Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Clinton defends US role in Afghanistan (AP)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]AP - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is defending the U.S. mission in Afghanistan after a week of anti-American violence and the killing of U.S. military advisers.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/asia/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120228/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_clinton_afghanistan

judi dench alicia keys bobby brown leaves funeral donnie mcclurkin braveheart pat buchanan slither

Consumer confidence up in February

In this Feb. 21, 2012 photo, a customer exits Lowe's, in New York. A private research group says that consumer confidence in February rose to the highest level since a year ago when the U.S. economy?s outlook started to look brighter before souring again. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

In this Feb. 21, 2012 photo, a customer exits Lowe's, in New York. A private research group says that consumer confidence in February rose to the highest level since a year ago when the U.S. economy?s outlook started to look brighter before souring again. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

In this Feb. 27, 2012 photo, a shopper from Los Angeles, loads a 60 inch Samsung LED TV into his truck at Costco Wholesale store in Glendale, Calif. A private research group says that consumer confidence in February rose to the highest level since a year ago when the U.S. economy?s outlook started to look brighter before souring again. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

(AP) ? A private research group says that consumer confidence in February rose dramatically from last month to the highest level since a year ago when the U.S. economy's outlook started to look brighter before souring again.

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 70.8, up from a revised 61.5 in January, helped by consumers' improving assessment of the job market. Analysts had expected a reading of 63. The February reading marks the highest level since February 2011 when it was 72.0.

The index, which is closely watched because consumer confidence makes up the majority of U.S. economic activity, is still far below the 90 that indicates a healthy economy. But it's closer to levels that indicate a steady economy than not. The index has risen slowly since hitting an all-time low of 25.3 in February of 2009. And in the past 12 months, it's jumped from the high 60s to the low 40s amid continued worries about the health of the U.S. economy.

"Consumers are considerably less pessimistic about current business and labor market conditions that they were in January," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center in a statement. "Despite further increases in gas prices, they are more optimistic about the short-term outlook for the economy, job prospects and their financial situation."

One gauge of the Consumer Confidence Index, which measures how shoppers feel now about the economy, rose to 45.0 from 38.8. The other gauge, which measures shoppers' assessment over the next six months, jumped to 88.0 from 76.7 in January.

According to the survey of consumers, conducted from Feb. 1 through Feb. 15, shoppers are optimistic about the job market. Those anticipating more jobs in the months ahead increased to 18.7 percent from 16.4 percent, while those anticipating fewer jobs declined to 16.9 percent from 19.1 percent.

There are reasons for optimism. The government says 243,000 jobs were added in January, pushing down the unemployment rate to 8.3 percent, the lowest in three years. Unemployment has fallen five months in a row for the first time since 1994. Job figures for February are due out next week.

Even the housing market, though still weak, is showing signs of recovery. Home values remain depressed, according to the latest snapshot from a widely followed Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index. But more people signed contracts to buy homes in January than in nearly two years, according to seasonally adjusted figures from The National Association of Realtors.

But there also are reasons for caution. The European debt crisis threatens to hurt the U.S. economy. And rising gas prices could limit spending by middle- and lower-income shoppers. The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline rose 18 cents to $3.69 from two weeks earlier, according to the Lundberg Survey of fuel prices released Sunday.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-02-28-US-Consumer-Confidence/id-964b8f51da5e4552a07732cbd95e7112

new orleans weather tiger woods robin thicke sacagawea new hope baptist church houston weather associated press

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Lesser Known Details of Id theft | Athlete

Many details about identity theft are now well known. Identity fraud has become rising yearly for at least several years, and possesses exploded wildly along with the growth of the Internet about used golf clubs. Some hackers steal your personal data and then sell on it in private forums with, would-be thieves. Phishing websites collect your personal information to facilitate identity theft, the list goes on.
Yet you will find lesser known info about identity theft that might help shape your intends to prevent it and how to monitor for this.

Many, and not a serious majority, of cases of identity theft involve loved ones and close friends. Parents have used children?s Ssn to get bank cards and also home mortgages after their very own credit is de-activate. Unfortunately, this ruin?s their child?s credit just like they?re starting their very own lives. And several loan companies won?t let the loans be forgiven unless the child presses charges contrary to the relative as an example top 5 online jobs.

Creating a Ssn (SSN) with a credit card application is identity theft along with fraud. Since credit scoring is founded on the Ssn, employing a false one leads to them checking someone else?s credit.

Illegal aliens using your Ssn are committing identity theft along with fraud, whether they use your name too or only your SSN together with their name. This is accomplished to pass background checks and figure out when they are legal to work in the usa. Identity fraud has involved American born kids of illegal aliens. After the child includes a Ssn, parents uses that SSN to work and make an application for credit. Unfortunately, the teenager can discover they now have an extended work past and have reached probability of audits with the IRS when they try to work at the junk food joint. The internal revenue service may say they owe taxes on another job or have to explain the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claimed when they were a minor.

Impersonating someone?s identity is increasingly utilized to get access to health improvements. While using another?s Medicaid card and ID to listing medical insurance information of the friend, this gives someone not permitted the benefits to get free or discount care. Unfortunately, in addition, it adds incorrect information for the correct person?s medical records. This may bring about bills provided for someone that never even received care. In rare cases, the health insurance cap is around www.jenningssmith.com to reached along with the person paying the health care insurance premiums cannot get care because of the health care insurance fraud.

If someone else is working using your Ssn then claims retirement benefits, the repayments head to whomever retires first. Whether or not this isn?t you, you?ll face an uphill battle to prove the amount of money will almost certainly an unacceptable person. High are by yet no court cases the location where the person received the benefits paid for the identity thief.

Basic shredding of the bank statements is superb advice but of limited use. Anywhere your Ssn and speak to information are listed is susceptible to Identity fraud. Your doctor?s office could be hacked as well as your information that is personal stolen just as easily and reliably as the Department of Automobiles. An attorney?s records include the SSN, address and phone number, allowing those that steal legal records to view even more information for identity theft. You can not control the knowledge security famous these numerous locations where this information is stored.
As you cannot be 100% protected from identity theft, you need to stay sharp. Catching identity theft early is the vital thing to preventing financial ruin. You will find services to assist protect your identity, but everyone?s situation is unique, and this might not be the best option in your case.

Source: http://fischerspiel.de/2012/02/lesser-known-details-of-id-theft/

grover norquist grover norquist nfl week 12 picks nfl week 12 picks jason witten ucla vs usc rich rodriguez

Rosamund Pike Pregnant With First Child

Rosamund Pike Pregnant With First Child

Former “Bond” girl Rosamund Pike is expecting a baby with her partner Robie Uniacke, who she has dated since December 2009. Robie, who is 16 [...]

