Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Taiwan university sues Apple over Siri

Apple is again embroiled in a patent battle after a Taiwanese university sued it over the alleged infringement of two of its speech recognition patents.

?

The National Cheng Kung University, in Tainan in southern Taiwan, claims that it invented technology that Apple is using in its Siri personal assistant software, a popular feature in the company's latest iPhone model.

?

The lawsuit focuses on two patents from 2007 and 2010 which cover voice-to-text technology, a prominent feature in modern smartphones, but particularly apparent in Siri, which allows users to ask questions to their device and receive appropriate responses.

?

?

?We filed that lawsuit in the Texas court because it processes faster and its rulings are usually in favor of patent owners and the compensations are usually higher,? said Yama Chen, legal manager of National Cheng Kung, according to Reuters.

?

The amount of damages being sought was not revealed, but Chen did say that it would be based on the US sales of devices which employ Siri, which means Apple will likely have to pay out of a lot of money if it loses the case. So far Siri is only available on the iPhone 4S, but Apple plans to allow iPad users to access it with the iOS 6 update in Autumn, which could make matters even more complicated and potentially expensive for the company.

?

The university is now looking to see if Google or Microsoft have also infringed these patents in their Android and Windows Phone mobile operating systems.

?

Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/taiwan-university-sues-apple-over-siri/16862.html

duggars peter facinelli bobby rush supreme court justices 19 kids and counting danny o brien alicia silverstone

Jobs at risk as Johnston Press announces further outsourcing

Regional publisher Johnston Press has announced plans to outsource a department which develops the group?s websites, putting around 30 staff at risk of redundancy.

The company announced proposals last week to outsource the work carried out by its technology solutions department, which is based in Peterborough, to IT services firm Endava.

An employee told HTFP that transfer to Endava was believed to be on offer but it was not yet known if this would be in London or Romania ? where the company has some of its delivery centres.

It comes after the publisher announced plans last month to outsource half of its advertising creation teams to India, with the loss of 60-70 UK jobs.

The technology department is responsible for the publisher?s digital presence, including the development and operational support?of the group?s websites, apps and content management system.

Simon Pownall, group technology solutions director at Johnston Press, made the announcement to staff last Wednesday, saying they would retain 13 staff members from the department.

His announcement said: ?Following a detailed review of the Technology Solutions department the company proposes to outsource the integration, development and operational support services for the group?s websites, apps, content management system and services from Johnston Press to Endava (Managed Services) Ltd.

?Endava is a London based IT Service company, specialising in consultancy, development services and technical support in relation to application software and website delivery.

?Endava have significant experience in delivering operational services and development projects for blue chip companies in both media and non-media markets.?

?The company will retain the services of 13 staff in Technology Solutions who are involved with commercial and associated systems, and the management of outsourcing relationships.

?We have commenced consultation today with the individuals affected and anticipate that this process will be complete by the middle of September 2012.?

Endava?s webside says it has offices in London and New York and delivery centers in Romania and Moldova.

Source: http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/jobs-at-risk-as-johnston-press-announces-further-outsourcing/

world peace lakers colorectal cancer metta kashi neil diamond orange crush harden

Discussing Dying with Parents ? The Family Plot Blog: Funeral ...

Discussing Dying with?Parents

Communications over advance directives is one of the toughest conversations to start. End-of-life issues literally scare most families down a path toward a needlessly painful, extended death.

Today?s New York Times Sunday Dialogue is titled Discussing Dying With Loved Ones. It?s an exchange of letters on the topic of how aging parents, their children and doctors face ? or avoid ? the reality of death. Some great quotes from readers:

? Except for those suffering from advanced dementia, older adults are quite capable of raising the topic of their end-of-life wishes. As functioning adults whose quality of life and experience of dying are on the line, certainly they bear equal responsibility for initiating the discussion?.

ANNE-MARIE HISLOP

? This is the elephant in the room that no politician or policy maker is willing to put out there for a rational national debate. Doctors, nurses and other caregivers do not gain anything when we pursue futile care, often in intensive care settings with extremely expensive protocols, because a patient and/or the family ?wants everything done.?

Our collective answer needs to be: ?We?ve already done everything, and now it?s time not for rationing, but for rational care.? We need to face the limitations of our abilities, and the need to let the life of a loved one have a natural ending.

ALAN SANDERS

? I suspect that a lot of our reluctance to talk about end-of-life planning has more to do with our fear of losing our parents than with their fear of death. Most elderly people have lost loved ones and are quite aware that death is the ultimate reality.

One thing my mother said that really helped me was, ?I don?t want to die, but I?m not afraid to die.? Because of that, I didn?t feel as if I was deciding to kill her; I knew that I was giving her the autonomy she wanted to die with as much peace and dignity as possible.

MARTHA WHITE

? Conversations about end-of-life care should not be postponed until an individual?s final days. We never know when our time will come, or when a loved one may be injured or become ill. Making medical decisions ahead of time, rather than being burdensome, frees individuals to concentrate on the personal and emotional at the end?.

EARL BLUMENAUER
Member of Congress, 3rd Dist., Oregon

Read the original column and all of the letters in reply in the New York Times.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.


Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment

Source: http://thefamilyplot.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/discussing-dying-with-parents/

egypt soccer riot right to work mike kelley puxatony phil josh harvey clemons college football recruiting rankings ground hog day 2012

Emotion detectives uncover new ways to fight-off youth anxiety and depression

Emotion detectives uncover new ways to fight-off youth anxiety and depression [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 30-Jul-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Annette Gallagher
a.gallagher1@umiami.edu
305-284-1121
University of Miami

UM researchers assess the efficacy and feasibility of a program designed to help children and parents learn about emotions and develop strategies for a happier life

CORAL GABLES, FL (July 11, 2012)Emotional problems in childhood are common. Approximately 8 to 22 percent of children suffer from anxiety, often combined with other conditions such as depression. However, most existing therapies are not designed to treat co-existing psychological problems and are therefore not very successful in helping children with complex emotional issues.

To develop a more effective treatment for co-occurring youth anxiety and depression, University of Miami (UM) psychologist Jill Ehrenreich-May and her collaborator Emily L. Bilek analyzed the efficacy and feasibility of a novel intervention created by the researchers, called Emotion Detectives Treatment Protocol (EDTP). Preliminary findings show a significant reduction in the severity of anxiety and depression after treatment, as reported by the children and their parents.

"We are very excited about the potential of EDTP," says Ehrenreich-May, associate professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at UM and principal investigator of the study. "Not only could the protocol better address the needs of youth with commonly co-occurring disorders and symptoms, it may also provide additional benefits to mental health professionals," she says. "EDTP offers a more unified approach to treatment which, we hope, will allow for an efficient and cost-effective treatment option for clinicians and clients alike."

Emotion Detectives Treatment Program is an adaptation of two treatment protocols developed for adults and adolescents, the Unified Protocols. The program implements age-appropriate techniques that deliver education about emotions and how to manage them, strategies for evaluating situations, problem solving skills, behavior activation (a technique to reduce depression) and parent training.

In the study, 22 children ages 7 to 12 with a principal diagnosis of an anxiety disorder and secondary issues of depression participated in a 15-session weekly group therapy of EDTP. Among participants who completed the protocol (18 out of 22), 14 no longer met criteria for an anxiety disorder at post-treatment. Additionally, among participants who were assigned a depressive disorder before treatment, (5 out of 22), only one participant continued to meet such criteria at post-treatment.

