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The Smile-Hi Community Band played its Spring Concert to a packed auditorium on Thursday evening, conducted by director Josh Race and narrated by Ed Stafford.
The Smile-Hi Community Band played its Spring Concert to a packed auditorium on Thursday evening, conducted by director Josh Race and narrated by Ed Stafford. Assistant director Randy Daniher conducted "Phantom of the Opera," arranged by Warren Barker.
The level of difficulty of the music and the proficiency of the band's performance has increased greatly since the last performance, although only six rehearsals had been devoted to this concert. The ages of band members range from 12 to over 70. Race always makes a plea for new members at the end of a concert. Some of the members had not played their instruments for over 30 years when they joined. "How about YOU?" asked Race in his best Uncle Sam voice.
The first number, "Amazing Grace," was dedicated to Shawn McGrath, the late lead trumpet of the group. After the concert, one of the audience commented that she had been worried about the trumpet section after McGrath was gone, but Chris Ludwig stepped right up to his place.
Assistant director Randy Daniher did a great job with "Phantom of the Opera," conducted in menacing style after the blood-curdling scream of Alicia Millemon set the stage. "Phantom" was a pleasing blend of scary and soothing sounds, with strains of all the songs, especially the lovely "Music of the Night."
"Abduction from the Seraglio" by Mozart led the audience on a merry chase, "rescuing us from the inevitable situations we face in life," said Stafford. Leroy Anderson's "Alma Mater: Scenes for Band" took the audience from Chapel Bells to freshmen on Main Street, to the Library Reading Room, when the flute section pretended to fall asleep, to the Class Reunion when things got lively again.
A personal favorite had to be "Dixieland Clambake" arranged by John Warrington. It featured a Dixieland Band within the band: Daniel Chapa, tuba; Larry Cook, trombone; Paul Jebe, drums; Ann Lopkoff, clarinet; Chris Ludwig, trumpet. It was probably at this point that Hensley decided the lead trumpet position was well taken care of.
Other numbers were "Song of Jupiter" by Handel, "A Scottish Rhapsody" by Clare Grundman, "Bohemian Rhapsody" arranged by Paul Murtha and "Jamaican Rumba," arranged by Philip J. Lang. There was a little something for all tastes.
The audience gave the band a standing ovation at the end of the concert, but alas, no encore.
Thoughts of the start of a symphony orchestra may have occurred to some. Right now, Race is happy to recruit more participants for Thursday nights at the LJHS band room.


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Kansas City, Kan. -- Officials from EPA Regions 7 and 8 today hosted a meeting with the directors of state agriculture departments of Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. The meeting, held at EPA's Region 7 building in Kansas City, Kan., provided a forum for dialogue on EPA programs and regulations as well as specific issues, interests and concerns of the agriculture sector.
EPA staff participants in the meeting included: Karl Brooks, Region 7 Administrator; Jim Martin, Region 8 Administrator; Josh Svaty, Region 7 Senior Adviser; Damon Frizzell, Region 7 Agricultural Adviser; Jennifer Schuller, Region 8 Agriculture Adviser; and Howard Cantor, Region 8 Deputy Administrator.
"Agricultural producers deserve credit for taking significant steps to protect the environment while finding innovative ways to feed millions," said EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks. "American farmers and ranchers have such broad impacts on everything from daily food prices to widespread environmental impacts to emerging renewable fuel technologies that EPA needs to hear the views of state agriculture directors as part of our decision making process."
EPA recognizes that agricultural producers are on the frontline of environmental stewardship and are affected by many EPA programs. Frequent meetings with state agriculture directors are a critical way for EPA to provide outreach and receive feedback on current issues and concerns. Specific topics of today's meeting included air quality standards for particulate matter, renewable fuels, nutrient management, water quality and concentrated animal feeding operations.