Rosamund Pike Pregnant With First Child Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/stupidcelebrities/~3/XY9qK7T7i5I/

palindrome asana als disease brittany norwood lindsay lohan condoleezza rice frank mccourt

Monday, February 27, 2012

Majority of California Assembly members call for resignation of wildlife official who killed mountain lion

Click photo to enlarge

Animal welfare groups are up in arms about a photo showing the president of California's FIsh and Game Commission posing with a mountain lion he shot in Idaho. These are screengrabs from the web site where the photo was found. COMPOSITE SCREENGRABS BY MERCURY NEWS/WONEWS.COM

The days may be numbered for a top California wildlife official who sparked a controversy by shooting and killing a mountain lion in Idaho.

Escalating a battle between hunters and animal welfare groups -- a conflict that could result in major changes to California's endangered species and hunting policies -- 40 Democratic state Assembly members Friday sent a letter to Dan Richards, president of the California Fish and Game Commission, demanding that he resign.

The firestorm began after a hunting newspaper recently published a photo of Richards, a Republican from San Bernardino and outspoken trophy hunter, holding a dead mountain lion he shot at the Flying B Ranch in northern Idaho earlier this year.

Mountain lion hunting in California was first banned by Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1972 in five-year increments. It was outlawed permanently when California voters passed Proposition 117 in 1990.

In Idaho, however, hunting mountain lions is legal.

Hunting groups have rallied to Richards' defense. But critics, led by the Humane Society of the United States, argue that Richards showed bad judgment and mocked the will of California voters.

"Your actions raise serious questions about whether you respect the laws of the people of California and whether you are fit to adequately enforce those laws," the letter from the Assembly Democrats said.

It closed with an ominous tone: "We hope that you decide to put the people of California and

their collective values first and that this unfortunate incident does not continue to distract the work of the Legislature."

Under state law, any fish and game commissioner can be removed by a simple majority vote in both houses of the state Legislature.

With 40 of the 80 members of the Assembly calling for Richards to resign, his future on the commission appears to be in serious jeopardy. A similar letter is now circulating in the state Senate, where Democrats hold 25 of the 40 seats.

Richards did not return calls seeking comment.

Assemblyman Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, wrote the Assembly letter and organized the signature gathering. His staff said that more than 40 members would have signed, but Hueso decided to stop at 40. There are 52 Democrats in the 80-member Assembly.

"I have received an outpouring of support from my constituents to remove the commissioner from his position," Hueso said. "This incident has ignited such an uproar in communities across the state, I am concerned that if Commissioner Richards were to remain on the commission, it would compromise the reputation and ability of the California Fish and Game Commission to continue its good work in the future."

Hueso's staff said if Richards does not resign, the assemblyman will likely introduce a resolution to force his removal.

The controversy has prompted an outpouring of support for Richards from hunting and fishing groups, many of which see Richards as the most reliable vote for their issues.

"If he would have shot that mountain lion in California, he would have been thumbing his nose at the voters of California," said Bill Gaines, president of the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance, a hunting advocacy group. "We would have called for his resignation.

"But for him to do it legally in another state, a state that bases their mountain lion management on science -- and not emotions like we have here in California -- and to be condemned for it, we just flat-out disagree with that."

Some hunting and fishing groups are urging their members to turn out en masse at the next Fish and Game Commission meeting, which will be held March 7 in Riverside.

The stakes are high. The five-member commission not only decides which species to list as endangered, it also sets policies on everything from hunting to California's new system of "marine protected areas," which ban fishing in areas off the coast.

If Richards, who was appointed to the five-member commission by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, resigns or is removed from the panel, his replacement would be named by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown. And that's a move that for the first time could give the commission a majority of members who tend to support the priorities of environmental groups. Currently, the commission is split 2-2, with Commissioner Richard Rogers often casting the swing vote.

Hanging in the balance in the next year or two: issues such as whether to expand the number of black bears that can be killed every year by California hunters, whether to ban lead shot or whether to offer state endangered-species protections to wolves.

If Richards leaves, the vice president of the commission, Mike Sutton, would become president. Sutton is a former national park ranger and biologist who works at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

"There's a lot at stake," said Jennifer Fearing, state director of the Humane Society of the United States.

Gaines, the hunting advocate, agreed.

"We're very well aware that this is a key seat, as are the animal rights groups," he said. "There's only five votes, so if you get three, you win."

Paul Rogers covers resources and environmental issues. Contact him at 408-920-5045.

---

Source: http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_20041626/majority-california-assembly-members-call-resignation-wildlife-official?source=rss

numerology the game new hampshire primary hue jackson alabama football coachella 2012 line up lsu

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Kitchen Outlet Countertop - Electrical - DIY Chatroom - DIY Home ...

I'm not an electrician but i'm working on my kitchen right now and here's what I understand.

You seem to be asking two separate questions.

Countertop outlets have to be spaced no further than 4 feet apart measured on the length of the wall so that an appliance with a 2 foot cord can be placed ANYWHERE on the counter and still be within reach of an outlet.

Your other question about circuits

You need two circuits for outlets in the kitchen. AFAIK both have to be GFCI protected in some approved manner.

Source: http://www.diychatroom.com/f18/kitchen-outlet-countertop-134988/

annie annie zuccotti park leymah gbowee austin rivers austin rivers ows

Managing your budget method lifetime.

Article treats the situation of time management method. Separates the particular development of effective self-improvement. Indicates your need for wise life within the economy good definition concern centralne odkurzanie grasp wisdom instead of education.

Admission
Human development is, largely, a lifetime in czasie3 rozumne2. The development is the chance to carry him or her self in czasie4. Nature of energy. Time can be most precious and most important resource available to us. Time is not money. Time are unable to buy. You can buy a junior or more hair about the head, but certainly not time. The time is sensible. Time can not be bribed or perhaps deceived. Time is the most democratic on the globe raw stuff, we have it all alike. Time can be the almost all limited resource we have. The time has approved, never to go back. Here?s the reason the theft of energy should end up being prosecuted for legal reasons. This can be the reason we must figure out how to respect your time and effort and others. Time can not be understood with quantitative terms. The time value might be measured simply by its power wykorzystania. 5 merely.

