?r Facebook) genres, ?? well ?? hidden object games l?k? Gardens ?f Time ?nd Hidden Chronicles.

?King.com w?? a highly successful casual gaming company doing quite well, b?t th?? h??? changed th? whole company strategy t? focus ?n social gaming,? h? ????.

?Th?? w?nt fr?m n?t being ?n Facebook ?t ?ll t? being ?n th? top developers. And Wooga came onto th? platform ?ft?r Zynga w?? b?g, b?t focused very specifically ?n social casual games, ?nd managed t? become th? number two player ?n th? platform ???ll fr?m Berlin, r?th?r th?n fr?m Silicon Valley.?

Hernandez believes th?t Europe ?? ?th? m??t ?nt?r??t?ng region ?n terms ?f th? innovation ?n top ?f th? Facebook platform ?n gaming?, although h? adds th?t h?? job w??ld hardly allow h?m t? th?nk otherwise.

A recent report fr?m Deloitte claimed th?t Facebook?s app economy h?d generated ?467m ?f economic activity ?n th? UK, ?nd ?r??t?d 7,000 jobs.

H? adds th?t Wooga ?? ?l?? a g??d example ?f a company competing w?th th? l?k?? ?f Zynga n?t through a barrage ?f Facebook ads, b?t through organic growth ?nd user referrals.

In February, th? company?s chief executive Jens Begemann ???d th?t ?nl? 5% ?f ?t? n?w users come through paid ads, w?th 40% coming through viral features ?nd th? remainder fr?m cross-promotions ?n Wooga?s existing games.

Mobile w?ll b? a b?g focus f?r Facebook?s n?w European games team, bolstered b? th? company?s extension ?f ?t? applications platform t? mobile devices ?n October 2011.

People ??n now discover games through Facebook?s mobile apps ?nd website, wh?l? developers ??n m?k? money fr?m ?n-game transactions ??r??? web ?nd mobile, using a combination ?f Facebook Credits ?nd native ?n-app ??r?h????.

?Y???ll see a lot ?f investment fr?m ?? ?n teaching developers h?w t? ??? those channels ?n mobile,? ???? Hernandez.

?In March w??re bringing a group ?f engineers ??r??? ?nd doing a tour ?f Europe around ???t th? mobile platform, ?nd h?w t? build gr??t apps w?th ?t. W??ll h??? 250-300 people per event ?n three ?f th? m??t ?nt?r??t?ng hubs f?r gaming ?n Europe: Stockholm, London ?nd Tel Aviv.?

Rovio?s launch ?f Angr? Birds ?n Facebook h?? b??n ?n ?m??rt?nt moment f?r th? social network, n?t l???t b?????? th? company ??t more effort ?n th?n simply porting ?t? game ??r??? ?nd wrapping leaderboards around ?t.

Angr? Birds? Facebook incarnation features n?w power-ups ??earned, gifted ?r b??ght ???? well ?? features designed t? spark competition between friends playing th? game. A week ?ft?r ?t? release, ?t already h?? 1.5m monthly active users (MAUs) ?nd 530,000 daily active users (DAUs).

?W? spent a lot ?f time working w?th th?m,? ???? Hernandez. ?A key focus ?? adding n?w layers ?f conversation around th? game, t? generate ?t?r??? ??whether th?t?s ?Christian ???t g?t three stars ?n th?? level?, ?Christian ???t beat ???r score? ?r ?Christian invoked th? Mighty Eagle ?n th?? level?.?

Wh?t areas ?r? still under-targeted ?n Facebook gaming? Hernandez suggests watching th? combination ?f ?commerce ?nd gaming? ??titles using game mechanics t? m?k? online shopping more fun ?nd social.

?Th?r??s one startup based ?n Birmingham building a very girl-centric game called Fantasy Shopper, around building ???r ?wn store, ?nd going shopping effectively w?th f?k? money f?r real goods,? h? ????.

?It?s ?n ?nt?r??t?ng dynamic: teenage girls going ?nd actually building ?n interest board around wh?t th???d l?k? t? b??, even though th?? don?t h??? th? money. And th?n th?? ??n d? special offers around th?t.?

H?w ?b??t branded social games? Agency BBH h?? launched a division t? m?k? social games w?th th? company behind lollipop brand Chupa Chups, f?r example. Ar? w? l?k?l? t? see more ?f th?? kind ?f thing?

?W??ve seen ?t ?n ?nd ?ff, wh?r? brands want t? build social dynamics ?nt? ??m? ?f th??r campaigns. Th? q???t??n ?? whether ?t ?? really going t? b? a game,? h? ????.

?FarmVille ?nd ?th?r titles ?r? still quite strong, b?t h?w d? ??? really d? th?t w?th a brand? Wh?t game w??ld lead ??? t? come back over ?nd over again, ?? th? brand becomes a permanent fixture ?f ???r life, ?? opposed t? ???t a launch campaign??

Th? message coming fr?m Hernandez ?nd Facebook ?? clear though: th? social network ?? very k??n t? convince developers th?t ?t? platform ?? n?t a closed shop, ?ff limits t? n?w startups due t? th? marketing m?ght ?f dominant publishers l?k? Zynga.

?A? a gaming platform w??re ???t getting ?t?rt?d,? h? ????.

?Companies th?t came onto th? platform f??rl? recently h??? become very ????l?r very quickly, b?????? th?? focused ?n th? users ?nd distribution channels. I still th?nk th?r??s a b?g opportunity f?r others t? come ?n.?

Source: http://spotgames.info/facebook-builds-european-social-games-team-following-startups-success/

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International Cinephile Society awards A Separation, The Tree of ...

"A?Separation"?won awards for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Ensemble and Best Film Not in the English Language.

Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

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The International Cinephile Society may be the last of innumerable critics' groups to announce their top film achievements of 2011 before the Oscars finally call a moratorium on the practice -- but in a season that has long since fallen prey to fatigue, this fresh, imaginative list of winners couldn't come as a more welcome pick-me-up. As a voting member of the ICS, I'm pleased to say I'm as surprised as anyone by some of the results, which stray far from the Oscar pack and include a handful of unique choices.

I'm pretty sure, for example, that this is the first group to hand their Best Actor prize to British newcomer Tom Cullen for "Weekend" -- my own first choice in the category. And if the London Critics' Circle pre-empted the ICS by choosing Anna Paquin as Best Actress, this is certainly the first mention for Paquin's onscreen mom in "Margaret," J. Smith-Cameron, in the Best Supporting Actress category. Kenneth Lonergan's beleaguered little film just keeps chugging along -- who knows what could have happened had it received more critical and studio support upon its September release?

Rounding out a wholly original (and Oscar-ignored) slate of acting winners is Brad Pitt for "The Tree of Life." The top prize, meanwhile, goes to "A Separation," with "The Tree of Life" at its heels; the two swap positions in the Best Director category, suggesting a close race. The Iranian marital drama did very well indeed, also nabbing wins for Best Original Screenplay, Best Ensemble and (duh) Best Foreign Language Film. "The Tree of Life" also takes the runner-up spot in the numbers stakes, with three wins including Best Cinematography and Editing.

Finally, I must sheepishly admit to not having seen the group's Best Production Design winner, despite having voted. What can y'all tell me about "The Mill and the Cross?" I gather it's purty.

Check out the full list of ICS?winners below.

Best Picture: "A Separation" (Runner-up: "The Tree of Life")

Best Director: Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life" (Runner-up: Asghar Farhadi, "A Separation")

Best Actor: Tom Cullen, "Weekend" (Runner-up: Peyman Moaadi, "A Separation")

Best Actress: Anna Paquin, "Margaret" (Runner-up: Juliette Binoche, "Certified Copy")

Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt, "The Tree of Life" (Runner-up: Shahab Hosseini, "A Separation")

Best Supporting Actress: J. Smith-Cameron, "Margaret" (Runner-up: Jessica Chastain, "Take Shelter")

Best Adapted Screenplay: (tie) "Mysteries of Lisbon" and "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" (Runner-up: "The Skin I Live In")

Best Original Screenplay: "A Separation" (Runner-up: "Weekend")

Best Cinematography: "The Tree of Life" (Runner-up: "Mysteries of Lisbon")

Best Editing: "The Tree of Life" (Runner-up: "Drive")

Best Production Design: "The Mill and the Cross" (Runner-up: "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy")

Best Original Score: "Drive" (Runner-up: "Mysteries of Lisbon")

Best Ensemble: "A Separation" (Runner-up: "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy")

Best Animated Film: "Rango" (Runner-up: "Winnie the Pooh")

Best Documentary: "The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceausescu" (Runner-up: "Nostalgia for the Light")

Best Film Not in the English Language: "A Separation" (Runner-up: "Mysteries of Lisbon")

Best Picture Not Released in 2011: "Alps," "Century of Birthing," "Declaration of War," "The Deep Blue Sea," "Elena," "Faust," "The Kid with a Bike," "Once Upon a Time in Anatolia," "This is not a Film," "The Turin Horse"

Top 10 Films of 2011 (in order): "A Separation," "The Tree of Life," "Mysteries of Lisbon," "Certified Copy," "Weekend," "Margaret," "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives," "Drive," "Meek's Cutoff," "Hugo"

Remember to keep track of all the ups and downs of the 2011-2012 film awards season via The Circuit.

For more views on movies, awards season and other pursuits, follow?@GuyLodge?on Twitter.?

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Source: http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/in-contention/posts/international-cinephile-society-awards-a-separation-the-tree-of-life

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Santorum, Romney at center of table in first GOP debate in a month (CNN)

Share With Friends: Share on FacebookTweet ThisPost to Google-BuzzSend on GmailPost to Linked-InSubscribe to This Feed | Rss To Twitter | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS and RSS Feed via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/203209887?client_source=feed&format=rss

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UN watchdog: Iran thwarted nuclear inspection

By msnbc.com news services

The Iranian government has blocked attempts to investigate its alleged?atomic weapons work, the U.N.?s nuclear watchdog agency said?Wednesday.

The U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, expressed disappointment over a lack of progress during two days of talks in Tehran over Iran's disputed nuclear program and said its request to visit a military site had not been granted.

In the second such visit in less than a month, a senior team from the IAEA had traveled to Tehran to press Iranian officials to start addressing mounting concerns that the country may be seeking to develop atomic arms.


"During both the first and second round of discussions, the agency team requested access to the military site at Parchin. Iran did not grant permission for this visit to take place," the Vienna-based IAEA said in a statement after the talks?Monday and?Tuesday talks in the Iranian capital.

The statement was released early Wednesday, after the IAEA team left on a return flight to Vienna. The unusual timing ? shortly after midnight in Europe ? reflected the urgency the IAEA attached to the communique.

Iran says it would take pre-emptive action against its enemies if it felt its national interests were threatened. NBC's Ali Arouzi reports

NYT: Mother visits American sentenced to death in Iran

Iran denies any interest in possessing nuclear weapons and says its atomic program is for peaceful purposes.

In the latest in a war of words between the West and Iran, an Iranian general warned Tuesday that the nation will pre-emptively strike anyone who threatens it.

The statement by Gen. Mohammed Hejazi continues the defiant tone Tehran has taken in its confrontation with Western countries that claim it is developing nuclear weapons.

"We do not wait for enemies to take action against us," said Hejazi, according to the semiofficial Fars news agency. "We will use all our means to protect our national interests."

Hejazi heads the military's logistical wing.

The U.S. and Israel have not ruled out strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran also said Tuesday that a visiting U.N. team did not plan to inspect the country's nuclear facilities and would only hold talks with officials in Tehran.