subset: commoncrawl


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Brighton manager Gus Poyet slams 'hypocrisy' in criticism of Luis Suarez
Gus Poyet has hit out at the exaggerated reaction to Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's bite on Branislav Ivanovic.
Last Updated: 23/04/13 12:57pm
Suarez has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after biting Ivanovic in Sunday's game against Chelsea, while Liverpool have fined the player but insisted he will not be sold.
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Poyet admits there is no defence for what his fellow Uruguayan did but believes the criticism has been too harsh, especially after Suarez issued a swift apology.
"We exaggerate too much," Poyet told The Times. "Luis knows what he has done, he knows he shouldn't do it and it would be better for him, of course, not to have any more issues this year.
"There are players who have done terrible things and apologised after two minutes and have been portrayed as a hero for apologising quickly.
"Luis Suarez apologises immediately and nobody believes the apology. It's sad. Are they living their personal lives by the same rules? I don't like that. There is plenty of hypocrisy in football now.
"He tried to bite someone in the arm; no harm, really. A little pain. But if a player goes over the top and tries to break a leg? That's good because we are strong and we like the tackle.
"That's where we are in England. I know where I am living, and I adapt and I live with it."
Poyet could understand why Suarez might consider moving to a different country if he becomes too unpopular.
He added: "Do you want him in England? Yes or no? If everybody is against him, he will leave. I know him quite well. I don't know how he is managed, so I can't comment on that.
"It's difficult to have Luis playing at that level with a different character. You need to play the whole package and manage him the best way you can and get the best out of him without any other issues.
"You need to be with him daily and know where he is and in which country he is playing football. It is not just about the 90 minutes we see. I think right now the mental side of football is the most important part."
Poyet accepts that the way Suarez plays his football will divide opinion, but believes he is often misunderstood by English audiences.
"They think they know the reasons why he plays how he plays," Poyet explained. "He learnt to play in a certain way and he will do everything possible to win a football match; sometimes too much. He knows that better than you and me.
"Some people like him, some people don't. If he plays for your team, you will probably like him and if he plays against your team, more people will hate him."


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Hot demanding of this classic folding reversal standing and folio style case proved to be the most pop one for iPad 2 and new styles of it continously coming out i.e. this lizard pattern cover now arrives which features:
Made of nice quality synthetic leather material with vivid lizard imitation non-plain exterior
Book style covering case
Strong magnetical closure
Flap iPad 2 pressing underneath holder design will work perfectly to prevent your machine from slipping out
Reachable cut out for all iPad 2nd ports and controls without iPad's removal
Double layers containers will offer full protection for your iPad 2 machine against any possible damages and hurts i.e bumping,scratching,scraping.
Reversal standing offer 2 nice viewing status so as your main purposes for iPad 2 can be satisfied
Six colors can be opted
Product Category:


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Mt. Hope Power Show
Thursday, August 4, 2011
|Plow at Amish Farm
2:00 p.m. - Fast tractor race
2:30 p.m. - Slow tractor race
3:00 p.m. - Rope Tractor Pull
4:00 p.m. - Threshing demonstration
5:00 p.m. - Children's petal tractor race
6:00 p.m. - Entertainment
7:00 p.m. - Horse pull, Light and Heavy weight
Friday, August 5, 2011
9:00 a.m. - Show opens
10:30 a.m. - Threshing demonstration
|Amimals, Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast
12:00 p.m. - Noon Whistle blowing
1:00 p.m. - Steam engine parade
2:00 p.m - Tractor barrel race
3:00 p.m. - Kids petal tractor pull
3:30 p.m. - Machinery demonstration
4:00 p.m. - Tractor pull weigh-in
5:00 p.m. - Entertainment
Witness old-fashioned steam power at the Doughty Valley Steam Show, taking place in picturesque Charm, Ohio, July 21, 22, and 23, 2011. As usual, several sawmills and several engines will be on display. Demonstrations will include shingle making, plowing, saw milling, and threshing. Steam engine tractors are invited by invitation only. All other antique and stationary engine exhibitors are welcome. A great "Spark Shower" show will take place on Saturday night. Admission is $4.00 per day or free with a paid 2010 membership. Their address is Doughty Valley Steam Days, P. O. Box 74, Charm, OH 44617.
|Cows in rural Holmes County, Ohio
Experience farm atmosphere at the Millersburg, Ohio Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast where you'll sleep in a beautifully restored dairy barn. A hot country breakfast is served daily and innkeepers share Amish culture and history.
Submitted by Loretta Coblentz
July 15, 2011