Unlike results from previous studies, the presence of depressive symptoms did not predict poorer treatment response. The results also show a high percentage of attendance. The findings imply that EDTP may offer a better treatment option for children experiencing anxiety and depression.

"Previous research has shown that depressive symptoms tend to weaken treatment response for anxiety disorders. We were hopeful that a broader, more generalized approach would better address this common co-occurrence," says Bilek, doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, at UM and co-author of the study. "We were not surprised to find that the EDTP had equivalent outcomes for individuals with and without elevated depressive symptoms, but we were certainly pleased to find that this protocol may address this important issue."

The study, titled "An Open Trial Investigation of a Transdiagnostic Group Treatment for Children With Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms," is published online ahead of print in the journal Behavior Therapy.

The next step is for the team to conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing the EDTP to another group treatment protocol for anxiety disorder.

###

The University of Miami's mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. www.miami.edu



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Emotion detectives uncover new ways to fight-off youth anxiety and depression [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 30-Jul-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Annette Gallagher
a.gallagher1@umiami.edu
305-284-1121
University of Miami

UM researchers assess the efficacy and feasibility of a program designed to help children and parents learn about emotions and develop strategies for a happier life

CORAL GABLES, FL (July 11, 2012)Emotional problems in childhood are common. Approximately 8 to 22 percent of children suffer from anxiety, often combined with other conditions such as depression. However, most existing therapies are not designed to treat co-existing psychological problems and are therefore not very successful in helping children with complex emotional issues.

To develop a more effective treatment for co-occurring youth anxiety and depression, University of Miami (UM) psychologist Jill Ehrenreich-May and her collaborator Emily L. Bilek analyzed the efficacy and feasibility of a novel intervention created by the researchers, called Emotion Detectives Treatment Protocol (EDTP). Preliminary findings show a significant reduction in the severity of anxiety and depression after treatment, as reported by the children and their parents.

"We are very excited about the potential of EDTP," says Ehrenreich-May, associate professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at UM and principal investigator of the study. "Not only could the protocol better address the needs of youth with commonly co-occurring disorders and symptoms, it may also provide additional benefits to mental health professionals," she says. "EDTP offers a more unified approach to treatment which, we hope, will allow for an efficient and cost-effective treatment option for clinicians and clients alike."

Emotion Detectives Treatment Program is an adaptation of two treatment protocols developed for adults and adolescents, the Unified Protocols. The program implements age-appropriate techniques that deliver education about emotions and how to manage them, strategies for evaluating situations, problem solving skills, behavior activation (a technique to reduce depression) and parent training.

In the study, 22 children ages 7 to 12 with a principal diagnosis of an anxiety disorder and secondary issues of depression participated in a 15-session weekly group therapy of EDTP. Among participants who completed the protocol (18 out of 22), 14 no longer met criteria for an anxiety disorder at post-treatment. Additionally, among participants who were assigned a depressive disorder before treatment, (5 out of 22), only one participant continued to meet such criteria at post-treatment.

Unlike results from previous studies, the presence of depressive symptoms did not predict poorer treatment response. The results also show a high percentage of attendance. The findings imply that EDTP may offer a better treatment option for children experiencing anxiety and depression.

"Previous research has shown that depressive symptoms tend to weaken treatment response for anxiety disorders. We were hopeful that a broader, more generalized approach would better address this common co-occurrence," says Bilek, doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, at UM and co-author of the study. "We were not surprised to find that the EDTP had equivalent outcomes for individuals with and without elevated depressive symptoms, but we were certainly pleased to find that this protocol may address this important issue."

The study, titled "An Open Trial Investigation of a Transdiagnostic Group Treatment for Children With Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms," is published online ahead of print in the journal Behavior Therapy.

The next step is for the team to conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing the EDTP to another group treatment protocol for anxiety disorder.

###

The University of Miami's mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. www.miami.edu



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-07/uom-edu073012.php

oklahoma state university badgers badgers nbc sports network mendenhall demarcus cousins savannah brinson

Were you shocked that a college sports team like P

Were you shocked that a college sports team like Penn State's would cover up a crime to protect its franchise?

Current Results

Thank you, you've already voted on the current poll.
Yes
No
Current High Answer: No

Last Week's Question of the Week Final Results

Do you plan on traveling this summer?

No

Source: http://feeds.soundpublishing.com/~r/bchopinion/~3/pSjmN0ujqhU/162775946.html

resurrection masters tickets one direction tulsa news scalloped potatoes the ten commandments charlton heston

Take On Internet Marketing Gurus With These Crucial Tips | SEO ...

If you are just beginning you probably don?t know a banner ad from a skyscraper! What the heck is search engine optimization? Whether you?re just a beginner or you know the answers to those questions, we?ve got some tips and ideas for you that you may never have thought of, which can help your internet marketing business blossom.

One key to enhancing the visibility of your website, is to update your content frequently. This serves a dual purpose. First, frequent updates keep your content current and fresh, encouraging existing viewers to check back often for new and relevant information. But frequent updating also signals to the search engines that you are actively engaged in maintaining your website and your efforts can be rewarded with higher rankings in the search results.

When you become involved in internet marketing you must think of it like any other job. You will probably need to put in several hours per day tinkering with your site and improving your search results. This can become quite tiring but when you set aside the time to do it, rewarding.

On your main website?s front page, you have to be sure that your long ad copy is interesting and compelling enough for people to want to read it and click through the rest of your site. If it is not appealing, your visitors will just leave, and you will lose a sale.

Make sure that you create a financial plan before you put the wheels in motion, in order to determine what you can and cannot do. Never spend more money than you have, as your goal should be to maximize the value of your site with minimal expenses. This is the optimal strategy for maximum profit.

Just because your business is a local, physical business, doesn?t mean you don?t need a web presence. Make sure to build a basic web site with lots of information about your company and market that to local clientele. Even in local economies, many people turn to the internet for information on where to go and who to buy from. They can?t come to you if you aren?t there.

Offering your customers an affiliate program is an amazing way to get them to do some internet marketing for you! You?ll have a sales force who is already interested in the product or service you offer, has owned it and tried it out, and will want to earn some money by making you greater profits!

Design a public-relations page for your business. This can include all information that is noteworthy to newspapers, e-zines, magazines, blogs and the like. Launching an unusual item, holding a mega-party event, and making a substantial donation to a needy charity are all effective ways to capture the right media attention and gain positive press.

From webmasters who wish to drive traffic, to companies who sell online, to internet marketing gurus, every one of those people need to know all there is to know about good marketing online. We hope we?ve provided you with, at least, a start to your learning and that you?ll pursue more information, in order to help your own personal goals be met.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Source: http://www.ofloveandtreason.com/take-on-internet-marketing-gurus-with-these-crucial-tips

lemonade diet steve jobs action figure chris jericho rose bowl johnny weir quadrantid meteor shower osu football

Why software should not be patentable: the academic approach ...

There is a growing body of scientific, economic and practical evidence supporting the view that software should not be patentable.

Perhaps predictably, some IP lawyers continue to assert the opposite view, though usually without evidence other than the non sequitur that a company that was granted a patent (i.e. a monopoly) has made money. For example, patent attorney Ken Moon of AJ Park recently made the rather grumpy-sounding claim that:

? the belated exclusion by the Select Committee of patents for software inventions ? was introduced on the basis of faith based arguments and in the face of a total lack of evidence that such patents had resulted in any economic mischief that required addressing by legislation. The exclusion of embedded software inventions of the type devised by high-tech kiwi manufacturers such as Fisher & Paykel Appliances and Navman for their computer controlled appliances GPS systems is somewhat irrational.