Management of meble lazienkowe development.
The implementation of good, or lasting development. The incredibly term ?sustainable development? (called sustainable development) is the consequence of ecological creativity. It was an expression of expanding awareness along with concern in the future of the world, which was threatened simply by unbridled monetary development, not sufficiently considering the environmental consequences along with spo?eczne6. In the particular era of globalization as well as the real issue of weather change, sustainable development must as a result be equated using the development of efektywnym7. How in order to effectively use the opportunity fond of us in the world? And therefore the question of choice. The range of how we all use each of our time ? sparetime
(Less or even more) of our responsibilities. The issue of choice or conduct activities, cultural, entertainment or perhaps sports? The question in the realization of what the requirements are closest to people, though the most difficult in order to meet, the beliefs?? that aren?t yet completely interesowali?7;my-are in this capabilities, what aspirations regarding methods of usage of each of our time are worth the particular care along with development ? and that, although usually very prestigious, are in reality quite on your guard nature. The issue of choice, which is essentially a query of consciousness. The concern of information about what we all or have we, what we all do or perhaps do we all? 8

Variables.
It may be valued at noting the particular cyclical nature of lifetime, where lifetime cycle is the time through which runs the particular specified process-&0;ycia9 period of time, zabawki distinguishing stages of development and activities undertaken in that person. Building recognition &0;ycia10 volatility process is a bit being a pyramid budowy11 ?7;wiadomo?7;ci12. Warto in addition noted that this same procedures podzia?u13 be used for expense in capital ludzki14. Contemporary spo?eczna15 organization is a team action to brand new heights of virtuosity, yet involves each workforce member being an expression of individualism-activity in the mind can be thinking, and self-confidence, perseverance, tenacity, and all other mental features that make it possible for sukces16. It is vital to effectively anchor the rzeczywisto?7;ci17 particular person, based about the cardinal, fixed-religions or perhaps ethics moralno?7;ci18. Formulate goals, then hunt for rozwi?za?19. In current highly cut-throat market both equally interpersonal plus the mind can be an organ important to ensure przetrwanie20. Similarly, in the particular sphere in the organization turning out to be more impartial and outlined, we tend to purchase the development associated with an effective rules-based economy wiedzy21.

Problems.
Our fundamental problem after a while and lifetime begins if we do not need specific purposes for which zmierzamy22. The main secret in the wise male, enabling your pet to draw from the above options, a utmost of expertise, lies inside work of his views. The secret to the is in order to perceive interactions, similarities along with relationships between phenomena, even web completely unrelated. This is the central mystery in the investigation as well as the basis to the deeper reasons and determinants in the observed zjawisk23. So the particular wise man has a rich intrinsic life. What?s far more: the life in the direct stricter than in most people canons of thought, higher cerebral morality. It manifests itself within the impartial objectivity, which isn?t going to let emotions cloud their particular judgments concerning matters on the chance to renounce flawed belief in the chance to award mainly because even people who are not appreciated and inhospitable, when appropriate is on the side, in abstaining via courts inside absence of podstaw24.

Source: http://www.freelancewritingjobs.me/managing-your-budget-method-lifetime/

jeremy london butterball turkey fryer butterball turkey fryer yale harvard dan henderson oregon ducks oregon ducks

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Is There Any Distinction In Between Emt Lessons and Paramedic ...

[unable to retrieve full-text content]February 25, 2012 | Author: StampkaLofredo575 | Posted in Reference & Education. Whats the particular major distinction ... Most emergency vehicles require the particular extremely higher visibility any light bar can give, however there are generally several circumstances when less mild will be much more effective. First Responder Rescue. ... In a life or death situation, what would you give to be magically whisked away in order to safety, your survival virtually insured? Id venture any ...

Source: http://list-of-directory.com/reference-education/is-there-any-distinction-in-between-emt-lessons-and-paramedic-classes/

norman reedus sears office max office max cyber monday deals 2011 cyber monday deals 2011 real housewives of atlanta

Friday, February 24, 2012

Bretton Woods Uncovered (Taegan Goddard's Political Wire)

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, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/203835859?client_source=feed&format=rss

payroll tax aisha khan alanis morissette vanessa bryant vanessa bryant nfl mock draft 2012 adam lambert

Business Networking Group has meeting planned for the 6th

February 23, 2012 by James?

The Business Networking Group is holding its next meet-up on March 6th.

As is usually the case with these gatherings, the group will combine free networking portions with a keynote speaker. Interestingly enough, the theme of this upcoming event is going to be Social Media and what it can do for a company?s presence on the Internet. This group?s page explains it this way:

?We look forward to meeting you at this event. Each event is unique and gives you the opportunity to meet new people and get new business. The formats are varied and include free products, guest speakers, drink specials and most importantly a fantastic opportunity to network. This event includes all of the above!!!

This event features a special presentation ?The Secrets of Social Media & Search Engine Marketing? by Certified Google Trainer Joe Apfelbaum, CEO & Co-Founder of www.AjaxUnion.com, a Google Partner, Great Networking & FREE STUFF!!!? (sic.)

While Print company in digital business cards printing services digital business cards can certainly help a company get the attention of potential clients and future staff members, an optimized website is also a powerful marketing tool. Joe Apfelbaum will be explaining what works and what doesn?t during his presentation.

According to the same site, however, Print company in business card printing printing services business card printing will likely be necessary with literally hours put aside for informal networking.

Priced at $30.00 per person, the costs are not too bad. In light of the fact that this group has 149 registered members and a history of impressive attendance numbers, this is an event Print company in Rockville printing services Rockville Centre professionals should consider attending.

Source: http://www.shop.minutemanpress.com/news/northeast/new-york/rockville-centre/business-networking-group-has-meeting-planned-for-the-6th-3523.html

tigers tigers rangers nlcs nlcs josh beckett 999 plan

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Advice For Your Next Home Improvement Project : Free Wallpapers ...

You are here: Home / Home Family / Advice For Your Next Home Improvement Project






As far as home-improvement projects go, it?s not the scale of the changes that you make. Instead, the deciding factor should be the impact that is created. With this mindset, you need not spend thousands of dollars to make an impression. This handpicked selection of home-improvement tips and tricks is suitable for all types of projects.

Add privacy while changing the look of a door or window with inexpensive window films. These films cling to glass and provide a frosted or otherwise textured look, which prevents passersby from seeing into your home. This solution is ideal for windows located inside a bathroom or for front doors.

Purchase your building materials at re-use stores such as Habitat For Humanity?s Re-Store. When you do this, you are saving resources and recycling your money by investing it in your own home and in providing homes for the homeless. If you hire a contractor, make sure s/he does not throw out usable materials. Either re-use them yourself or donate them to the Re-Store.

If you have a lot of dirt in your backyard or garden, you can easily make your own pathways using pavers and stones. You don?t need to use any concrete, just lay your stones in a nice design or pattern in the area you need it to cover. This can provide a nice and balanced look to your garden, as well as keeping your shoes dirt free.

A dripping sink can be an annoyance in any home. It not only wastes water, but costs money on your water bill. If a sink is dripping from the spout, the faucets central cartridge might need to be replaced. If you have a pillar tap, you might need to change the washer. A quick examination will help you determine your course of action.