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North Melbourne to wait on Nick Dal Santo as St Kilda midfielder mulls AFL future
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott is full of praise for Paul Chapman, but it is Nick Dal Santo he wants.
Scott said at Monday's opening of the AFL trade period that they have made their pitch to Dal Santo and it is up to the St Kilda midfielder to decide his future.
At 29, Dal Santo fits the bill for the Kangaroos as they try to break into the top eight.
Chapman will turn 32 next month and, for all his undoubted brilliance and experience, North will not recruit him.
"We think Paul Chapman is a super player, but he doesn't really fit with what we're after in terms of our list build," Scott said.
"Dal Santo is the one experienced player we're looking for at the moment."
Dal Santo has met senior North players as part of a concerted campaign by the Kangaroos to lure him from the Saints.
But Scott said it was now out of North's hands.
"Nick is very much in discussions with St Kilda as to what's best for that club," Scott said.
"Nick ... wants to do what is best by St Kilda.
"Once both parties have come to an agreement as to which is the best way to go for their club, then they'll let us know.
"We've registered our interest; we really like him; we think he'd fit into our playing group really well.
Scott was one of few senior coaches to attend Monday's opening of the trade period, which runs until October 25.
He made it clear he was not looking forward to the lengthy trade period.
"If we finished today, I'm sure we'd come to a resolution," Scott said of Dal Santo.
"The reality is, it will probably play out over the next couple of weeks.
"I'm the coach that's slowest on the uptake, I think.
"I'm the only coach who's been around for a couple of years who has the lack of common sense to come again."
Asked if the trade period should be shorter, he replied: "that would make sense, but we're going to talk about it for the next three weeks, aren't we?
"So it's going to keep us all in a job."
North could recruit Dal Santo as part of a trade that sends defender Luke Delaney to the Saints.
Delaney has nominated St Kilda as his preferred club.


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After his incredible 10-year career, Joost is regarded as one of greatest scrum-halves to ever grace the field.
He formed the J9 Foundation after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2011. His foundation provides aid to patients and their families who endure the overwhelming hardships that this terminal condition brings about.
For more information visit www.joost.co.za


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I am starting to get my head down with the Rasputin script and still hoping to have a first draft together by Monday. This does not seem a realistic proposition as I am only 15 pages in (and I guess I am going to need 80) and there's a bewildering amount of info that I need to collate. But I don't have much on over the weekend, so you never know. Some chinks of light are starting to appear and the main characters are beginning to feel real. Once I have a handle on how they speak and behave the rest should come relatively easily. And so far I really like them.
It's interesting that when I first read Yusupov's biography that the thing that jumped out at me as a setting for a drama was the interviews for the 1967 film also called "I Killed Rasputin". It merited no more than a page in the book, but I sensed that this was the way to tell the story. Mainly because it just seemed so impossible that one of Rasputin's killers would still be alive in the late 60s, but also because almost imperceptibly his mask was beginning to slip. Having gone back to the source material - the interviews made by EM Halliday and Peter Lennon of the Guardian, there is still very sparse information. Halliday only makes a few comments about the actual interview (his article is about Rasputin in general - though I think he does nail that as far as is possible) and Lennon writes a light piece of about 1000 words. But there is enough in this (and in the brief email that Halliday's son sent me about his father) to open a window to these characters. Yusupov's asthmatic dog, his supportive and loquacious female friend and Lennon's faux pas in shaking the Princesses hand rather than snapping his heels and kissing her hand.
Beyond these brief flashes of rather evocative detail I have to make the rest of it up (though obviously the various versions of the Rasputin story are on record) and my Yusupov will, by necessity have to be a little more together and talkative than the real one. But the hub of it is all there. It's strange that this dark subject: the brutal murder of Rasputin and the collapse of the Tsarist regime, becomes light-hearted in its portrayal. Yet that's one of the fascinating things about it for me. Yusupov got away with murder (if he even really had anything directly to do with it) and spent the rest of his life dining off and making a living from his actions. And is a slightly comedic hero as a result.
Thematically there's so much to get in to this. But what I was enjoying today was the fact that by demonising Rasputin in the frankly unlikely murder story, Yusupov actually guaranteed that he would be remembered (I am not sure he'd be any more than a minor footnote in the history books without his dubious indestructibility). Yet his own fate as a historical character is so tied into the story that admitting the truth would diminish himself as well.
So today felt like a little step forwards, though I did get distracted at about 7pm and decide it was time to sort out the contents of the kitchen and basement cupboards.
If I can have a good three days on this then I might be in the luxurious position of having a month to edit and perfect it. I am sure it won't end up like that. And the next big step is to cast the thing, with only a partial script and me saying that I think it could be really good to tempt actors in.