(Mr Moon?s article does not disclose that his firm carries out patent application work for both Fisher & Paykel Appliances and Navman).

To the contrary, the arguments in favour of excluding software patents (all submissions are here) were fact-based, referenced, and rational, and resulted in the unanimous multi-party acceptance of the exclusion which was widely praised by the NZ IT industry. Likewise, a prominent US judge also recently questioned the extension of patents to cover software.

A recent article on Groklaw, ?Does Programming a Computer Make A New Machine?? provides a detailed academic computer science view in support. It argues that the law and computer science are not aligned when it comes to evaluating software-based patent claims:

If you ask a patent attorney he will answer that there is well established case law that says programming a computer in effect makes a new machine for purposes of patent law. But if you ask a computer programmer he will say that obviously, programing a computer doesn?t make a new machine. The whole point of a programmable computer is precisely that there is no need to make a new machine for every individual program?

Most computer professionals would say the technical explanations given in [the cases] are incorrect from a computer science perspective. From the point of view of physical machine structure, no new machine is made when a computer is programmed.

This disparity between the legal profession and the IT profession is also evident in the ongoing Patents Bill software exclusion debate, where most of the New Zealand IT industry is in favour of excluding software patents, whereas patent attorneys (representing patent-holders) are strongly opposed.

The US is still awaiting a Supreme Court case squarely on the issue of software patents. Of two recent high-profile patent cases, Bilski was about business methods, and Mayo v Prometheus was about medical testing procedures. Neither really went beyond the established law, but added various comments that might be picked up in future cases (?obiter dictum? in legal parlance).

When an appropriate case arrives, academic critiques grounded in computer science will be equally as relevant as economic or legal arguments. Meanwhile in New Zealand, we await progress, or quite possibly revision, on the Patents Bill.

Source: http://www.burgess.co.nz/law/why-software-should-not-be-patentable-the-academic-approach/

superbowl kick off time 2012 new york giants hot wings recipe 7 layer dip recipe chris carter superbowl 2012 kickoff time what time is the super bowl 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Guide to Coir Carpet | Coir Flooring, Rugs and Mats | What is Coir?

If you have a busy home, you?re probably aware of just how much wear and tear your carpets can take. From kids running around and traipsing in muddy footprints, to accidental spills and unsightly dog hairs, keeping your carpets clean and looking as good as new can be a real chore. However, you don?t need to break your back vacuuming if you had a strong alternative ? and that?s where coir carpets really shine.

With that in mind, Flooring Supplies has come up with a handy guide to coir and the different choices you have if you want to add a bit of durability and beauty to your home.

What is Coir?

Coir flooring is a natural material made in Kerala in India from the very strong fibres of the coconut husk. Before they are pounded with stones, these fibres are removed by hand and treated in sea water so they can be softened up and woven on hand-operated looms into beautiful designs. When the fibres dry you?re left with a very durable carpet, able to take the wear and tear that goes with living in a modern family home.

Essentially, there are two main types of coir fibre that are distinguished by their age when harvested. White coir fibre, made from immature husks, is smoother and finer than the more mature brown coir fibre, whose age gives it a bit more added strength and its familiar darker colour.

Coir Carpets

It goes without saying that coir carpets ooze character. Available in a wide variety of shades ? from golden hues to husky browns, coir really does give that warm and welcoming look. Although not as comfortable underfoot as the more common carpet solutions, it?s highly textured and durable enough to last years. Another benefit of coir carpets in your home is that, because it?s a relatively cheap option compared to standard carpets, you don?t have to break the bank to achieve that natural rustic feel.

Coir Mats

If you?re sick and tired of cleaning up muddy footprints, you could always invest in a coir mat. Because of the durability of the coir husk, these mats are perfect for removing dirt from shoes before someone enters your home. This not only protects your internal floors by keeping them clean, it extends the life of them too ? meaning you won?t have to splash out on installing a new floor. Coir mats are also woven in such a way that they allow water to pass through, meaning it can be kept outside if needs be and allowed to dry naturally. It?s the perfect finishing touch for your home ? particularly if you have a period property.

Coir Rugs

If you don?t want to splash out on a full carpet re-fit, or don?t fancy a coir mat outside your property, a coir rug could be the perfect go-between.

A coir rug is very hard-wearing and can be used in a wide range of locations in your home ? a perfect place is under the dinner table. Not only will it give your dining area that sophisticated look, it is perfect should someone accidentally spill food or drink as it?ll be easy to clean up. However, coir rugs are unsuitable for areas where high moisture levels are common, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

So, to sum up, whatever coir flooring solution you choose, you can be sure that you?ll get a hard-wearing, durable, affordable and long-lasting floor which will last for years. Pick the right colour to suit your property?s internal features and colour scheme and you?ll be on to a winner.

This guest post was written by Liam Tarry on behalf of Flooring Supplies.

Source: http://www.servicemagic.co.uk/resources/coir-carpet-flooring-rugs-and-mats/

after christmas sales 2011 best ipad apps chris paul gift card exchange tj holmes waste management two fat ladies

Neighbors say Colo. shooting suspect likely facing eviction

AURORA, Colo. (Reuters) - Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes was likely facing eviction from the Aurora apartment that authorities say he booby-trapped with explosives last week, neighbors said.

Holmes, a former University of Colorado graduate student, is accused of killing 12 people and wounding 58 others in a shooting rampage at a midnight movie premiere of "A Dark Knight Rises" on July 20, and wiring his apartment with enough explosives to have leveled the building if they had detonated.

Neighbors and students in the North Aurora neighborhood where Holmes lived said Holmes' withdrawal from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus a month before the shooting would likely have triggered his eviction from the building, which is reserved for people affiliated with the school.

Officials at the University of Colorado have said Holmes was enrolled in the school's Ph.D. neuroscience program, but he withdrew last month.

Nine days before the shooting, Holmes was seen on Paris Street, asking landlords and neighbors if anyone was aware of a vacant apartment in the area, several neighbors told Reuters.

Holmes was arrested in the movie theater parking lot shortly after the shooting, and told officers his apartment contained explosives, police said.

Law enforcement officials told Reuters the third floor Paris Street apartment was rigged with 30 homemade explosives, chemicals designed to accelerate a fire sparked by the bombs, and trip wires to trigger the blast as soon as a person attempted to enter the booby-trapped apartment.

The building was evacuated. But the explosives were later safely dismantled and removed by authorities, and Holmes' neighbors returned to their homes.

'EYES KEPT FLUTTERING'

On July 11, at around 3:30 p.m, Holmes approached neighbor Carl Pedro Allen, 54, who was sitting in front of 1733 Paris Street -- about a block away from Holmes' apartment building. Holmes asked Allen, and others gathered there, if they knew of any vacant one-bedroom apartments.

"We let him know there were no vacancies, but we told him about where he might be able to find an open apartment," Allen said.

Holmes was wearing jeans and sneakers and described himself as a local student, Allen said. But Allen also said he noticed something strange about Holmes' eyes.

"His eyes were fluttering and blinking," Allen said. "It was really weird. I didn't know if he was high or what, but those eyes kept fluttering."