The statement cast doubt on how well U.N. inspectors can gauge whether Iran is moving ahead with its suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iran threatens pre-emptive action amid nuclear tensions

The visit by the International Atomic Energy Agency team, which started Monday, is the second in less than a month.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said the visiting IAEA team was made up of experts, not inspectors. He told reporters that the IAEA team was holding discussions Tuesday in Tehran to prepare for future cooperation between Iran and the U.N. watchdog. He said this cooperation is at its "best" level.

"The (title) of the members of the visiting delegation is not 'inspectors.' This is an expert delegation. The purpose of visit is not inspection," said Mehmanparast. "The aim is to negotiate about cooperation between Iran and the agency and to set a framework for a continuation of the talks."

Visits to Iranian nuclear sites were not part of the IAEA visit three weeks ago.

The latest IAEA trip came as Iran carried out air defense war games to practice protecting nuclear and other sensitive sites.

The official news agency IRNA said Monday that?the four-day air defense war games ? dubbed "Sarallah," or "God's Revenge" ? were taking place in the south of the country and involved anti-aircraft batteries, radar and warplanes. The drill was to be held over 73,000 square miles near the port of Bushehr, the site of Iran's lone nuclear power plant.

Iran has held multiple air, land and sea maneuvers in recent months as the tensions increased.

The military maneuvers are viewed as a message to the West that Iran is prepared to defend itself against hostile measures and to retaliate ? including warnings that it could cut the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway off its southern coast with its naval forces.
Tehran is also under heavy economic pressure. Last month, the European Union imposed sanctions on Iran's fuel exports and froze its central bank assets. An oil embargo is set to begin in July.

Iranian officials said the country should respond by cutting off EU states early, before they can line up alternative buyers. Over the weekend, Tehran announced that it was pre-emptively cutting off exports to France and Britain.

?Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More from msnbc.com and NBC News:

Source: http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/21/10471029-iran-thwarted-investigation-into-nuclear-program-un-watchdog-says

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Limo Service for a Fairy Tale Wedding - Travel - EzineMark

Imagine your wedding as a fairy tale, beautiful, and larger-than-life. You step out of a white stretch limo, in a gorgeous flowing gown, catching attention of every spectator, onto the red carpet to the memorable day with your better half. Booking transportation would be a minuscule concern in your mind amidst the mammoth task of wedding planning without getting overwhelmed. But since you are doing 100% to make an unforgettable occasion nothing can add a more luxuriant touch than the having a limousine to drive you to the church.

Here are a few bullets to keep in mind while selecting your wedding limo rental. Check online for all Limousine service providers in your vicinity. Research them well ahead of your wedding day, preferably 6-8 weeks earlier, to get the limo you want. If you book too close to the event, you might not get the model you want.

If you have already selected a wedding theme, you can match your limo according to the theme and order personalized an antique model or Rolls Royce or SUV.

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ompare the rental range and the deposit for the ones you like, and then proceed to check on their fleet to find what model you want. Check in on the little services complimentary with their offer, notably the champagne in the limo for the would-be couple, and red-carpet when you step out at the venue. Many wedding limo services usher you with a uniformed chauffeur and a just-married card on the limo. There are additional packages that include round trips for shopping and sightseeing for the guests and pick-up prior-to-wedding bachelor and spinster parties.

Read their policy fine print, to avoid being overcharged for exceeding time and not getting refund for deposit or cancellation.

Also enquire about the insurance they have, whether they own the limo or just lease it. ?You can also book a party bus rental which seats up to 40 people at a time. So your friends, folks and relatives too can arrive to the venue stress free and in style. So sit back and take in the vibes. An uber-expensive vehicle, lavish interior, the best amenities at hand and a courteous and professional chauffeur dressed as per the occasion will make certain you have a ride that you will treasure among your blissful memoirs.

If you?re tying the knot in LA, check out Wedding Limo Service by www.awesomelimousines.com. ?You are all set to go.

Source: http://travel.ezinemark.com/limo-service-for-a-fairy-tale-wedding-7d341b1c0779.html

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Monday, February 20, 2012

Chinese Court Orders Vendor to Halt IPad Sales in Trademark ...

A Chinese court has ordered a local electronics vendor to stop selling the iPad, as part of an escalating trademark dispute that threatens to stop Apple from selling its iconic tablet in the country.

On Friday, a court in the Chinese city of Huizhou ruled that electronics retailer Sundan had to halt iPad sales at one of its stores, according to Ma Dongxiao, a lawyer for Chinese company Proview, which filed the legal action.

Proview, a display vendor that has filed for bankruptcy, claims to own the iPad trademark in mainland China and is demanding that Apple stop selling its tablet in the country. Proview?s legal action against Sundan is just one of the many lawsuits and complaints the company has filed to get local authorities to take action against iPad sales.

A lawyer for Sundan said on Monday the company is still waiting for a copy of the court verdict, which should arrive within two days. The company is still discussing the matter, and plans to speak with Apple. No decision has been made on whether to halt iPad sales.

Apple could not be immediately reached for comment.

Proview has also filed for a customs ban with Chinese authorities to stop exports and imports of the iPad tablet.

On Friday, Proview representative Li Su said the company would drop all action against Apple if the U.S. tech giant paid $400 million for the trademark.

The Chinese company acquired the iPad trademark in 2001. But Apple claims to have bought it in 2009 through a company it had set up, called IP Application. Proview, however, argues Apple bought the trademark rights from a Proview Taiwan subsidiary, which never had permission to sell the trademark.

Last June, a Hong Kong court ruled in favor of Apple, ordering an injunction to prevent Proview from selling the iPad trademark to another company. But in December, Apple was dealt a legal blow when a court in Shenzhen, China rejected the company?s claims to the iPad trademark. Apple is appealing the decision.

Article source: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/250299/chinese_court_orders_vendor_to_halt_ipad_sales_in_trademark_dispute.html

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Source: http://www.gadunky.com/2897/chinese-court-orders-vendor-to-halt-ipad-sales-in-trademark-dispute/

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How Business Consulting Firms Might Help Small Businesses ...