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i know this is random but i'm still upset amaro didnt jump all over yoenis cespedes last offseason. RH outfield bat, and at the time by far our easiest and maybe only way to get younger and better (turned 27 in October). i believe he got 4yr/36m from oakland.
2012 in only 487 at bats due to a stint on the DL some numbers he put up:
23 HRs, 82 RBIs, 16 SBs, .292 BA, .356 OBP, 3.4 WAR
man, we coulda had him for cash but if there was anyway to possibly get him i'd jump all over it...i know oakland has at least 3 other starting caliber outfielders.
just wanted your guys' thoughts on this...if you wanted him like I did last year, and also if there would be anyway possible for Amaro to redeem himself (not counting on it).


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Take an in-depth look at working with singles and thick-and-thin yarns. Eunny Jang begins with cast-ons for singles and irregular spun yarns, and then tricks for knitting with them. Then, expert Kristin Omdahl shows how to use short-rows for knitting a scarf. On the Yarn Spotlight, Clara Parkes talks singles and thick-n-thin yarn constructions and their effect on stitch patterns. And finally, on this season's last Quick Tip segment Eunny has a few strong bind-offs for unevenly spun yarns.
Visit the Website: http://www.knittingdailytv.com
Episode #1113 / Length: 28 minutes


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I built this with 3/8ths mild steel 3/4 all thread, weld nuts, and I cant remember what you call those threaded spacers, like what you would use to bolt the belly pan of a Cat or skidder or something to. Enjoy.
No announcement yet.
Rifle Rest
new posts
More pics
Here they are.
Great past time...Bench shooting.
I like the project. That's a much nicer rest than those usually seen on the market! I would have "broke" the resting plate using a hydraulic press/jig combo and an angle deflection gauge rather than welding the three pieces. However, you probably did not have access to such tooling. I guess things are more scarce in somewhat remote Alaska than most of the Continental United States?
It looks very durable regardless of rifle caliber used. Very nice finished product! Happy shooting. Dial 'er in and do what you do. A 30-06 at 1200 yards "confirmed" is a great accomplishment. Oops...
Good Luck
PS: If you would, please post a picture of the target after final dialing in on the glass. If possible include rifle spec w/ barrel length and type action, caliber, bullet
configuration, bullet weight, powder type/gn's used, firing distance, windage elevation, mark the 1st shot (flyer(s)) and other pertinent specs.
If you want pm me and I'll send my email address if you'd rather not post this information on a public forum.
THANKS!!!Last edited by HAWK; 04-17-2011, 12:00 AM.
Senior Member
- Nov 2008
- 181
Very nicely done!Professional firefighter (retired). Amateur everything else I try to do...
Oh yeah: GO BIG RED!
Hey 11b,
Nice job & design. Here are a few variations I make. The most popular is the "field" unit with detachable bench base. It can be used on a bench or in the field & has a belt clip to carry easily & adjustable for prone or sitting. Maybe give you a few ideas....
Denny* Complete welding, machine, & fab shop *
* Mobile unit *
* Finally retired *
* A man's word is his honor..... without honor, there is nothing. *
* Words are like bullets..... once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back. *
* I have no reservation to kill nor hesitation to die for the U.S. Constitution & the American Flag. *