Two others who witnessed the incident, Ashley Jones, 25, and Rosando "JR" Causus, a maintenance man at 1733 Paris Street, independently confirmed Allen's story.

At Holmes' initial court appearance last week, observers said his eyes fluttered wildly and he blinked repeatedly. He is due back in court on Monday.

Joan Holley of Holley Realty, which manages the building at 1690 Paris Street where Holmes lived, could not be reached for comment. She had previously told Reuters that she would not comment on matters related to the building.

Kylina Washington, 14, said she and her friend Asia Quinn spoke with Holmes around the same time Allen said he did, behind a 7-Eleven where clerks recognized Holmes as a regular customer.

"He said he was moving," Washington said.

Tori Everhart, 27, a resident in Holmes' building, said Holley Realty representatives told her the building was reserved for University of Colorado students, faculty and staff.

A second student resident, who was moving his belongings out of a second floor apartment and into a U-Haul truck on Saturday afternoon and declined to give his name, confirmed the policy.

"Only residents and faculty can live here," he said. The student said withdrawal from the school would require a resident to leave within a month.

A third student exiting the complex, who also declined to allow her name to be used, confirmed the policy.

(Reporting By Chris Francescani; Editing by Edith Honan and Stacey Joyce)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/colorado-shooting-suspect-likely-facing-eviction-neighbors-011835284.html

meryl streep martin scorsese sacha baron cohen best picture nominees 2012 academy awards 2012 albert nobbs a star is born

08/01/2012 - Community Builders Summer Literacy Program

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://www.nkctribune.com/tribcalendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=6545

316 william daley truffles truffles alabama vs lsu alabama vs lsu bcs championship game

Pieces of Me Scrapbooking & Paper Crafts: Christmas in July!


Check out this goldmine of a Pinterest find! Vintage clip art for traditional and digital scrapbooking, cardmaking and crafts.

I'm in love with the sheet music above! It would be awesome for Christmas cardmaking.

You can find this and tons more at?vintagefeedsacks.blogspot.com
Here's a direct link to the sheet music.?Christmas sheet music

Source: http://piecesofmepapercrafts.blogspot.com/2012/07/christmas-in-july.html

barnaby barnaby the cabin in the woods the cabin in the woods trace adkins the darkest hour the darkest hour

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Phelps barely makes it, Park reinstated after DQ

USA's Michael Phelps competes in a heat of the men's 400-meter individual medley at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza)

USA's Michael Phelps competes in a heat of the men's 400-meter individual medley at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza)

USA's Michael Phelps competes in a heat of the men's 400-meter individual medley at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

USA's Michael Phelps competes in a heat of the men's 400-meter individual medley at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

USA's Michael Phelps competes in a heat of the men's 400-meter individual medley at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

USA's Michael Phelps competes in a heat of the men's 400-meter individual medley at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

(AP) ? Michael Phelps almost failed to qualify for the final in the first of his seven events, and Olympic champion Park Tae-hwan was reinstated after being disqualified for a false start in a dramatic opening to swimming at the London Games on Saturday.

"That one didn't feel too good," Phelps said after squeaking into the final in the 400-meter individual medley by seven-hundredths of a second.

Park touched the wall first in his 400 freestyle heat and was surprised by his disqualification, saying, "I don't know why" after he walked off the deck.

South Korea appealed to swimming's governing body, which reinstated Park after a video review, FINA executive director Cornel Marculescu told The Associated Press.

Park and Phelps were not the only surprises of the morning at the Aquatics Centre, where Queen Elizabeth appeared briefly. Paul Biedermann of Germany, the world-record holder in the 200-meter freestyle, failed to make the final.

"That's the Olympics," said Canadian Ryan Cochrane, who initially took the last spot in the 400 freestyle final but was knocked out when Park was reinstated. "It's always a surprise, every single heat. You just have to focus on your own race."

In Beijing, Park became South Korea's first swimming gold medalist. He also won the world title in Shanghai last year.

Phelps, the two-time defending Olympic champion, won his 400 IM heat in 4 minutes, 13.33 seconds with a time that was well off his world record of 4:03.84 set four years ago, when he won a record eight gold medals.

But it was only good enough to secure the last spot in the evening final, when Phelps will swim in Lane 8 instead of the middle of the pool. He breathes to his right, so he won't see the field coming home.

"The only thing that matters is just getting a spot in," he said. "You can't win the gold medal from the morning."

In the 400 IM, Kosuke Hagino of Japan led the way in 4:10.01, a national record. Chad le Clos of South Africa was second at 4:12.24, and Ryan Lochte of the United States advanced in third at 4:12.35.

Phelps' time was just fast enough to keep Laszlo Cseh of Hungary, the silver medalist in Beijing, out of the final. Cseh was ninth overall after leading Phelps during their heat before the American closed on the last lap of freestyle to beat him to the wall.

"I didn't expect those guys to go that fast in their heat," Phelps said. "I was slower this morning than I was four years ago."

Phelps' time in the grueling event, which he had vowed not to swim again after Beijing, took some of the luster off what was expected to be a showdown between him and Lochte for gold.

"You can't count him out," Lochte said, referring to Phelps. "Even though he just squeaked in eighth, he's a racer. We're going to do everything we can to go 1-2 tonight."

Lochte, the bronze medalist in Beijing, has won the 400 IM at the last two world championships.

"My first race is always the worst one," he said. "I'm glad I got the cobwebs out."

Kosuke Kitajima of Japan opened his bid to become the first male swimmer to win the same individual event at three consecutive Olympics. He qualified second-quickest in the 100 breaststroke at 59.63 seconds behind Christian Sprenger of Australia in 59.62.

"I don't have any pressure, I just try to enjoy," Kitajima said. "It felt so good. It was good for my first race. I will try to improve in the semifinals."

Giedrius Titenis of Lithuania was third at 59.68. Twelve of the 16 swimmers who reached the semifinals swam under 1 minute.

American Brendan Hansen, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist who was fourth in Beijing, qualified 10th at 59.93. Teammate Eric Shanteau was 11th at 59.96.

"Everybody seemed to be going out real fast in the first 50," Hansen said. "I wanted to come home strong. I let everybody know that last 50 is going to be there. This race is going to be won in the last 15 meters."

Missing from the 100 breast was Alexander Dale Oen of Norway, the world champion who would have been a medal contender in these games. He died in April of cardiac arrest at 26 during a training camp in Arizona.

"We're carrying him with us all the time," Sara Nordenstam of Norway said after her heat in the 400 IM. "We have our own way of honoring him ? that's swimming fast and remembering him and remember everything that he taught us and go for the goals that we set together."

Dana Vollmer had the fastest qualifying time in the 100 butterfly at 56.25, setting American and Olympic records, to lead 16 women into the evening semifinals.

"I'm really happy with how fast it was and I think it's only going to get faster," she said. "That's kind of a confidence-booster. I'm ready to go."

Lu Ying of China was second in 57.17 and Australian Alicia Coutts was third at 57.36. Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden, the world record holder, was fourth at 57.45.

American Claire Donahue moved on in seventh, while British teammates Francesca Hall and Ellen Gandy were eighth and ninth.

Jess Schipper of Australia, the bronze medalist four years ago, was 24th and missed the semifinals by eight spots.

In the 400 free, Sun Yang of China qualified fastest in 3:45.07. American Peter Vanderkaay was second at 3:45.80, followed by his teammates Conor Dwyer in 3:46.24.