When you are deciding what it is you want to remodel ask for opinions. You want to make sure you are giving off the right vibes when you are choosing how to remodel your home. Ask for advice from neighbors or close friends and family. Sometimes other people?s advice can help you in the decision making process when remodeling your home.

When considering home improvement projects, don?t forget to include landscaping. Your front lawn is the first thing people see when they look at your home, and a beautiful front lawn can impress your neighbors and any visitors. Keep the grass tidy and neat, and consider putting in shrubs and flowering plants to beautify your property.

The right tools and the right information, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, can make the difference in the planning, execution and success of your home improvement projects. As you take on your next home improvement project, use the helpful advice from this article to see you through the stages towards a job well done.

If you want more helpful tidbits, please visit loft conversions; If you like this article, then you?ll probably like my site, which you can find out more here.

? Post Ad Purchase:??Intext Link

Source: http://www.wallpapers-nintendo.net/advice-for-your-next-home-improvement-project.html

horse slaughter world aids day 2011 chester mcglockton chester mcglockton arsenic los angeles weather big ten acc challenge

Research and Markets: Global Tabletop Audio Conferencing ...

DUBLIN?(BUSINESS WIRE)?Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1821de/global_tabletop_au) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan?s new report ?Global Tabletop Audio Conferencing Endpoints Market: USB Appliances for Softphone Conferencing Begin to Make Major Impact on the Market? to their offering.

?Global Tabletop Audio Conferencing Endpoints Market: USB Appliances for Softphone Conferencing Begin to Make Major Impact on the Market?

This study covers conferencing endpoints that sit on a conference table or used as a personal conferencing device, which provide high-end audio functionality such as echo cancellation and full duplexing. With increased penetration of Unified Communications and use of audio services such as Skype, the market for universal service bus (USB) audio conferencing endpoints is showing high growth. Because of the importance of the USB market, Frost & Sullivan has segmented this study into USB appliances for connection to a computer with softphone capabilities and non-USB, IP/TDM appliances that function directly with a voice network.

Major Research Findings:

While the majority of this growth came from global pent-up capital spending, some growth was the result of new purchasing patterns that focused on personal conferencing in the desktop and executive office. This new trend has driven growth in USB appliances that take advantage of softphone applications and other unified communication platforms. Because this trend is expected to continue, Frost & Sullivan has decided to include more USB appliance revenue in its forecasts than in the past and has divided the market into two segments: USB and non-USB. For both segments, developing global regions will continue with higher than average revenue growth rates, as has been the case in the market for several years. However, in some regions, particularly Asia Pacific, the user preferences and use cases tend to favor USB appliances than in North America and Europe. Because of this, revenue growth of USB is expected to be particularly pronounced in those regions.

Each Unit Can Be Connected to a Communications Network in a Number of Ways:

  • RJ45 cable connection to a digital IP desktop phone
  • RJ45 cable connection to in-wall phone outlet
  • LAN connection via Ethernet cable
  • LAN connection via wi-fi
  • Computer connection via USB cable

Key Market Trends:

Continuing from recent years in this market, the highest growth rates will be in developing areas of the world and those with high economic growth with developing economies. BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) have those characteristics and should lead the growth in audio conferencing service usage and, correspondingly, tabletop device implementation greenfield deployments that are rare in many other countries because hiring and overall growth has diminished.

Beyond macroeconomic drivers, the increased usage of personal conferencing products that can connect via USB, IP, circuit-switched, or even mobile have a higher growth rate than the traditional group tabletop product lines.

While integration of audio conferencing into unified communications is driving the adoption of new types of tabletop units, there are two distinct usage cases for this: IP units with optimization for UC platforms such as Microsoft Lync, and USB units that maximize UC softphone capabilities. The advantage of IP is that it is always on and is not dependent on data networks outside the audio infrastructure, such as an IP PBX, while USB has a generally lower price point and is more fully integrated with the virtual desktop.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Total Market

Forecast

Non-USB Market Segment

USB Market Segment

Regional Trends and Forecasts

Competitive Landscape and Vendor Profiles

Strategic Recommendations

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1821de/global_tabletop_au

Read More:
Research and Markets: Global Tabletop Audio Conferencing Endpoints Market: USB Appliances for Softphone Conferencing Begin to Make Major Impact on the?

Rev :9

Related posts:

  1. Research and Markets: Global Installed Audio Conferencing Endpoints Market
  2. Research and Markets: The European Audio Conferencing Services Market: A Plethora of New Opportunities Emerges in Europe?s Diverse Market
  3. Research and Markets: Analysis of the Global Web Conferencing Market
  4. Companies & Markets: Analysis of the Global Web Conferencing Market
  5. Research and Markets: Video Conferencing ? Global Strategic Business Report

Tags: business, countries, desktop, events, facebook, history, industry, japan, linkedin, news, stumbleupon, virtual

Category: Unified Communications

Source: http://www.enterprisecommunicate.com/research-and-markets-global-tabletop-audio-conferencing-endpoints-market-usb-appliances-for-softphone-conferencing-begin-to-make-major-impact-on-the/

michael savage aj burnett aj burnett the fall the fall kellen winslow ben folds

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Exposure to micronutrients pre-pregnancy associated with gene modifications in offspring

ScienceDaily (Feb. 22, 2012) ? The offspring of women who were given micronutrient supplements (minerals needed in small quantities, such as iron, iodine and vitamin A) before they became pregnant had gene modifications at birth as well as when they were tested at 9 months.

The changes to the genes, called methylation, have previously been associated with the development of the immune system, although this study did not provide direct evidence that the activity of these genes has changed.?

Professor Nabeel Affara, lead author of the study from the University of Cambridge, said: "The mechanism by which micronutrients influence methylation changes is still to be worked out, but it is known from other work that the genes of the immune system undergo such changes as immune function develops, particularly in early postnatal stages and early childhood.

"These changes are part of the normal development of the immune system provided adequate nutrition is available. Where this is not the case, different patterns of methylation may occur, altering the activity of key genes and therefore potentially the effectiveness of the immune system. The result is likely to be reduced ability to fight infection and hence susceptibility to infectious diseases."

The study used DNA samples from a Medical Research Council (MRC) micronutrient supplementation trial where women attempting to get pregnant are given either a cocktail of micronutrients or a placebo until pregnancy is confirmed (approximately an 8 weeks period). The research was conducted in The Gambia where there is seasonal variation in the availability of micronutrients with an alternation between the dry season (when they harvest and food is plentiful) and the wet season (when there is less food available and therefore poorer nutrition). Individuals born in the wet, nutritionally poor season have been found to be more susceptible to infection.