* Age is a state of mind..... at my age, you cannot fathom what is in my mind. *
Thank you Gentlemen.
I hate seeing inferior junk from china overwhelm our shelves, so if I can, I do without it or make it.
Yorkiepap, I did see your rest and they are really cool, light and fast looking. I really like the way you did the feet.
Hawk when I start shooting I can send you some pics. I'm really not a "bench rest shooter" I shoot IPSC and used to shoot service rifle a long time ago in the Army. I love to play around and see how accurate I can get that's for sure. I love to reload and make cast bullets. Are you a bench rest shooter? I could use some of your loads
Thank you for the comments.Last edited by 11b; 04-17-2011, 12:24 PM.
I can send some load info your weigh.
IPSC-nice! It is hard to beat a good .45. I used to BS some time ago. I will send some info on loads your way. What caliber? I will have to recall my loads. I lost everything I owned in a nasty divorce after 21 years of marriage. I will look and see what I have. Some of my info and equipment is stored at my business partner's place.
4 Bars Sr Moderator
- Sep 2005
- 4973
Nice job to both of you guys...BobBob Wright
Spool Gun conversion. How To Do It. Below.
Hawk its OK, no worries, I have tons of load data, the internet has so much data to sift through you know. Generally Bullseye and 231 for my 45 and 4895 for the 06 and 308. I appreciate the offer however. Lately I have been playing with a 45-70 and that is really fun. Let me know (PM) if you want some interesting loads for the 45-70. Thanks.
That's a great looking rest. I'm sure it's probably better than a Caldwell. I'd love to see it with a rifle and shooter as well. It's been a long time now but I used to shoot heavy bench rest every Saturday night. I miss it!! Now days even if I could find time to shoot I have no shooting partner anymore so don't really shoot too much. I was going to try to start shooting again this year and already missed the first match due to work and haven't fired a shot since Labor Day weekend of 09.
Anyway it's a great looking rest and I hope you get many hours of shooting enjoyment from it!!!Blondie (Owner C & S Automotive)
Colt the original point & click interface!
Millermatic 35 with spot panel
Miller 340A/BP
Victor O/A torches
Lincoln SP125
Too many other tools to list
03 Ram 1500
82 GL1100 Interstate
About how much do you have invested mot including the bag? I had plans to make my own rest to but the bag alone was $22 and a brand new MTM predator front rest was $25. I like the MTM unit but the rubber rest and coarse thread plastic adjuster aren't that precise. I love the simplicity of your design as well. Great looking welds too! TIG isn't it? where did you get the tube nuts?Miller Digital Elite inferno
Miller MP-10 passive helmet
Hobart Stickmate 250/160 ac/dc
Thank you. Fastenal has the tube nuts but you could probably use nuts and tig them in a piece of heavy wall pipe, but those tube nuts work really well, however you do have to chase the threads with a tap. Other then that the other expense, of course the bag (made in USA) and the threaded rod. The Caldwell rests you see for 25 dollars are way too light and flimsy. I will get some pics of the rest in action.
Please do!!! I'm an avid shooter and appreciate such pictures. Please do show pics of the targets as well.Blondie (Owner C & S Automotive)
Colt the original point & click interface!
Millermatic 35 with spot panel
Miller 340A/BP
Victor O/A torches
Lincoln SP125
Too many other tools to list
03 Ram 1500
82 GL1100 Interstate