Biedermann washed out for the second straight Olympics. He also didn't make it out of the heats in Beijing. He set the world record at the 2009 world meet in Rome at the height of the high-tech body suit craze. Those suits have since been banned.

"It wasn't so good," he said. "I wanted to lead from the front, but I couldn't hold it."

World champion Elizabeth Beisel of the United States qualified fastest in the women's 400 IM at 4:31.68. Ye Shiwen of China was second at 4:31.73.

Katinka Hosszu of Hungary, who trains at the University of Southern California, was third in 4:33.77. Britain's Hannah Miley got the loudest cheers while advancing to the final in sixth.

Rice, a triple gold medalist in Beijing who has struggled with shoulder injuries the last three years, was seventh.

"Whew! That took quite a bit out of me," Rice said. "I know that I've done everything I could. I'm pretty at peace with the fact that I'm just going to get in there and do my thing and see what happens."

American Caitlin Leverenz got the last spot in the eight-woman final.

Australia had the fastest qualifying time in the 4x100 free relay. Emily Seebohm, Brittany Elmslie, Yolane Kukla and Libby Trickett were timed in 3:36.34.

The U.S. team of Lia Neal, Amanda Weir, Natalie Coughlin and Allison Schmitt was second at 3:36.53.

"I think we did our goal of putting us in a good spot for tonight, which was the main thing," said Coughlin, who has 11 career medals but didn't qualify to swim any individual events in London.

She has a chance to join Dara Torres and Jenny Thompson as the most decorated U.S. female Olympian if the Americans earn a medal in the evening final, whether or not Coughlin returns to swim. Torres and Thompson both won 12 medals.

The defending champion Dutch team of Marleen Veldhuis, Inge Dekker, Hinkelien Schreuder and Femke Heemskerk was third at 3:37.76.

_____

AP sports writer Andrew Dampf contributed to this story.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-07-28-OLY-SWM-Swimming-Prelims/id-0cb5e2fd81a34ee28308eccbf91d1e8f

ayaan hirsi ali rachel uchitel new years eve party ideas strait of hormuz mars needs moms gary johnson gary johnson

Is It Possible To Be Described As A Better Individual? Personal ...

Viewing :4

Supporting yourself is a crucial part of your life preparation. It needs to be organized in ways that you may complete all of your objectives to enable you to stay the life span you want to live. You need to analysis things you could achieve in your own life. These guidelines listed below may help you with that.

You must learn to concentrate effectively as a part of your individual advancement. Focusing lets you think a lot more significantly regarding your desired goals and feelings. When you emphasis, you can determine clear goals as well as a strong strategy. If you cannot emphasis, you are going to much more likely live life day by day without being concerned regarding the larger image.

Training what you believe. Getting knowledge and knowledge is a fantastic issue to possess, nevertheless, you also needs to stick them into action. When you place them into activity, you will actually build as a particular person. You can expect to develop a far better character, and be able to be a more robust particular person.

Find anything to have for. May it be a pastime, supporting other individuals or even a desire you have, discovering some thing to have for and help will increase your existence in a number of techniques. Inspiration is a highly effective strategy to keep you interested and maintain you improving your self daily.

Be sure you prepare tips at the center-term as well as the brief and long term. When creating personal development programs, everyone is usually very easily capable of seeing what they desire completed right away and what their eventual targets are. However, it?s equally important to understand the actions which get you from your short-phrase goals for the long-term objectives. Maintain the speed moving by having a strategy in position for every step of the method.

Allow yourself emails full of positive images. Article quotes and stating in areas in which you will notice them frequently. This will help to build personal discuss that is certainly ideal for your health. Consider using your laptop computer, fridge, and restroom mirror for positioning of esteem developing communications. Utilize them to strengthen your notion in on your own.

Educate yourself. Reading through books is a wonderful way to keep your thoughts practiced while you work on your self-enhancement objectives. You will find timeless books on the subject of personal-support, but even reading through publications relating to your country?s record or maybe your preferred hobby can do wonders. Not only will you gain knowledge, however your brain will also remain razor-sharp.

Supporting on your own ensures that you would like to change your daily life to the better and you want to complete your desired goals. By studying what methods you need to take to get that existence you would like, you?ll get there quicker. So, do a prefer and apply the above mentioned ways to yourself-help strategy.

essay

Source: http://sharerally.com/?p=252903

clive davis cause of whitney houston death the watchmen whitney houston dies beverly hills hotel beverly hills hotel whitney houston national anthem

How Can I Get Out Of Debt Quickly? - 1st Finance Guide

Posted by
admin in
pay off debt on
07 29th, 2012 |
no responses

All my thirty years of experience in the finance industry have taught me that the most common questions being asked by consumers today are How Can I get Out of Debt Quickly or can you help Me get Out of Debt fast?

The reality of our situation is that we have all been subjected to aggressive and relentless advertising campaigns by large companies and consequently we have overspent. this singular affliction of overspending on goods that have little or no utility value, plagues most of us today and consequently we all seek to identify a reputable debt management service or a debt management consolidation company.

I am here to tell you that in most cases you do not need to engage the services of a professional firm that will charge you fees in exchange for advice on how to make a budget plan, or on how to pay off a credit card fast.

The answer to reducing debt, whether credit card debt elimination, home loans, car finance or store credit is based on the most elementary of all finance principles as follows:

Spend less than you earn and direct the balance of your earnings towards debt repayment.

Please do not discard this principle as overly simplistic. The truth of the matter is that unless you manage your finances in such a manner so as to spend less than you earn (and direct the balance towards debt repayment), you will never succeed in living a debt free life.

You can spend time and money being taught how to make a budget plan, or on receiving advice from a financial advisor, or on wishing you will win the lottery, however, the simple truth is that unless you discipline yourself to spend less than you earn, you will never succeed in living the debt free life you deserve.

I would be willing to bet money on the fact that all debt reduction programs available in the market today amount to the same thing: reduce spending and allocate a reasonable percentage of your earnings towards debt repayment. That?s it. That?s what they all boil down to.

There is nothing wrong with any of the above methods, however, when all is said and done, please remember that you are fully in control of your finances and so long as you are able to spend less than you earn and allocate the balance towards debt repayment, you?ll soon be debt free and on your way to generating the wealth you so rightly deserve.

Source: http://www.1stfinanceguide.com/how-can-i-get-out-of-debt-quickly/

mountain lion Christian Bale visits victims Perez Hilton national weather service kristen stewart Christian Bale Sherman Hemsley

Movie Review: 'Step Up Revolution' Introduces Flash Mobs to Miami ...

If the question in your mind is "Who is the Mob?" you will want to catch this new release on Friday, July 27. Kathryn McCormick and Ryan Guzman co-star in the fourth installment of the ?Step Up? series and this time around the stage is set in the beach town of Miami.

In this feature Guzman leads an organized, choreographed flash mob through town shooting scenes to upload to a YouTube competition in an attempt to win a large amount of cash. Romance sparks when Sean meets Emily, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, who is in town for the summer and dreams of becoming a dancer.