Professor Affara added: "This has huge public health implications for regions of the world where food security is an issue. If we have an improved understanding of what nutrition is important and the mechanisms by which this important environmental factor interacts with gene function, we can target nutritional intervention to improve health in later life."

The research, funded by the BBSRC, was published February 22 in the journal Human Molecular Genetics in advance online publication. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Recommend this story on Facebook, Twitter,
and Google +1:

Other bookmarking and sharing tools:


Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Cambridge. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ Creative commons license

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


Journal Reference:

  1. B. Khulan, W. N. Cooper, B. M. Skinner, J. Bauer, S. Owens, A. M. Prentice, G. Belteki, M. Constancia, D. Dunger, N. A. Affara. Periconceptional maternal micronutrient supplementation is associated with widespread gender related changes in the epigenome: a study of a unique resource in the Gambia. Human Molecular Genetics, 2012; DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds026

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://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222132737.htm

soul train don cornelius nick carter sister barry sanders jr san onofre paula deen birth control recall the jerk

Mitt Romney's Campaign Finances: By the Numbers (ContributorNetwork)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]ContributorNetwork - There is no question Mitt Romney has raised more money for his campaign than his opponents in the race for the GOP nomination. Between his own campaign and the political action committee that is supporting him, Romney has racked up some impressive numbers. Although he has not beaten President Barack Obama in the fundraising game, he is out-performing his GOP rivals. Here is a look at the Romney campaign so far.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/obama/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20120222/pl_ac/10991408_mitt_romneys_campaign_finances_by_the_numbers

dramamine dramamine nba season iron bowl iron bowl bo jackson bo jackson

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Entrusting Your Business To Business Consulting Firms | Articles ...

Business consulting services, with out a doubt, can improve your business. From business development to conceptualizing sales methods tailored to the goods and services you?re providing, business consulting firms are capable of increasing your sales and profit margin. Furthermore, their past experiences in coping with challenging situations can certainly help you make the right options. Beneath are the reasons why you need to employ a business consultant who can work with you via out each aspect of your business.

Expert business consultants are unbiased when it comes to giving pieces of advice that will lead your business to success. What they tend to give are various point of views which, as a business owner, you need to carefully think about. When hiring a business consultant, it is of great importance that he is involved with your business processes. By performing so, he will have the ability to study your business cautiously and recommend ways on how it could be enhanced.

Needless to say, many companies employ business consulting firms to increase their sales and strengthen their foundation. If you would like to get the most out of the business consulting fees, you need to make sure that you and your business consultant are often collaborating and discussing suggestions that will help enhance the state of your business. Don?t let your business consultant decide on what is correct for your business. Before you agree with all his suggestions, it is important that you know how his suggestions will benefit your company. In the event you don?t understand what he is suggesting or recommending, do not hesitate to ask him concerns and let him clarify.

A harmonious relationship with your business consultant is essential. If you will find times when you don?t agree with every other?s perspectives, make an effort to talk about it and ask if there?s an alternative to his method or to what he is suggesting. Make an effort to know how he approaches certain business issues and discuss your role in the process. Again, though your business consultant might know more about business management than you do, the growth of your business nonetheless depends upon you.

Hiring a business consulting firm to help you correct or improve how you run your business is a wise move. Nevertheless, you should not rely solely on them. Their services are only meant to guide you towards good results. Every thing still depends on you. You need not follow everything they say. As a business owner, you need to be wise when it comes to decision making. If you would like your business to final a very long time, you need to use your best judgment all of the time. Business consulting firms might help your company by presenting different approaches to how you can successfully run your company and improve your sales. Their pieces of guidance are guaranteed to become helpful but it is nonetheless up to you if you?re going to implement their recommendations or not. You should not be concerned when it comes to implementing and considering their suggestions. Come to think of it, business consulting firms want nothing but the best for your business.

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://art.redbright.co.za/entrusting-your-business-to-business-consulting-firms/

jerusalem artichoke grand canyon skywalk stevie wonder aretha franklin new orleans weather new orleans weather sparkle

Video: US hopes for talks with Iran

The Obama administration believes Iran ?is a rational actor? and that talks could prevent a nuclear bomb. Israel disagrees. NBC?S Andrea Mitchell reports.

>> let's get washington's take on this now from nbc's chief foreign affairs correspondent, andrea mitchell . andrea, what do you make of the u.s. and britain bluntly calling on israel not to attack?

>> reporter: well, lester, the obama administration and the brits believe that day rob is blustering. they believe the exports were about to be shut down by european sanctions. european officials believe those tough sanction are exactly why iran has agreed to come back to nuclear talks. u.s. officials hope that those negotiations could prompt iran to eventually agree not to pursue a weapons program but israel is not on the same page. today joint chiefs chairman general martin dempsey who was in tel aviv last month called iran a rational actor but said israel does not accept that view and is not ready to trust diplomacy saying a strike would be destabilizing and not achieve israel 's goal. tom don lynn is in israel and met with netanyahu, trying to persuade israel that iran does not yet have the technical capacity to build a bomb, hasn't decided to build a bomb and that sanctions can still work.

>> andrea mitchell in our washington

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/46448644/

diana nyad

Ali smiles as Wonder, others sing Happy Birthday (AP)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Former boxer Chuck Wepner arrives at the Keep Memory Alive 16th Annual 'Power of Love Gala' honoring Muhammad Ali with his 70th birthday celebration on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)AP - A casino owner paid more than a million dollars for boxing gloves Muhammad Ali used to defend his title. Samuel L. Jackson dedicated a rendition of "Stand By Me" to the boxer. And President Barack Obama told the icon in a birthday tribute that he inspired the world.


Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/entertainment/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120219/ap_en_ot/us_ali_gala_vegas

joe paterno near death joepa sc primary bill moyers heidi klum and seal divorce craigslist killer extremely loud and incredibly close

Monday, February 20, 2012

Guns and Androids: Pakistan air force making iPads (AP)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]AP - Inside a high-security air force complex that builds jet fighters and weapons systems, Pakistan's military is working on the latest addition to its sprawling commercial empire: a homegrown version of the iPad.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/applecomputer/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120219/ap_on_hi_te/as_pakistan_military_tablet

bonnaroo 2012 lineup sea lion twisted metal si swimsuit 2012 westminster dog show abe lincoln vampire hunter detroit red wings

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Health & Fitness: Self Improvement


The popularity of self-improvement books, tapes and seminars is a reflection of the universal interest we all have in overcoming our limitations, or ?being the best we can be? or ?achieving our full potential.?

Popular applications of self-improvement programs include motivation and confidence, personal relationships, sales and job performance, enhancement of sports performance, public speaking, weight control and smoking cessation.