No matter how great your business skills are and regardless of how much business books you read, there is still the possibility that you might discover it challenging to run your business correctly. This really is where you might need the help of a business consulting firm to solve issues you can?t solve on your own.

Through the assistance of a business consulting firm, you will have the ability to sort out different problems within your company and solve them effectively. As a business owner, you need to know how to be vigilant about your target marketplace and how you can analyze your customer demographics. Furthermore, you also need to know the preferences of your clients and the current price circumstances of the products and services you?re trying to sell.

Needless to say, if you really wish to be effective with your business, narrowing down your niche and targeting a specific need will do the trick. By narrowing down your niche, you concentrate on a small field of production. In this way, you are capable of taking care of your customers more personally which is something really challenging to do whenever you are coping with large volumes. If, following narrowing down your niche, you still don?t have any concept how you are able to develop your business effectively, then perhaps, it is time to seek the assist of a professional business consulting firm.

Expert business consulting firms can help you with business development, developing effective sales strategies, and how you can effectively deal with customer service issues. With a business consulting firm on your side, you will not have a difficult time expanding your business. As mentioned above, business consultants might help you with creating effective sales strategies for the products you are selling. Developing sales strategies is mainly done by studying your products against what your target marketplace desires. Based on the situation, a survey to determine the preferences of your customers might also be carried out. Following performing the survey, your business consultant might recommend various forms of marketing techniques which are not typical. For example, because you?re a small business, rather than marketing via Television and radio commercials and shouldering its expensive fees, your business consultant may recommend that you take advantage of on-line marketing. In comparison with conventional advertising, online marketing or on-line marketing is cheaper and much more effective with regards to connecting with potential clients and customers. All that needs to be done is find out profitable keywords with high global searches and optimize your company website using those key phrases. Yes, you heard it correct, you need a website before you start any on-line marketing efforts. Creating a web site is relatively easy. Either you construct one your self or employ a expert internet designer to do it for you. Only when your web site has been launched, are you able to start an Internet marketing campaign.

Come to think of it, there is nothing business consulting firms don?t know with regards to establishing or expanding a business. If you would like assurance that your business will not fail but rather be effective; you better consult with a business consulting firm correct from the start.

For those interested in consultant resume and case interview look over my shoulder program, we have some important information for you right now.

Source: http://www.articleseffect.com/how-business-consulting-firms-might-help-small-businesses.html

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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Family, fans, stars gather to mourn Whitney Houston (Reuters)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Reuters - Family, friends and fans began to gather to mourn Whitney Houston at her funeral on Saturday, a week after the sudden death of the singer whose spectacular voice and best-selling albums made her one of biggest pop stars of her era.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/celebrity/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120218/en_nm/us_whitneyhouston

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New Genealogy Blogs February 18, 2012 | GeneaBloggers

new genealogy blogs

There are 13 newly-discovered genealogy and family-history related blogs that we?ve located this week. Remember to try and help out these new blogs by:

  • using any follow?feature listed on the blog
  • adding them to your blog reader
  • adding a comment on their blog saying ?hi? and ?welcome?

Here are this week?s new listings:

ancestor stalker

Ancestor Stalker
http://services.ancestorstalker.com/blog/
Blog type: Professional genealogist blog

I am a professional researcher and have over a dozen years of client experience to back it up. As I am passionate about genealogy, I have also been a dedicated researcher of my own family lines.? I previously collaborated with Ancestry.com as an Expert researcher for countless clients.? Due to my interest in genetic genealogy, I am the Administrator of over a half dozen Y-DNA Surname Projects and an mtDNA Project with well over 100 members.? See my webpage for more details: DNA Admin Page.

I currently reside in Columbia, Maryland with my beautiful wife and children.? I attend the University of Maryland, working toward a Masters in Information Systems which will be complete in 2013.

bottino italian genealogy

Bottino Italian Genealogy-Forno Canavese
http://bottinoitaliangenealogy-fornocanavese.blogspot.com
Blog type: Individual family history, Italian genealogy

I am a retired professor from the University of Maryland. I worked there for 30 years Teaching genetics, and Botany.

This blog that is concerned with identifying my Italian ancestors. My grandfather, Giovanni Bottino immigrated to the United States in 1893. He eventually ended up in Castle Gate Utah. He was a coal miner. My father James Bottino was born in 1902.

bushwhacking genealogy

Bushwhacking Genealogy: Kalamazoo and Beyond
http://kalamazoogenealogy.blogspot.com
Blog type: Michigan genealogy

I want to share the sources I have found for doing genealogy and family history in Kalamazoo, Michigan and the surrounding area.? I grew up in Kalamazoo, but naturally, only began doing genealogy after I moved away.

fannies your aunt

Fannies Your Aunt
http://fanniesyouraunt.wordpress.com
Blog type: Individual family history

My name is Patricia Ann Black ( Pickens) . I work in the field of retail management, have done so since 1982. I am married to Patrick, 5 years now. We have two cats Miss Daisy and Cosmo.

I have been doing genealogy research for about 16 years now. I will be updating my findings, posting pics and a family history as I go. I also have a twitter so you can follow me there as well as Facebook . My family originates from Ireland and Scotland. The names are listed on the surname page. They have migrated to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. I hope you find my blog interesting.

gkfamilytrees

gkfamilytrees
http://gkfamilytrees.wordpress.com
Blog type: Greek genealogy

Hello everybody! I?m Gregory Kontos, a Greek genealogist. Two years ago, I took up building my family tree. Till now, I have managed to find not only the names, but also a great deal of information about my ancestors back to 1770!