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With the news of Sir Alex Ferguson stepping down as Manchester United manager, people are wondering whether Arsene Wenger should call it a day at Arsenal.
Arsenal have gone eight seasons without a trophy and fans have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of funds to invest in talent like clubs such as Chelsea and Man City.
Both Fergie and Wenger have been the most successful managers in their club's history. The only difference between the two is that Sir Alex has left Manchester United as Premier League champions whereas Arsene, should he decide to leave, would leave them in a state of transition.
He still would have helped form a new stadium and if their last two games go in favour then he would have guided them yet again to a Champions League spot.
In many ways Wenger has been known to change the game with many spectators stating Arsenal play beautiful football. They have a reputation for being one of the most watchable teams in world football.
Often referred to as The Professor in his early days he worked with his players on technique and kept them on strict diets to help maintain their posture and structure.
Over the last eight years Arsenal have failed to win any trophies. Wenger has continued to stick by his morals and invest in youth by working closely with the youth team and placing much of his faith in them.
However, with the new financial regulations coming into place, Arsenal should be aiming to widen their spending in regards to transfer fees and wages. This will hopefully attract more experienced players that could change the dynamic of the team in a whole.
Change should be embraced, as it is not always a bad thing, Sir Alex feels it is the right time to leave as United are in a good position.
It will be difficult to step into Wenger's shoes if he did decide to leave but going eight seasons without winning anything and losing big name players, Arsenal could very well do with the change.
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|Episode Description
|Wednesday, Feb 19, 2014 - 5:00 AM
"Daniel Gets Frustrated/Frustration at School"
Daniel Gets Frustrated: Daniel is staying at home with Mom Tiger today. He really wants to play with Prince Wednesday, but he is visiting his cousin Chrissie. He asks Mom if they can go to Music Man Stan's shop, but they can't because it is closed. D
|More on PLUS (MT)
|No upcoming shows in database
|Previous on PLUS (MT)
|No Past shows in database


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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has asked a federal judge to delay the effective date of his ruling allowing state recognition of same-sex marriages while he appeals the case.
Private attorneys representing Beshear filed the request Friday afternoon, about 24 hours after they were hired to take the case.
Attorney Leigh Gross Latherow wrote in a motion that halting implementation of U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn's decision would allow appeals courts and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court to sort out what the law is.
Latherow wrote that if Heyburn did not rule by Tuesday, an appeal would be filed with the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.
Heyburn overturned Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban and set an effective date for his ruling of March 20.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Online Appointments
Provide your Client Base with the Ability to Book their Appointments Online!
Solutions available:
- Seasonal flu shots
- Child vaccination
- Test centres
More than 500,000 patients of all age have already adopted it!Read More...
You will be amazed by its powers of attraction!
Our Software Solutions
Health Centres
Already in use in 25 % of all of Quebec's health centres, our online appointment booking solution enables you to improve access to your immunization services, frees up administration time, and eliminates clinic waiting time while reducing pressure on your staff…Learn more
Used by more than 500,000 users, our online appointment booking solution enables you to promote the professional services provided in your pharmacy, to reduce the time spent on treating phone requests, optimize staff work schedule, and become a leader in online services…Learn mode
Cities / Territories
Are you looking for a way to help your business meet coming labour shortage or to reduce the financial risks related to recruiting? Leverage your existing network in your next recruiting campaigns…Learn more
Large Entreprises
Talent Attraction enables you to find that elusive best talent hidden within your network's reach. By transforming your job offers in social-driven "Wanted Posters". Talent Attraction redefines the candidate referral experience. You too will be amazed by your network's powers of attraction…Learn more
Latest news
(Français) Vaccination contre la grippe à la Capitale-Nationale
Sorry, this entry is only available in Français.
(Français) La FADOQ crée un lien privilégié entre employés et employeurs
Sorry, this entry is only available in Français.
(Français) Saguenay se dote d'un site pour l'emploi
Sorry, this entry is only available in Français.
"Easily accessible, it allows the client to schedule an appointment at the most convenient time, night or day! Free up the time of staff in the reception area, enables us to view how many patients are coming every day and better plan our work teams: replace an absent employee, limit the number of patients seen in a given day. Enables us to adjust the number of patients seen during work breaks as well as to estimate the number of vaccines to be ordered each day."
Julie Lemieux, Chef d'administration de programme santé, CSSS Thérèse-De Blainville
"Programming is quick and intuitive. We have been able to adapt to client demand during vaccination season by increasing the number of available schedule slots to better meet the needs of the population. Software use has contributed to reduce queue time for the clients. The Appointment mode has been well-understood by users and we have avoided congestion. People came at their scheduled time."
Isabelle Desbiens, Chef de l'administration des programmes DSA, CSSS Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Sherbrooke