Here are some basic principles to help you determine whether such products or programs are worthy of your time and money.

There is no book or program that will be an exact fit for your needs and interests. Books and group programs are necessarily general in nature. Some of the ideas and concepts may apply well to you, but others may be irrelevant or just plain wrong as applied to your own personality and life situation. Use good judgment and discrimination in following advice offered in any self-improvement program.

Be wary of any program that is highly authoritarian and that tears you down, or attacks people who question what is being done. There have been many group self-improvement programs that have enjoyed a temporary burst of great popularity over the years that have been extremely damaging to some participants.

The most effective program or tape would, of course, be one that is designed specifically for the individual, addressing his or her unique goals, motivation and personality. Obviously this can be done only in personal consultation with a professional person such as a psychologist and involves the cost of paying that professional person for the time it takes them to provide the individual attention required to design a program or tape tailored exactly to your needs.

Suggesting a link to which you can seek for help can make things easier for you to achieve your goal. Help is on its way. Here are links that I can suggest you can visit.

* Psych Web by Russ Dewey:

http://www.psywww.com/

The content of this awesome and well-organized site might be described as half-way in between the sites ?Self Improvement Online? and ?Mental Health Net.? Although its modest self description on the home page is ?This Web site contains lots of psychology-related information for students and teachers of psychology,? it is that and much more. The links on its self-help directory page alone are worth the time of the trip to this site:

http://www.psychwww.com/resource/selfhelp.htm

* Internet Mental Health:

http://www.mentalhealth.com

In their words: ?Internet Mental Health is a free encyclopedia of mental health information. It was designed by a Canadian psychiatrist, Dr. Phillip Long, and programmed by his colleague, Brian Chow?Internet Mental Health is for anyone who has an interest in mental health: -Mental health professionals -Patients who want to learn more about their illness -Friends and families of patients -Mental health support groups -Students -Members of the general public who want to learn more about mental health? This is an impressive site with many helpful articles and resources. If you are interested in mental health from any point of view, you?ll be happy you visited.

* Life Mentoring:

http://www.lifementoring.com/

Because of the demand from our clients we started this site Life Mentoring for individual visitors, in

1998. It?s mission is to provide you with the best collection of thoughts, ideas, philosophies and practical concepts for leading a truly meaningful and successful life. It is not linked to any school of thought, but rather wants to give you an overview of all different approaches ? and so you to choose and pick whatever suits your needs best.? The site has a number of very good articles, excellent collection of links, a free newsletter, a bbs/forum. Lots of enthusiasm, but no commercial hype.

A group program or a general tape is, of course, less costly. If it does in fact does come close to fitting the goals, motivation and personality of the individual reasonably well, it may prove to be a useful self-improvement tool. It is a less costly approach, but it could not reasonably be expected to be as effective as a program or tape designed specifically for you.

Related posts:

  1. Self-Improvement with Personal Coaching Programs ? An overview of personal coaching today
  2. What Motivates Your Self-Improvement?
  3. Online Self Improvement Support

Source: http://newshealthfitnessworld.blogspot.com/2012/02/self-improvement_18.html

zachary quinto ashley judd brewers harbaugh the walking dead season 2 milwaukee brewers will power

Self Improvement - Build Self Esteem

The Self Improvement eBook Pack

Thank you for getting to this page. Below is the download for the Self Improvement eBook Pack.

Pack Includes:

- The Self Improvement Blog Official eBook?

- Social Anxiety Disorder eBook

- Relaxation Techniques eBook

- Building Self Esteem - A Self-Help Guide eBook

The Self Improvement Blog Offical eBook goes over all of the techniques discussed in the various topics of this site.


Thanks for downloading, and Good Luck on your Self Improvement Building.

Labels: ebooks, Relaxation, relaxation techniques, self improvement, social anxiety

Source: http://theselfesteemblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/download.html

itunes match itunes match walmart black friday 2011 walmart black friday 2011 packers vikings bob costas jerry sandusky chelsea clinton

Saturday, February 18, 2012

YouTube Videos - Make It Happen | Business PR News

We just posted a message on our Business PR News 2 group in our WSJ community page. Check it out! We've declared that this year is The Year of Video!! Yes, we are going all out. We are going to make it happen. We've been telling every one that the Internet is very powerful. So, use it wisely. Stay tuned.

Source: http://businessprnews.com/youtube/our-channel/2012-the-year-of-videos

national defense authorization act national defense authorization act seven days in utopia seven days in utopia big 10 championship game big 10 championship game state of play

Lipsd: howardwertz2: Have A Romantic Italian Cruise ? | Current ...

10 Feb

[unable to retrieve full-text content]? to beautiful lands in Italy and have made innovations to reach what their passengers true desire and for Costa they?re in the business long sufficient to sustain the want of each tourist though they?re employing Italian as their language of use. ?. Immigration (24), Intellectual Property (6), Medical Malpractice (35), National State Local (1), Patents (1), Personal Injury (105), Real Estate Law (140), Trademarks (3), News and Society (819), Crime (29), Eco Innovations (1) ?

Source: http://communicationsarticles.info/2012/02/have-a-romantic-italian-cruise/

how to be a gentleman iphone 5 case pawpaw pawpaw cantaloupe cantaloupe credit union

Source: http://jarrettcarlson8409.typepad.com/blog/2012/02/have-a-romantic-italian-cruise-communications-articles.html

andrew luck love and hip hop 2012 nfl mock draft iowa caucus chris jericho dick clark steve jobs action figure

Like this:

Be the first to like this post.

Source: http://risilavyc.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/have-a-romantic-italian-cruise-communications-articles/

carlos pena dog the bounty hunter doppler radar tacoma narrows bridge db cooper tupelo honey weather nyc

Source: http://howardwertz2.blogspot.com/2012/02/have-romantic-italian-cruise.html

top chef just desserts jamarcus russell sister wives st louis weather jack the cat frank lucas lego man

Source: http://currenteventstoriesforkids.frankguzman4da.com/81/howardwertz2-have-a-romantic-italian-cruise/

super bowl coin toss madonna super bowl halftime kelly clarkson super bowl giants super bowl 2012 half time show halftime show 2012 kelly clarkson super bowl 2012

Source: http://lipsdeo.blogspot.com/2012/02/howardwertz2-have-romantic-italian.html

phoebe cates faith hill the hangover 2 indianapolis weather jack black kirk franklin candles

Source: http://brendaleevacationgonnahaveaball.jameshouts2010.com/1057/lipsd-howardwertz2-have-a-romantic-italian-cruise-current/

chuck e cheese mta wendys terrelle pryor stock market today tampa bay rays dow jones industrial average