The reviews on this one are mixed so you?ll have to make up your own mind. Here is what some top critics are saying about this new release:

"Step Up Revolution" taps into the dance "flash mob" phenomenon and moves to Miami to give us the sunniest and most entertaining of these kids-gotta-dance musicals.? ? Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

?Revolution?s mix of choreography, contrasting modern dance and street-style performance that incorporates hip-hop, step, acrobatic moves and Cirque du Soleil-style aerial stunts, forms an energetic, constantly shifting mosaic.? ? Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter

"Step Up: Revolution" is the fourth of the "Step Up" movies, a series of unconnected stories that serve as showcases for the kinds of young stars who sincerely hope they'll soon be in better movies. ? Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

?But as wonky as the film may be, its anything-goes attitude can be infectious, never more so than in a climactic routine that simply throws everything against the wall, not waiting around to see if it sticks.? ? Andrew Barker, Variety

This movie is rated PG-13 for language and scenes with suggestive dancing.

Showtimes: Great Escape 14

Ready to see ?Step Up Revolution?? Head to?Hamilton Mill Great Escape 14, 2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway. For more theater information, showtimes and pricing,?click here?or call 678-482-0624.

You might also be interested in reading:

Source: http://dacula.patch.com/articles/movie-review-step-up-revolution-introduces-flash-mobs-to-miami

susan powell megamillions winners university of louisville louisville ky final four lotto winners mega ball winning numbers

Saturday, July 28, 2012

What to Do With the Digital Remains of a Failed Relationship [User Manual]

After the split, you're left with an abandoned attic's worth of stuff: on your phone and hard drive, in your inbox. It's stuff that used to matter, and still does. It's stuff that hurts. It's stuff you loved. What do you do with it? More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/-cCSCkRVU84/what-to-do-with-the-digital-remains-of-a-failed-relationship

verizon galaxy nexus lawrence lessig lawrence lessig time magazine person of the year 2011 time magazine person of the year 2011 new orleans jazz fest new orleans jazz fest

Transcript: Testimony of CFPB Student Loan Ombudsman Rohit ...

Transcript: Testimony of CFPB Student Loan Ombudsman Rohit Chopra before Senate Banking Committee

Posted by editor on Friday, July 27, 2012 ? 2 Comments?

Edited by?Jenny Jiang

Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee hearing on July 24, 2012

Transcript of testimony of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Student Loan Ombudsman Rohit Chopra:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Student Loan Ombudsman Rohit Chopra. SOURCE: Banking.Senate.gov

?Chairman Brown, Ranking Member Corker, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for holding this hearing today.

?To prosper in today?s global economy, our workforce needs skills to innovate in highly competitive environment. But the rapid growth of student debt raises concerns that warrant attention of policymakers. Student loan debt has now crossed the $1 trillion mark.

?Now, college is still a great investment. Graduates have lower unemployment rates and earn higher wages.

?But there is another side to this story. Over the past decade, real wages for college graduates have declined. The growing college wage premium is largely explained by faster falling wages of non-degree holders.

?But the cost of college has not been following, rising faster than inflation, wage growth, and health care costs. Growing costs, declining wages, and job market uncertainty have led to more debt and more risk.

?The stories of distressed borrowers reveal the impact of the financial crisis and the significant work that lies ahead.

?Prior to the crisis, private student lending rapidly increased. Like mortgage industry, lax lending practices are much less common today. Loans are co-signed and often have significant disclosure requirements. But like the mortgage market, there are still opportunities to make improvements.

?Private loans often lack re-payment flexibility. In 2007, Congress and President Bush enacted the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which allowed student loan borrowers to remain current on the loan in the income-based repayment program. But this does not impact private student loans.

?Private loan borrowers experience challenges when attempting to restructure their loans. Due to capital markets conditions and an usual status in the bankruptcy code, even the most responsible borrowers have sought to better manage their debt burden. We see that many borrowers feel stuck with high monthly payments because they cannot easily refinance.

?In March, the CFPB launched a student loan complaint system where many borrowers have sought and received help, and lenders have learned more about their borrowers? experience.

?We also work closely with the Department of Education on a ?Know Before You Owe? financial aid shopping sheet released this morning.

?And we?ve developed online tools used by tens of thousands of consumers on how to navigate their student loan repayment options, avoid default, and honor their commitments.

?The CFPB hopes to continue our work with other agencies that might play a critical role in addressing road blocks to facilitating repayment flexibility and a robust refinance market.

?While student debt might not pose systemic risks like with mortgages, it would be imprudent to dismiss that growing indebtedness can act as a drag on economic recovery.

?Consider borrowers facing high rates and high payments who are dutifully meeting these obligations. Without a refinance option, they struggle to reduce their payments even though they have built a solid credit history.

?So what might be the consequences of this? Take the housing market. First-time homebuyers are an important source of demand, and data reveals that adults in prime home-buying age cohorts are living at home with their parents and seeing reductions in their homeownership rates. In addition to home ownership, data also reveals low participation and contribution rates to employer retirement plans among young graduates, which can challenge their future retirement security.

?Congress and federal agencies have taken steps to increase liquidity and the functioning of the credit markets in recent years. But the current conditions in student loan markets may have a long-term impact on the economic vitality of many borrowers today. Many borrowers are unable to secure adequate credit accommodations to manage their debt burden.

?Policymakers have paid significant attention to conditions in the mortgage market. But given the potential impact of student debt on the broader economy, the situation demonstrates the need for attention. The CFPB will continue its work to make the loan marketplace work better for borrowers, schools, and honest lenders.

?We look forward to working with Congress and policymakers to ensure that economic mobility is still within reach for those who borrowed to invest in education.

?I look forward to your questions.?

###

?

Learn More:

Filed under Advocacy, Banking & Finance, Congress, Consumer, Current Events, Economy, Government, Politics, Transcripts, U.S. ? Tagged with American workers, bankruptcy, Bob Corker, borrowers, Bush administration, College Cost Reduction and Access Act, Congress, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, credit card, default, defaults, Democratic, Democratic Party, Democrats, economic interests, economic recovery, economy, Federal Reserve, higher education, inflation, loans, private loans, recent college graduates, refinancing, Republican, Republican Party, Republicans, retirement, Sherrod Brown, state budget, states, student debt, student loan defaults, student loans, taxpayer-subsidized, U.S., unemployment, United States, universities, US Senate, wages

Source: http://www.whatthefolly.com/2012/07/27/transcript-testimony-of-cfpb-student-loan-ombudsman-rohit-chopra-before-senate-banking-committee/

the last waltz earth day activities mel gibson splunk dark shadows iau msft

Super Bowl XLI Webcast Expected To Break Online Traffic Record ...

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) January 29, 2007

?Super Bowl XLI webcast is going to be hot, red hot,? states Eric Bryant of AsSeenOnTheInternet.tv. From live sporting events to live newscasts to attending a live seminar via your desktop, the Internet has become ?the place? to watch TV and hear live broadcasts.

The NFL Super Bowl online traffic is not widely talked about, but if online coverage mirrors real world network increases, the sky and moon is the limit. NFL Field Pass, the NFL?s Super Bowl XLI online broadcast, includes pre and post game interviews, along with live streaming audio, and press conferences.

?Online TV viewing and streaming live audio should surpass network, cable, and satellite TV watching by 2012,? Bryant anticipates. More than 50% of U.S. households have broadband Internet connections and cell phone providers are including the feature to watch web TV and catch streaming audio.

Forward-thinking organizations including the NFL, the NBA, Major League Baseball, CNN, Webex (business seminars), NYC Marathon, Tour De France, All-American Soap Box Derby, Santa, Times Square New Years, Oprah, church groups, local TV stations, concert promoters, HBO, Academy Awards, Nascar, and ESPN among others are already cashing in by producing live webcasts to meet the expected demand of rising online TV watching and live audio streaming. ?I just wanted to know what?s available to watch and or hear on internet television, where, and when? ? Eric Bryant, on why he created AsSeenOnTheInternet.tv

For additional information, contact: Eric Bryant 440-487-8413.