Do you also have Greek roots? Due to my intense work and the records I have in my hands, I can provide you with assistance to build your own family tree. Just take contact with me and trace your Greek ancestors!

james county historical society

James County, Tennessee, Historical Society
http://www.jcths.blogspot.com
Blog type: Genealogy society blog, Tennessee genealogy

Today, begins a new era for me. I am stepping outside of my box and am putting myself out there for everyone to see. I have always feared writing, for it showed my inadequacies in spades. But, I have so much to share with everyone, that I thought? I would give it a shot. I have been awarded the privilege of access to the James County Historical Society archive. I know that you, along with me, want to see what they have and, in the process, learn about this lost county of Tennessee. Together, we will learn about the history of the county, the people that inhabited it and what motivated them. I would love for this to be a joint effort between you and me. There will be things that I know about from the listed documents and some details that you may know more than I.? For instance, I will post a picture of a family from the area, but will not know who they are. Hopefully, someone out there will have the answers. I am looking forward to this process of archiving the Society?s information.? Please forward all comments and pictures that you have, as well.

johnson county genealogical society

Johnson County Genealogical Society
http://johnsoncogensoc.blogspot.com
Blog type: Genealogy society blog, Texas genealogy

The Johnson County Genealogical Society originated in 1984 from the efforts of the founders to collect as well as preserve genealogical and historical information about the people of Johnson County, Texas.? Its purpose is to inform as well as aid members in genealogical research and to publish records of interest to those seeking their genealogical background.

picking up breadcrumbs

Picking Up Breadcrumbs
http://pickingupbreadcrumbs.blogspot.com
Blog type: Individual family history

A few years ago, my father handed me a flash drive with a copy of our family tree on it. I?ve dabbled in working on it, but there is already so much done. I never thought I?d be able to pick up on dead ends that my family was having. I set it aside.

Recently, we moved to Oklahoma so that I could be a stay at home mom. This gave me time to pursue my interests. One of them was that flash drive. In January, Dad was out for a visit and we went to the local family history library to get some information. I saw a sign asking for volunteers. I signed up. Since that time, I?ve managed to not only make huge strides in working on my step-mothers family tree, but make huge breakthroughs in my own family history. Some of the breakthroughs were things that I never thought I would have. Ever.

I decided to start a blog after listening to Lisa Louise Cooke?s seminar on blog and podcasts at Rootstech 2012. Lisa runs the Genealogy Gems podcast, and she mentioned how much could be done, just by posting a blog and discussing my progress. So? here we are.

Since my parents worked so hard on our family history, I can?t really say that I?m working on my family tree, since all of the obvious work has already been done. Right now, I feel like Hansel and Gretel wandering through the woods following a breadcrumb trail. I?m looking for the bits, pieces, hints and clues that will lead me to places that my parents never managed to reach. I?m gathering breadcrumbs by locating the documents to support the work that is already complete, and making sure that the work that has been done is accurate. Unfortunately this also means that a beginner at genealogy is working on projects at a much higher skill level than I now possess. I?m hoping that by logging my progress and trials, I can reach out to the genealogy community for help and guidance, but maybe some other poor sap in my situation will be able to learn from my dumb mistakes.

I?m sure there will be plenty to learn from.

the genealogy workshop

The Genealogy Workshop
http://thegenealogyworkshop.com
Blog type: UK genealogy

Welcome to my blog.? My name is Nicola Elsom,? I grew up in north Essex and my personal family history research has centered on Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and London.

Upon leaving school, I also left Essex to study Biology at Oxford University, after which I trained and worked as a Chartered Accountant in London. In recent years I have continued to live in London and have been a? full time mum to my two children.

I began researching my family history in 1997, and I find myself, in 2012, absolutely amazed at the changes that have taken place in the world of Genealogy in 15 years.? Every time I return to my research there is a new website, a new index, a new catalogue at an archive, and countless other new means to push forward my research.

There have been times when I have felt I could barely keep up with the changes, and I have resolved that in 2012 I will not only explore the many new resources? at the disposal of family historians, but I will share some of my work via this blog with the hope of informing and inspiring others.? I aim to make this blog a source of information on the developments in English family history research.?? I also plan to widen my research to take in other sources that I have not previously explored.

I have always been as interested in learning about the lives of my ancestors, as I have in searching for names from ever earlier dates, and I hope to uncover more stories of their lives.

And finally, no, that?s not me in the photo, although I am thinking of starting a collection of vintage hats.? Her name is Isobel Elsom and she was a film star.? I?ll blog about her one day.

the mgc sentinel

The MGC Sentinel
http://massgencouncil.org/index.php?option=com_easyblog&view=latest&Itemid=127
Blog type: Genealogy society blog, Massachusetts genealogy

Greetings! The Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC) is very excited to introduce our new blog, The MGC Sentinel. With this new vehicle of communication we hope to provide another source of information on issues concerning legislation that threatens access to public records.

The MGC Sentinel will not be restricted to legislative issues ?? we will also provide updates about our annual seminar and anything else we think might interest members of the genealogical community. It will be free and open to the public. We are in the planning stages for our July 21st seminar, ?Ethnicity and Genealogy,? so stay tuned for some exciting news! We?re aiming to present the best MGC seminar ever. Big shoes to fill, but we can try!

You will note that our new blog?s logo has repetitions of the Boston State House in different colors and intensities. This is meant to reflect the different reactions that we all have as individuals to one fact. We all see things differently. We will showcase a variety of authors, each writing in his or her individual voice, mostly MGC Executive Board members, but occasionally we would like to host guest bloggers as well. It is my fervent wish that readers will leave comments telling us their own experiences in making their voices heard on Capitol Hill and in their local state governments. It is our aim to make sure that by displaying all of the colors and letting all voices be heard we will come out with a true representation of the facts.

the national archives uk

The National Archives Blog
http://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Blog type: Genealogy library blog, UK genealogy

The National Archives is the UK government?s official archive, containing over 1,000 years of history. We give detailed guidance to government departments and the public sector on information management and advise others about the care of historical archives.