Source: http://letourenglish.jameshouts2010.com/1125/lipsd-howardwertz2-have-a-romantic-italian-cruise-current/

nick carter sister rod parsley soul train don cornelius san onofre paula deen birth control recall the jerk

Friday, February 17, 2012

Diplomat: Maldives leader agrees to early election

Supporters of Maldive President Mohamed Nasheed pray during a rally in Male, Maldives, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. The Maldives, an Indian Ocean island nation that relies on high-end tourism for its economy, has been in political turmoil since President Mohamed Nasheed was replaced last week by former vice president Mohammed Waheed Hassan after losing the support of the police and military over his order to fire a top judge. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

Supporters of Maldive President Mohamed Nasheed pray during a rally in Male, Maldives, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. The Maldives, an Indian Ocean island nation that relies on high-end tourism for its economy, has been in political turmoil since President Mohamed Nasheed was replaced last week by former vice president Mohammed Waheed Hassan after losing the support of the police and military over his order to fire a top judge. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

Maldivian President Mohammed Waheed Hassan, right, watches as his choice for the vice presidency Mohamed Waheeduddeen, center, adjusts microphones during a media briefing in Male, Maldives, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. Waheed picked Waheeduddeen for the post, which has to be approved by the Maldivian parliament. (AP Photo/ Gemunu Amarasinghe)

(AP) ? The new president in the Maldives has softened his stance and agreed to hold early elections to break a political impasse after his predecessor resigned, an Indian diplomat said.

India's Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai told reporters Thursday that President Mohammed Waheed Hassan agreed during talks with him to work on holding an election "as early as considered feasible by all concerned."

Waheed has said since taking office last week that the election should be held according to schedule in October 2013. But changing that stance means a moral victory for former President Mohamed Nasheed, who has been calling for early elections since he resigned last week.

Nasheed had faced weeks of public protests and was losing support from security forces when he stepped down. He has since claimed he was ousted in a coup at gunpoint. The claim sparked demonstrations that were put down by the police in a violent crackdown. In far-off atolls of this Indian Ocean archipelago, Nasheed's supporters burnt down police stations, court houses and government vehicles.

But Waheed has insisted the country cannot hold an election amid political acrimony and he wanted time to heal, a stand endorsed by the United States.

However, Mathai, who visited the Maldives, brokered a deal whereby a National Unity Government as proposed by Waheed would "work towards the conditions that will permit such elections to take place, including any constitutional amendments."

It is unclear if Nasheed has accepted Waheed's invitation to join the unity government. The government announced earlier Thursday that it is giving Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party four days to participate.

Waheed has been forming a Cabinet but has kept some ministerial posts open in case Nasheed's party accepts the invitation.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-02-16-AS-Maldives/id-148291067b1b4e39a600b1de4769a8ea

dos santos waterboarding boxing news boxing andy dalton corporal kelsey de santis corporal kelsey de santis

Team Building at its Best at WhirlyBall/LaserSport in Bedford ...

WhirlyBall/Laser-Sport in Bedford Heights, Ohio, is the solution to your team building conundrum. Whatever your business or organization, you can easily strengthen relationships within your team when you bring them to this Cleveland area indoor sport arena.

Gone are the days of trust falls and other dated team building methods. WhirlyBall/Laser-Sport brings people together with a fun and energetic atmosphere, wherein your team works toward common goals. No matter who scores the winning point on the WhirlyBall court or eliminates that final opponent in the Laser-Sport arena, everyone comes out feeling like a winner.

With flashing lights, fog, glowing neon, and more, your team building session is a night of fun and games, not a staid, sedentary activity. Coming together at WhirlyBall/Laser-Sport will show your team just what they can accomplish by working together and supporting one another while enjoying a kinetic atmosphere that infuses your team with excitement.

Both primary activities at this Cleveland area indoor sport facility, WhirlyBall and Laser-Sport, require teammates to band together, watching each other?s backs and working toward a common goal, both literally and figuratively. Additionally, when your team interacts in a casual, social setting, they are able to view one another in a different light. Initial judgments or impressions can change, creating new connections and opening lines of communication that had previously been limited or even closed, this improving the entire team dynamic.

In addition to spending time together outside of the office or typical setting, the team also has to combine their differing strategies and approaches into a single plan to overcome their obstacle. By listening to each other?s opinions and ideas, not only does the team become stronger, but so do the individuals. They are able to see the value in a new way of thinking, and incorporate new ideas into their own work. When the individuals on the team become stronger, they also strengthen the team as a whole. ?That is team building at its best.

In a game of WhirlyBall, there are no ?extra? players. Each player must do his or her part, from guarding the goal to moving the ball down the court. Likewise, in Laser-Sport, a strategy is necessary to gain points and eliminate as many ?threats? as possible. These may come in the form of opposing players or from static locations throughout the arena. It will take the cooperation of each player to rack up the points and eliminate the threats.

WhirlyBall/Laster-Sport in Bedford Heights can accommodate groups as small as 10 or as large as 150 or more, making it an amazingly versatile location for team building for businesses and organizations of any size. You can reserve one or both WhirlyBall courts or the Laser-Sport arena. Rates are discounted if your reservations include both WhirlyBall and Laser-Sport for your Cleveland area team building session.

WhirlyBall/Laser-Sport is by reservation only. You can find additional information at their website www.WhirlyBallCleveland.com, via email at Info@wbcleveland.com, or call 216-591-0707. Call today to make your reservations for your company, organization, or group team building activities!

WhirlyBall/Laser-Sport
5055 Richmond Rd. at Miles
Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146
Phone: 216.591.0707
Fax: 216.591.0625

Source: http://itownz.com/blog/team-building-at-its-best-at-whirlyballlasersport-in-bedford-heights/

the graduate holly madison tragedy of the commons tragedy of the commons casey jones casey jones debit card fees

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Paul Rieckhoff: Mr. President: Americans Want to Welcome Home The Troops, Too

A White House Dinner symbolizes a grateful country--but it's only a start.

In December, after eight years of combat, 32,000 Americans wounded, and 4,400 lives lost, the President told America that the Iraq war was over. And civilians nationwide began organizing parades--most notably, one for 100,000 people in St. Louis. Now, the President and First Lady are planning a historic White House Dinner -called "A Nation's Gratitude" -for 200 Iraq veterans and their spouses from all 50 states. It's the First Family's way of saying "thank you" for their service and sacrifice.?

The Pentagon is billing the black-tie dinner as symbolic of a grateful country--and it is. It's a wonderful gesture from the First Family and an incredible honor for the few invited to attend. But unfortunately, one million vets of Iraq can't pack into the East Room on February 29th. So the question we have to ask is: what about the rest of them? And what about all the American civilians who can't attend to say "thank you"? Shouldn't the entire nation be included in "A Nation's Gratitude"?