AsSeenOnTheInternet.tv was created on April 6, 2003, is a daily-updated TV Listings/Webcast Guide featuring broadcast times and links to watch TV and hear live audio online. See live streaming videos, live webcasts, live newscasts, live web seminars, live online concerts, live home shopping, live sporting events, live church of Jesus Christ, plus links to order pizza online while you watch TV on the Internet or hear streaming audio. Watching TV will never be the same.

Related NASCAR Press Releases

Source: http://www.motorsportworldnews.com/2012/07/28/super-bowl-xli-webcast-expected-to-break-online-traffic-record/

sofia vergara april 9 albatross louis oosthuizen phil mickelson 10 year old gives birth c. difficile

US fears Syria preparing for massacre in Aleppo

AMMAN/BEIRUT (Reuters) - The United States said it feared a massacre in Aleppo after President Bashar al-Assad's forces launched ground and air bombardments in preparation for a major onslaught against rebels in Syria's commercial capital.

Insurgents targeted army roadblocks and security installations, with both sides avoiding close-quarters warfare in the northern city of 2.5 million people, Syria's biggest urban centre.

The U.S. State Department said credible reports of tank columns moving on Aleppo, along with air strikes by helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, represented a serious escalation of Assad's efforts to crush a rebellion that began 16 months ago.

"This is the concern: that we will see a massacre in Aleppo, and that's what the regime appears to be lining up for," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.

Troops stationed on the outskirts of the city unleashed barrages of heavy-calibre mortar rounds on the western neighbourhoods of Saladin, al-Sukkari and al-Fardos, while Russian-built MI-25 helicopter gunships struck al-Sakhour in the east with rockets, opposition activists in the city said.

The heavy fighting around Aleppo follows an audacious bomb attack that killed four of Assad's closest lieutenants in Damascus on July 18 and led some analysts to speculate that the government's grip was slipping.

RISING CASUALTIES

In the first reported casualty on Friday, a man of about 60 wearing a traditional white prayer outfit was killed near a park in Saladin. His body was placed in a mosque pending identification.

Thirty-four people were killed in and around Aleppo on Thursday, according to opposition activists.

"The rebels have so far been nimble, and civilians have mostly been the victims of the bombardment," said activist Abu Mohammad al-Halabi, speaking by phone from the city.

"There is lots of internal displacement, and schools have been turned to makeshift shelters that are packed. One shell hitting a school will result in a catastrophe," he said.

"The regime is massing troops and tanks at the entrances of Aleppo, but it seems it is for now content with bombarding the city, with the rebels constantly on the move."

Majed al-Nour, another activist, said rebels attacked a security outpost in the neighbourhood of Bustan al-Joz, which is close to the Aleppo city centre, on Thursday.

"The rebels are present in the east and west of the city, and have a foothold in areas of the centre. The regime forces control the entrances of Aleppo and the main thoroughfares and commercial streets and are bombarding the residential districts that fell into rebel hands," he said.

Nour said tens of thousands of people had fled Aleppo to nearby northern rural regions close to Turkey from which the Syrian army has withdrawn in recent weeks to focus on urban areas where relatively lightly armed rebels have hunkered down.

With U.N. Security Council resolutions for sanctions against Syria vetoed by Russia and China for a third time last week, the United States has said it is stepping up assistance to Syria's fractured opposition, although it remains limited to non-lethal supplies such as communications gear and medical equipment.

Reuters has learned that the White House has crafted a presidential directive, called a "finding," that would authorize greater covert assistance for the rebels, while still stopping short of arming them.

It is not clear whether President Barack Obama has signed the document, and U.S. officials declined to comment on the finding, which is a highly classified authorization for covert activity.

UNITING THE OPPOSITION

A Syrian parliamentarian representing the northern province of Aleppo said on Friday she had defected to Turkey, becoming the first member of the rubberstamp assembly elected in May and dominated by President Bashar al-Assad's Baath Party to defect.

"I have crossed to Turkey and defected from this tyrannical regime ... because of the repression and savage torture against a nation demanding the minimum of rights," Ikhlas al-Badawi told Sky News Arabia.

One of the most senior figures to defect from Assad's inner circle, Brigadier General Manaf Tlas, has put himself forward as someone who could help unify the opposition inside and outside Syria on a plan for a transfer of power.

Tlas, speaking in a newspaper interview in the Saudi city of Jeddah, also said he was looking for support from Saudi Arabia and other powers. "I am discussing with ... people outside Syria to reach a consensus with those inside," Tlas told Thursday's edition of Asharq al-Awsat.

Tlas went on to Turkey and met Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Turkey, a former ally of Assad and now one of his fiercest critics, has a heavy strategic stake in shaping any post-Assad leadership in neighbouring Syria.

Tlas appeared briefly with Davutoglu at an official guest house but made no statement.

Turkey closed its border posts with Syria on Wednesday to all traffic except Syrian refugees.

Russia, one of the few remaining allies of the authoritarian Assad, whose family has run Syria for 42 years, said calls for him to quit power were hindering efforts to end the conflict.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said such calls, led by the United States, Turkey and other Western and Arab nations, were fanning violence. He reiterated Moscow's contention that support for Syrian rebel groups was tantamount to backing terrorism.

Germany said Russian and Chinese backing for Syria was a big problem. "For this reason we urge them to recognise that the time of the Assad regime is over," Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told German TV.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/un-rights-chief-calls-sparing-civilians-syrias-aleppo-093103074.html

lana del rey snl performance nick diaz sheryl sandberg superbowl recipes super bowl kick off chili recipes carlos condit

Bankruptcy Attorney New York City, NY - What Most People Fear ...

Last updated 12 hours ago

If you?re considering filing for bankruptcy, you probably have many concerns. While going through bankruptcy is difficult, it helps more than a million Americans take control of their finances each year. With the help of a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney, filing for bankruptcy can offer many benefits.

  • Losing Your Job: In a majority of cases, filing for bankruptcy will have no effect on your employment. In fact, the company you work for won?t know about your bankruptcy claim unless your employer garnishes your wages. Talk to an expert bankruptcy attorney to learn more about keeping your job during your filing.
  • Preventing Future Employment: Many people fear that bankruptcy will prevent them from getting a job in the future, but unless you work in a finance-related industry, your credit is not likely to influence your likelihood of being hired.
  • Ruining Your Credit: When you file for bankruptcy, it will appear on your credit report. However, with good behavior and financial responsibility after your claim, you can still rebuild your credit in as little as two years. Your bankruptcy attorney can help you create a financial plan that will get your credit back on track in no time.
  • Ruining Your Spouse?s Credit: Bankruptcy only affects the credit of the debtor, or the person filing. As long as spouses aren?t co-debtors, their credit won?t be affected by a bankruptcy claim. To learn about when spouses are considered co-debtors, seek legal advice from your bankruptcy attorney.
  • Not Qualifying for Future Loans: Depending on the type of loan you hope to get and how soon you hope to get it, bankruptcy may or may not be advisable. Consulting a bankruptcy attorney is the only way to understand how your claim may hinder future loans.