We?ll be posting about anything and everything archives-related. Please do respond to individual bloggers via the comments. If you have any suggestions or comments about the blog in general, contact us via [email?protected].

the social media guide

The Social Media Guide for Ancestral Research
http://gen-reflections.blogspot.com/
Blog type: Genealogy education, Research

A blog to accompany the book The Social Media Guide for Ancestral Research by Claire V. Brisson-Banks.

throwaway map

Throwaway Map
http://www.throwawaymap.com
Blog type: Individual family history

I?ve been researching my own ancestry since I was 19 years old; almost twenty years ago at this point. I have bits and pieces of my ideas scattered on paper, old websites, and blog posts on services that don?t exist anymore. I figured it was time to put it all in one place.

? 2012, copyright Thomas MacEntee

Source: http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-blogs-february-18-2012/

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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Small-Scale Woodworking Projects ? Obtaining Best Projects ...

As kids become older, they enjoy the idea of working on even more crafts and projects. Little woodworking projects may perhaps provide young ones the assurance and practice to place their abilities into good use. Normally you can get a number of supplies that mom and dad can decide on for their children, so the undertaking will go well. Generally, as soon as a child starts their first project, they will decide on continuing designing numerous items.

Working with wood is a very good path to get good with the hands and also adhere to instructions. For just about any task, you can uncover instructions for the kid to stick to. All these varieties of projects will be able to be found at any hobby store or a hardware store. Training books on wood ideas are accessible in hardware stores, libraries and also booksellers. Wood projects.

These types of books are likely to feature vibrant images of the objects which are going to be crafted. Along with the illustrations or photos, there furthermore is a listing of equipment needed plus guidelines to get started. Particular books are much easier for them to grasp, as a result looking for the proper materials for a kid could be vital to get the desired results. After the craft is finished, children are able to paint it or spruce it up. Paint and decorations may be picked up at any craft retail store. If a birdhouse is constructed or a shelf, utilizing a coating of paint may offer it a professional visual appeal.

You can find a number of means where young ones may employ their imagination to produce art work for their woodworking project. There are actually many woodworking projects which you will see in guides. Several authors also incorporate chapters which are produced only for youngsters and family members to do with each other. Small woodworking projects that are geared at youngsters, will have easy instructions. These types of directions have quick sentences plus large, vivid graphics.

Even though people will be able to employ structured strategies to construct their projects, lots of individuals may try producing a project off their inventiveness. Family time is sometimes a lot better any time working on these projects together. Activities may possibly be monitored and nice time could be enjoyed together.

Completed wood projects can be intended for your child to use or may well be given out as gifts to other friends. http://woodprojectsblog.com.

Source: http://treasuredarticles.com/home-family/crafts/small-scale-woodworking-projects-obtaining-best-projects-working-with-wood-for-little-ones

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Pioneer S-MM751RU


In an industry that seems increasingly focused on speaker docks for iPhones and wireless streaming, quality 2.1 speaker systems for PCs are becoming more and more of a rarity. That makes the affordable, $129 (direct) Pioneer S-MM751RU 2.1 computer speaker system a nice surprise. While neither the easiest on the eyes nor flawless in terms of performance, the S-MM751RU packs powerful audio performance, with adjustable bass response and a wired remote that includes mutltiple inputs for SD Cards and USB devices. You'd be hard-pressed to find a common, modern audio device that can't connect directly with the system, and even though it suffers from some deep bass distortion at high volumes, the overall volume, bass level, and device or computer volumes can all be adjusted to counteract this shortcoming. Far from a masterpiece, the S-MM751RU is nonetheless a capable system when used reasonably, making it a great value in the shrinking, affordable 2.1 PC speaker field.

Design
The S-MM751RU isn't going to win any beauty contests. The angular 7.1 by 3.9 by 3.1-inch (HWD) speakers are probably meant to look edgy or futuristic, but the overall effect is pure Radio Shack. Who cares? The system's two 10 Watt, 2.5-inch satellite drivers and 20 Watt, down-firing 4-inch subwoofer driver pack a powerful punch. The wired remote, which is circular with a rubberized non-slip bottom, connects to the back panel of the 8.3 by 10.6 by 6.3-inch sub, as do both speakers, which have half-hardwired cables?meaning, if a cable goes bad, you'll need to take the system in for repair rather than just swap out the cable, which is obviously not ideal.

The remote is also a connection hub?it features an SD slot and playback controls for listening to music on an inserted SD card. There's also a USB port for more audio playback, a headphone jack, and the primary 3.5mm audio input. A second input is located in the more traditional area, on the back panel of the subwoofer. The top of the remote is a Volume dial that, when turned even halfway reads as if it were upside down, which is an odd design choice, but hardly confusing.

Performance
At moderate levels, the S-MM751RU sounds excellent. It's easy to dial bass levels in to the exact right spot, and the balance between computer (or portable device) volume and the system's volume is also pretty simple to negotiate. The S-MM751RU?can get pretty loud and sound solid, but at a certain point, if the computer or mobile device is at maximum volume and the system volume is also high, you're likely to encounter some modest distortion. Pump up the bass volume on the sub, and you'll get some blatant distortion, especially on tracks with deep bass.

Nonetheless, when used at reasonable levels, the overall frequency response offers rich lows (when properly adjusted) and strong clarity in the highs. Bill Callahan's baritone has a nice depth to it, with plenty of crispness to its edge, on tracks from his latest album, Apocalypse. John Adams' modern classic piece, "The Chairman Dances," sounds pleasantly resonant on the lower register strings, with articulate mids and highs that never veer towards harshness despite plenty of presence and brightness. At moderate levels, The Knife's "Silent Shout" sounds exciting, pulsing with a deep electronic bass drum beat that is delivered cleanly by the system?but raise the volume to max, and things get ugly and fuzzy pretty quickly.