We think so. That's why today IAVA is proposing a deadline: we're asking President Obama to convene a meeting of mayors nationwide to organize a National Day of Action - Operation Welcome Home. The goal? To turn America's growing goodwill toward our Iraq veterans into concrete action. The one million veterans of Iraq represent the less than one percent. And all Americans want an outlet to honor their service while raising awareness and directing critical local resources to veterans and their families for the transition home.

As history closes the chapter on Iraq, Americans from all corners of the country want to respect all those who served there, remember those who died, and respond to the challenges they're now facing at home from record unemployment to troubling suicide rates. It's time for all of us, from the President to the Pentagon to mayors and ordinary citizens nationwide, to work together to channel our collective goodwill, support and momentum to deliver critical resources to the veterans' community. Instead of having scattered parades all year long, we should work together - civilians and veterans united - to create one historic day of action: parades, memorials and service fairs in cities and towns large and small.?

Just a few weeks ago, St. Louis was the first city in the nation to welcome home our Iraq veterans. It set the national benchmark not simply because it turned out 100,000 Americans in support of Iraq veterans, but because it was a multifaceted coming home event. The highly impactful, grassroots, civilian-led parade gave Americans a chance to say "thank you" to the troops. It was awesome--and it went a step beyond symbolic. It opened with a sober Memorial Ceremony to honor our dead and it ended with a Veterans Resource Village to connect local St. Louis veterans with critical employment, education and mental health resources. It was smart, popular, bi-partisan and even fun.?

Since then, Douglas Wilson, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, has stated repeatedly that the Pentagon supports the St. Louis model. In a recent interview on The Rachel Maddow Show, Wilson said "the kinds of things that we saw in St. Louis are the kinds of things we love to see around the country." He and the Pentagon brass also support the President's White House Dinner. Yet, they have strongly told Mayor Bloomberg "no" to a citywide event in New York. (Insert head-scratching here.)

Like any other hometown, New York City loves its vets too. And patriotic civilian leadership from both parties is asking the question: If our NY Giants deserve a parade, don't our Iraq vets? These leaders want to give Operation Welcome Home the national momentum it deserves too.?Folks ranging from former Mayor Ed Koch to City Councilman Vincent Ignizio (R-SI) to Speaker Christine Quinn (D-3) support a citywide celebration. Councilman Ignizio started this whole push for a Big Apple Parade way back in December. As one little girl from Staten Island sums it up, people just want to connect and say thank you. So what's the harm in that??

The idea has caught fire. And we've addressed almost every single argument against it. Across the country, ordinary Americans are joining the guys in St. Louis to coordinate their own events. In San Antonio, Richmond and a dozen other cities, they're planning parades and service fairs for their local Iraq vets. Lead by civilians, not veterans themselves, this welcome home movement is gaining steam by the day - reinforcing the urgency to coordinate our efforts and resources nationally. The American people are speaking. Loudly. And it's time for the Pentagon and the President to lead, follow or get out of the way.

At the end of the day, we all want to welcome home America's veterans in the most positive, meaningful and impactful ways possible. We know parades and a White House Dinner are not enough. Not even close. But if we're smart and proactive as a country, we'll rally the goodwill that started in St. Louis to spotlight and deliver community resources nationwide now--instead of delaying until history closes the chapter on both wars. A National Day of Action for those who have already returned should pave the way for those yet to come home, while activating the country around our entire community for years to come. ?Americans are keenly aware of the lessons after the Vietnam War. They know that honoring and supporting our troops 10 years after a war ends is a disgrace. We need to show those that have fought for our country that we have their backs now. So if the Pentagon says a national event isn't an option now, then they need to tell Americans when. ?None of us have a crystal ball--combat operations might not end until 2013--at the earliest. So we're looking to our leaders for some productive ways to organize and activate locally in the meantime.?

No matter the front they fought on, our returning veterans are coming home today to entirely new battles - against unemployment, invisible mental health injuries, and bureaucratic red tape around their hard-earned benefits. The end of the Iraq war has increased the demand within our community for services, support and understanding of the issues our veterans face. A National Day of Action could raise the standard of awareness and resources to support our veterans' community on the scale we've seen for other causes like Hope for Haiti, Live 8 and America: A Tribute to Heroes after 9/11.

In a perfect world, every Iraq vet could visit the White House for a black-tie dinner and every day would be Veterans Day--but that's not possible. But replicating St. Louis at scale, a demonstration of our entire nation's gratitude is possible. And now is the time for the President and the Pentagon to listen to the American people who want to help. Let's channel that unprecedented goodwill and gratitude into something practical and lasting, in a way that benefits our veterans and their families for years to come.?

If we do it right, it will do more than just help our veterans. It might just help unite our divided country. And that's a mission all veterans would be proud to be a part of. ??

Paul Rieckhoff is the Founder and Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the author of Chasing Ghosts. Crossposted at www.iava.org.

?

?

?

Follow Paul Rieckhoff on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PaulRieckhoff

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-rieckhoff/mr-president-americans-wa_b_1280892.html

happy thanksgiving dwts cnn debate kennedy assassination kennedy assassination jfk assassination pie crust recipe

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Unions.Org Blog? Blog Archive ? Tip Big: Restaurants Aren't Good ...

Many don't earn minimum wage, and benefits are basically nonexistent

Just in time for the restaurant industry's biggest day of the year, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United delivered an anti-Valentine to the industry for its systematic mistreatment of women in the business, from fast service joints to fine dining establishments. The report??Tipped Over the Edge: Gender Inequity in the Restaurant Industry??shows the business has delivered no tangible love to its workers and a healthy dose of discrimination towards women in the restaurant workforce.

ROC, an organization with more than 9,000 restaurant worker members in 19 cities, started in New York City a decade ago. It serves as a worker rights center, a research-oriented advocate for better public policy, and an organizer and supporter of ?high road? restaurants that demonstrate, as ROC director Saru Jaramayan says, that ?you can pay good wages and have a thriving business and industry.?

But instead, most restaurants thrive?and the industry continues to grow and rack up record profits, even during these hard times?by paying workers poorly. ROC's report?supported by a dozen groups focused on women's rights?notes that the Bureau of Labor Statistics identified seven jobs in the restaurant industry in its 2010 list of the ten lowest-paid occupations. Including tips, the average server made $8.81 an hour. But the average is misleading because of huge variations in the industry.


Source: http://www.unions.org/home/union-blog/2012/02/14/tip-big-restaurants-aren%E2%80%99t-good-to-workers%E2%80%94especially-women/

walmart black friday ad walmart black friday ad rick perry gaffe rick perry gaffe graham spanier graham spanier penn state board of trustees