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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Is Florida the best state for retirement?
Florida has the beaches and warm winters. There's no doubt the state is a favorite among snow birds. But is it the best place to retire? A report released Monday by Bankrate shows that the best places to spend your golden years may not be where you think. Read more from the My FOX Tampa Bay and CNNMoney.
The importance of marketing online and offline
We asked business coach and Florida Trend columnist Ron Stein to explain the importance of a theme when marketing to customers. He also spoke about different ways to market - both online and offline. The questions and answers with Stein are the last of a series. His written column will return next week. See videos here.
PortMiami tunnel digging reaches end of the line
The excavation of the PortMiami tunnel, which began in 2011, came to an end Monday morning when the gigantic digging machine that has been boring the dual-tube underwater traffic passage reached daylight on Watson Island. Read more from the Miami Herald.
» Panama Canal Expansion: A Game Changer?
Challenging employees will help them perform better
Three decades of study shows that people achieve a much higher performance level when they are given more challenging assignments. Workers who are given difficult jobs to do have to try different approaches in order to solve the problem. This problem solving leads to growth and learning. Read more from Dr. Jerry Osteryoung.
Hurricane conference to highlight Florida's vulnerability
Emergency managers and first responders will focus on two concerns at this year's Florida Governor's Hurricane Conference: The need for residents to grasp the potential deadliness of storm surge and the odds of a hurricane strike this year. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Business Plan Challenge
The Miami Herald has announced to the winners of the 15th Annual Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge. Several of today's winners — and many of the finalists and contestants — were grounded in social entrepreneurship. Two other themes running through many of these entries: helping the self -employed and healthy living.
» Read more from the Miami Herald and see profiles of the winners.
In case you missed it:


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Pac-12 Team Previews: Oregon StatePosted by Connor Pelton on October 27th, 2011
Over the next two weeks, we'll be previewing each of the Pac-12 teams as we head into the season.
Oregon State Beavers
Strengths. The Beavers might just have the best three-guard rotation in the conference. They are led by junior Jared Cunningham, who is a consistent jump shot away from being considered for Pac-12 Player of the Year come March. Then there are sophomores Roberto Nelson and Ahmad Starks, who after shaky starts to their freshman campaigns, had breakout performances towards the end of last year. Both are capable of taking over a game when Cunningham needs a breather. On the bench at guard will be Challe Barton, Jullian Powers, C.J. Mitchell, and Michael Moyer. Barton and Mitchell are the definitions of a combo-guard, and both should see some minutes when the others are in foul trouble. Powers and Moyer will most likely not see any game action this year.
Weaknesses. As strong as the backcourt is, the frontcourt is that much of a weakness. Sophomore Devon Collier and junior Joe Burton will be the starters down low. But while Collier showed glimpses of greatness last year, Burton always seemed to throw the ball away or airball the point-blank layup (don't ask). If the Beavers are to go to the NCAAs this season like Craig Robinson is calling for, these two need to perform at a high level for 40 minutes each night.