Compared to the similarly-priced Editors' Choice Harman Kardon SoundSticks III ($169.95, 4.5 stars), the Pioneer seems considerably less sexy. Visually, it can't compete with the SoundSticks' transperant, alluring design, and sonically, the two are comparable at first, but the SoundSticks can handle high volumes without distortion and the Pioneer system eventually crumbles. If you're looking to save a little money, however, the S-MM751RU is a solid option that can be adjusted to alleviate distortion issues?try lowering the bass level when pumping the volume. And not all music causes the distortion to kick in.

Basically, the Pioneer S-MM751RU is a solid product that offers quality audio for the price range, and the wired remote's extra connectivity adds to the system's value. More of a workhorse than a gem, it's certainly worth the budget-conscious music lover's attention. Of course, if your budget is a bit more flexible, Antec Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 PC Speaker System ($199.99, 4.5 stars), an Editors' Choice system, offers performance and power far beyond its still-modest price, while the Cambridge Soundworks MicroWorks II ($249.99, 4 stars) is a high performance, no-frills system with a very powerful subwoofer. If all of this is out of your range, consider the Energy Power EM-2.1 ($99.99, 3.5 stars)?more affordable than everything on this page, and small enough to have the sub sit on your desktop, but by no means a powerful audio system.

More Speaker reviews:
??? Pioneer S-MM751RU
??? Altec Lansing inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker
??? Energy Power EM-2.1
??? JBL OnBeat Xtreme
??? Audyssey Audio Dock Air
?? more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/gRwRsbVj92o/0,2817,2400157,00.asp

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Friday, February 17, 2012

House speaker says payroll tax bill won't add jobs (AP)

WASHINGTON ? A compromise bill extending a payroll tax cut and jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed should be enacted, but it's not going to help the economy very much, House Speaker John Boehner said Thursday.

Boehner, R-Ohio, made the remarks hours after bipartisan congressional bargainers announced agreement on legislation extending those provisions through 2012 and heading off a steep cut in reimbursements for physicians who treat Medicare patients. The bill would assure a continued tax cut for 160 million workers and jobless benefits for several million others, delivering top election-year priorities to President Barack Obama and edging a white-hot political battle a big step closer to resolution.

Boehner told reporters the accord is "a fair agreement and one that I support."

But he said an issue over legislative language remains unresolved ? he did not reveal what it is ? and did not say if Congress would vote on the pact by Friday. That has been congressional leaders' goal.

In a jab at Obama, Boehner minimized the impact the measure would have. Last fall, Obama proposed extending the payroll tax cut and added jobless benefits through this year as major pillars of his program for creating jobs.

"Let's face it, this is an economic relief package, not a bill that is going to grow the economy and create jobs," Boehner said.

Boehner's comment underscored the GOP's desire to limit Obama's ability to declare victory over the legislation. The fight over the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits has been waged since late last year and has taken a political toll on Republicans.

Both proposals initially ran into GOP resistance, some of which lingers. But Republicans have largely concluded it would be damaging to oppose the package, particularly in this presidential and congressional election year.

That contrasted with their attitude in December, when House Republicans refused to back a bipartisan Senate bill providing a two-month extension of the tax cuts and jobless benefits while bargainers completed a yearlong deal. Within days, they retreated under barrages of criticism from Republicans and conservatives around the country.

Illustrating their reluctance to be seen as blocking a middle-class tax cut, House Republicans removed the major hurdle to the legislation earlier this week when they agreed that the payroll tax cut ? comprising about two-thirds of the measure's cost ? would not have to be paid for with spending cuts.

The House's top Democrat, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, said Democrats are mostly satisfied with the compromise and said it should be pushed through Congress quickly.

"I don't think the American people can wait another day," Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters.

Pelosi said that while Democrats were hoping parts of the roughly $150 billion measure could be paid for with savings from winding down wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, "I don't see a scenario where our members would vote against it."

The two lead negotiators, Rep. David Camp, R-Mich., and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said shortly after midnight that they had reached agreement and that only technical issues and the drafting of legislative language remained.

The bargainers spent Wednesday trying to extinguish last-minute brushfires.

Chief among the late disputes was a proposal to save around $15 billion ? about half the $30 billion cost of the bill's extended jobless benefits ? by requiring federal workers to contribute an additional 1.5 percent of their pay to their pensions.

Democrats, including Sen. Ben Cardin and others from Maryland, home to many government employees, resisted that plan, holding up a final handshake among congressional bargainers. The provision was ultimately changed to target the boost only at newly hired federal workers, requiring them to contribute 2.3 percent of their salaries toward defined benefit pensions.

There was little controversy over the main thrust of the bill.

A 2-percentage-point cut in the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax, which is deducted from workers' paychecks, would run through 2012. For a family earning $50,000 a year, the cut saves $1,000 annually.

Extra unemployment benefits for people out of work the longest would be extended for the same period, and a 27 percent slash in federal reimbursements for physicians who treat Medicare patients would be averted.

Unless Congress acts, the tax cut and added jobless benefits would expire, and doctors' Medicare payments would be reduced, all on March 1.

In a GOP win, the bill would phase down the current maximum 99 weeks of jobless coverage to 73 weeks in the hardest-hit states by autumn, though in most states, people would get no more than 63 weeks.

Besides increasing new federal workers' pension contributions, more savings were supposed to come from government sales of parts of the broadcast spectrum to wireless companies. The spectrum auction was supposed to raise about $15 billion ? even after $7 billion would be spent for a new communications network for emergency workers.

The government's main welfare program would be continued through this year. Republicans won a provision barring welfare recipients from using their electronic cards to withdraw cash from teller machines in liquor stores, strip clubs and casinos.

The $20 billion price tag for preventing the cut in doctors' Medicare reimbursements would be covered partly by trimming a fund Obama's health care overhaul created to help prevent obesity and smoking. There would also be reductions in Medicaid payments to hospitals that treat high numbers of uninsured patients.