If filing for bankruptcy has you worried about your future, talk to the experienced New York bankruptcy attorneys at Jeffrey Weinstein, P.C. right away. We?ll examine your case personally and give you legal advice based on our knowledge, experience, and your individual needs. Call (646) 495-9614 to schedule your consultation.

Source: http://www.probatelawnyc.com/507700/2012/07/27/what-most-people-fear-about-filing-for-bankruptcy.html

memphis grizzlies celebrity apprentice grizzlies bronx zoo crash april 30 wwe extreme rules 2012 vontaze burfict

World's smallest semiconductor laser created

ScienceDaily (July 26, 2012) ? Physicists at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with colleagues in Taiwan and China, have developed the world's smallest semiconductor laser, a breakthrough for emerging photonic technology with applications from computing to medicine.

The scientists report their efforts in this week's Science.

Miniaturization of semiconductor lasers is key for the development of faster, smaller and lower energy photon-based technologies, such as ultrafast computer chips; highly sensitive biosensors for detecting, treating and studying disease; and next-generation communication technologies.

Such photonic devices could use nanolasers to generate optical signals and transmit information, and have the potential to replace electronic circuits. But the size and performance of photonic devices have been restricted by what's known as the three-dimensional optical diffraction limit.

"We have developed a nanolaser device that operates well below the 3-D diffraction limit," said Chih-Kang "Ken" Shih, professor of physics at The University of Texas at Austin. "We believe our research could have a large impact on nanoscale technologies."

In the current paper, Shih and his colleagues report the first operation of a continuous-wave, low-threshold laser below the 3-D diffraction limit. When fired, the nanolaser emits a green light. The laser is too small to be visible to the naked eye.

The device is constructed of a gallium nitride nanorod that is partially filled with indium gallium nitride. Both alloys are semiconductors used commonly in LEDs. The nanorod is placed on top of a thin insulating layer of silicon that in turn covers a layer of silver film that is smooth at the atomic level.

It's a material that the Shih lab has been perfecting for more than 15 years. That "atomic smoothness" is key to building photonic devices that don't scatter and lose plasmons, which are waves of electrons that can be used to move large amounts of data.

"Atomically smooth plasmonic structures are highly desirable building blocks for applications with low loss of data," said Shih.

Nanolasers such as this could provide for the development of chips where all processes are contained on the chip, so-called "on-chip" communication systems. This would prevent heat gains and information loss typically associated with electronic devices that pass data between multiple chips.

"Size mismatches between electronics and photonics have been a huge barrier to realize on-chip optical communications and computing systems," said Shangjr Gwo, professor at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwain and a former doctoral student of Shih's.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:


Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Texas at Austin, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.


Journal Reference:

  1. Y.-J. Lu, J. Kim, H.-Y. Chen, C. Wu, N. Dabidian, C. E. Sanders, C.-Y. Wang, M.-Y. Lu, B.-H. Li, X. Qiu, W.-H. Chang, L.-J. Chen, G. Shvets, C.-K. Shih, S. Gwo. Plasmonic Nanolaser Using Epitaxially Grown Silver Film. Science, 2012; 337 (6093): 450 DOI: 10.1126/science.1223504

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/e18p4R3fTg8/120726142158.htm

san francisco earthquake san francisco earthquake terminator salvation terminator salvation deron williams jarhead montrose

Alexa Vega Flaunts Massive Curves | Bodybuilding, Supplements ...



Alexa Vega is flaunting how grown up she is on Twitter.

The actress, who began working with popular director Robert Rodriguez at an? early age for the ?Spy Kids? franchise, is now starring in Rodriguez?s upcoming? thriller ?Machete Kills,? where she plays the role of the sexy, buxom? Killjoy.

The Colombian star posted a sneak peek photo of her in character as Killjoy? on her Twitter account. She soon had many talking about her curves and plunging? neckline, Yahoo! Move Talk reported.

?RR gave the OK for a sneak peek,? Vega posted on her Twitter account.

In the black and white photo Vega dons a metal bra which barely contains her? um? assets. A heart tattoo is clearly seen in her right underarm. The star is? also wearing heavy, dark make-up and bold jewelry.

Vega?s fans took to Twitter to express their excitement to see her in? Rodriguez?s new flick.

Other celebrities which will be joining Vega in ?Machete Kills? include ?Savages? actor Demi?n Bichir, Jessica Alba and Danny Trejo. In the film Vega?s? character works for Madame Desdemona played by fellow Colombian stunner Sof?a? Vergara.

?Machete Kills? is the second installment to the ?Machete? trilogy, which? began with a fake movie trailer Rodriguez created for famous director Quentin? Tarantino?s 2007 film ?Grindhouse.?

Vega, 23, recently made headlines after announcing her divorce from? 36-year-old Sean Covel after a year and a half of marriage, entertainment? publication TMZ? reported.???

?My relationship with Sean was deeply important and formative for both of? us,? Vega posted on Twitter. ?It simply evolved out of a marriage and into a? friendship.?

Last year Vega sat down with Fox News Latino to talk about her role as Mary? alongside Venezuelan actor Wilmer Valderrama in ?From Prada to Nada.??

The storyline behind ?From Prada to Nada?: when their father passes away, two? spoiled Latina sisters are left penniless and go from living in a mansion in? Beverly Hills, to their aunt?s more ?modest? home in East L.A.

Mary is a party girl, and her sister Nora, played by Camilla Belle, is a law? student. Neither speaks Spanish nor cares to know about their culture.? Valderrama plays Mary?s love interest, Bruno.

Vega, a buoyantly beautiful Latina, said the tone behind the film should also? be that as the new Latino generation continues to assimilate into the American? fabric, it should not forgot its roots.

?There are many [Hispanics] who don?t accept both cultures, they only accept? one or the other instead of embracing both. We are hoping that this gives people? the opportunity to help teach them you can embrace both,? Vega said.

Popular Posts

Causes of flat feet

But flat feet is a condition where the foot doesn?t have regular curve and the full sole of the foot is almost touching the round. This condition can be true to one or both feet. All babies in their infancy have flat feet. Normal and ordinary. But when they grow up and the longitudinal arch [...]

Pregnant head cold remedies in home

When pregnant a head cold can be very distressing and uncomfortable. However there are various home remedies that are available to deal with this condition with out having to resort to medical intervention. ? One of the main steps a pregnant woman needs to take when dealing with a head cold is to get adequate [...]

The danger of dietary obsessions for human

The last few decades have seen a drastic rise in the number of obesity cases worldwide. As a result of this, there is a corresponding increase in the awareness of the risks that these conditions pose. In addition to this, thinness has become a measure of beauty. There are many individuals who are so affected [...]

Remedies of sore throat

Strep throat and sore throat share common symptoms like a runny nose, swollen glands in the neck, discomfort while gulping or swallowing, hoarseness, and so on. Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection caused by group A Streptococcus. Diagnosed commonly in children aged 5 to 15, the symptoms include headache, fever, stomach pain, swollen tonsils, [...]

Getting ready for a photo shoot may seem over whelming to the new comer

Getting ready for a photo shoot may seem a little over whelming to the new comer that is eager to showcase their newly fit physique. But just like every other career choice, there are some basics that are necessary if you want to be successful. Having a great body, though important, is only a piece [...]

Source: http://stek.org/popular/alexa-vega-flaunts-massive-curves/

chester mcglockton arsenic los angeles weather big ten acc challenge scott disick lipitor lipitor