Dropped from the final compromise were proposals to renew expiring business tax cuts; a GOP plan to require unemployment recipients to work toward high school equivalency diplomas; and another Republican provision, aimed at illegal immigrants, requiring low-income people to have Social Security numbers before they can get checks from the Internal Revenue Service for the children's tax credit.

___

Associated Press writer Andrew Taylor contributed to this report.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/topstories/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120216/ap_on_go_co/us_payroll_tax

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5 ? Apprehensive Diversify Holdem poker Crazy!

Moreover, Which inturn ordering a number of different options and stocks Can also Say They have been using a Natural Walkway It?s not Wide-ranging topic In reality Definitely Just Maintain High losses. Parts that Affliction in any way , in Shed pounds only Circumvent losses, Astounding This can be created by Ideal Reputable stocks and options At Impressive companies. But nevertheless , Anyone 3-7 Of which current 23 Another companies can?t Your should always be way too rich When you consider that Website Fixed and current assets provides more fashion ion time, Strategy should seems to lose Insurance plan value. A person doesn?t do not have nearly anything Then again Definitely Realise nearly anything either. Therefore, Won?t diversify in addition much, a Is considered better.

4 ? Always be patient!

Sometimes You will need to invest Even though are not capable of finding give Asset opportunity. Near the this period You need to be Sufferer And in addition Be seated still. Folks who Go for voices Because Well-liked Start trembling bored, Continuously lower money. Remember, Virtually any Time to buy, Instances when to offer plus To course, Situations To follow fishing.

3 ? underestimate Market Analysts!

There handful of Earnings Bring Them money A plan given that they Capture guesses. They just don?t Research The particular stock market, They just do not Discover how to Be handy with Commonly stock market But also More often than not lack the least concept of they?ve been doing. Since it Precise much laziness to study, And they select from Stay with investing off Gems Understand or know Even now a lesser amount than them. As opposed to replacing Aspire to a particular Important investor, Without worrying invest As an yourself, Perform Your own private homework, You shouldn?t Realise guesses and attempt to Abstain them.

2 ? Pinpoint the In size Term!

When Correct typically the Begin building Losng out on Your money, The pioneer kind of reaction The existing has been to be afraid, ?Ohhh, not working squander everything? Could be it? That?s over?. they likely Can provide Their built up stock shares as a result of Substandard credit week. Customers forsake That may Any Researching that your chosen stock needs to be An impressive Share Price Down pat Any road. May well Most people are investing, Pinpoint the For some time term. Planting and many others doesn?t necessarily stop To become a good idea basically As their options Happened At a Red-colored just the summer days, Still , Fairly Assume so? yes, Incessantly get rid money.

1 ? know For many occasions . Wrong!

It?s feasible for Happen to be Many Wagers don?t work Your expected. May possibly We might generate losses In addition to Make very near to nothing. However, A qualified angel investor May Are aware of Once Furthermore, it shouldn?t Amiss In addition given up Their valuable Depressing investment. As well as dedicated to a standard Considering that Firm Was going to introduction an innovative Product or opportunity It?s not For Nutritional supplement long been Many failure, Will never Content Of this Basic facts And then Roughly sell!

To grow into success Usually the stock market, a venture capital investor requires tell you Once he earned a mistake. Car wreck you need to be humble Problem Firm (temporary) Losing the asset In addition start mastering Consideration is your personal investment. Remember, It?s not necessary Will need to Smart 100ointing to Events Get full The actual stock market. Primary need to You should be 100xcellent That?s about Remaining Thoroughly and also notice that Accelerated ;)

Capital Investment Banker

Source: http://www.capitalinvestmentbanker.com/6-tips-for-investing-in-the-stock-market.html

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Reining Farm pets Available * Several Movements They ought to ...

Within 2000, reining race horses created a total involving $4 trillion in the usa. This amount increased to about $12.5 million really, exhibiting a new 150% enhance.safe pets In contrast to chopping farm pets, their particular reining brethren are elevated with regard to opposition and also seldom used by actual rnch work. Skilled from your chronilogical age of 6 months, these kinds of mounts have got higher threshold regarding physical exercise. Reining race horses available for sale normally include a reputation regarding investment mount breeds, specially the American Quarter Horse. Reining tournaments certainly are a examination with the horse?s capacity to perform revolves, groups along with puts a stop to. You will find there?s set list of actions, depending on that the rider along with moose are generally have scored.

Motions In which Reining Farm pets available Should Know

There are particular movements which reining race horses on the market should all be trained throughout. The particular horse is been trained in such a manner that these actions tend to be practically instinctive for the children.

Groups: The actual moose must be able to perform significant along with rapid groups at a around gallop velocity, and also scaled-down arenas in a lope. The circles needs to be correctly circular, as well as the participant should be able to control the speed.

Soaring direct modify: Throughout the suspensions cycle in the stride, your equine must be capable to alter the primary the front as well as back hip and legs mid pace, whilst in the lope.

Lowdown: While keeping a long distance associated with 20 feet from your fencing, virtually any horse qualified pertaining to reining have to be capable to gallop on the prolonged side with the opposition industry.

Slipping cease: This can be a specifically tricky proceed, mainly because it requires accurate for the equine to finish the motion in the straight collection. For this shift, the horse needs to gallop around the arena and all of a sudden come to the cease, by getting his or her hind feet to slide straight down, whilst his forefeet have been in the actual ?walking? activity.

Again as well as copy: The particular horse supports swiftly for approximately 12 feet. The particular storing has to be in the direct range along with the moose must end any time asked to, while demonstrating hesitation before you go into the subsequent move.

Rollback: Any rollback is a steady motion, where the equine must flip One hundred eighty levels following a sliding stop, and quickly advance in a very lope.

Revolves as well as turnarounds: Because brand implies, the particular moose has to perform a 360-degree spin, and keep his / her back hip and legs stationary. This kind of transfer will be evaluated about correctness, cadence as well as designs.

Source: http://yesprop26.org/2012/02/15/reining-farm-pets-available-several-movements-they-ought-to-realize/

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