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1. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?David__B May 1, 2012 12:41 PM (in response to YahorShumski)1 person found this helpful
Hi Yahor,
This is the info I have.
Adobe decides the price at which it sells its product on the Adobe Store. A number of factors influence our regional pricing including local market conditions and the cost of doing business in that region. Please note that resellers are free to decide at which price they sell Adobe products, which can be less than the price on the Adobe Store.
We establish our prices for Creative Suite products in U.S. dollars, Euros, Yen, British Pound and Australian dollars on a regional basis using a consistent methodology. Local market conditions significantly influence our pricing – these include the costs of doing business in different regions and customer research that assesses the value of the product in the local market.
We conduct the majority of our business through our retail and licensing channels. We depend on our retail partners in local markets to help us reach as many customers as possible, support those customers, and much more.
As stated, the cost of doing business in the rest of the world is higher than in North America. That higher cost is reflected in some of our pricing and would remain no matter how customers chose to purchase. For example, customers will still read about our products through local press to whom we reach out; they will meet local Adobe sales people who conduct seminars, participate in user groups, and visit large customers; and they will rely on support resources that Adobe makes available in these markets. All of these efforts impact the business costs of securing the sale, whether that sale is delivered online or in a box.
2. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?jb.uk May 2, 2012 5:11 PM (in response to David__B)
There is no retailing and no reselling with Creative Cloud. The cost of doing business in Europe is not 50% higher than doing the cost of doing business in North America. That is especially true for web-based businesses.
This strikes me as the key phrase in your reply "customer research that assesses the value of the product in the local market" - in other words, you charge whatever you think the market will bear. You've concluded that you can charge Europeans more for the same product, and they will purchase it anyway. If that's true it's simply because Europeans have become inured this kind of business practice on the part of large American and multinational companies.
3. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?wdyp May 4, 2012 8:05 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
I just went on to order cloud but decided against it when I saw the price just made me feel like I was getting ripped off plain and simple.
4. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?RobinSTC May 4, 2012 8:12 AM (in response to David__B)
Really, you might think that your customers are muppets, but its best not to say so quite so brazenly.
Users who are happy with US English should be able to buy at the US price, wherever they are.
5. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?Zbig T. May 6, 2012 3:11 PM (in response to David__B)
I'd buy a Creative Cloud subscription for Euro equivalent of the US price plus taxes any day now without thinking twice. But 61€ vs. $50? That's just shameless rip-off. And now you publicly admit that you're fleecing Europeans simply because you think you can - now, that's just low. No Creative Cloud for me, thank you very much.
6. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?ian_the_scot May 7, 2012 8:05 AM (in response to Zbig T.)
Just like wdyp I was really excited by the new way of ordering the latest Adobe Suite and all of the benefits that the Cloud brings. However I shall not be doing so as in concert with the posters above I consider the pricing for the UK and Euro zone to be a rip off!!
To be glibly told that it is local forces and the costs of doing business here that accounts for the huge discrepancy makes my blood boil. This is an Internet based product and we are dealing directly with Adobe. No packaging or shipping or paying rents here. When I can pay (what I think is reasonable) ie the same as the quoted Dollar price then I shall gladly join up.
Until then I am sure there will be other avenues available in due course driven by the demand created by the unfair pricing structure.
I am very disappointed at the attitude of those who thought this would be acceptable and fair to charge such price variations across the globe for essentially the same virtual product.
I urge those at Adobe to rethink the strategy before it launches a whole slew of potential customers into the seedier side of software procurement. This is a chance to capture the next generation into a whole new way of thinking …… don't waste it.
7. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?Patrick_N May 7, 2012 9:48 AM (in response to ian_the_scot)
I agree on that, nethertheless it was always this way with Adobe when purchasing products online. At least you got it a little cheaper when purchasing from a distributor.
For Austria if you deduct the sales tax, it's still 25 % higher price (as Adobe seems to calculate 23 % tax at their prices). Not even sure if it's deducated at all if purchasing as company with European VAT.
Didn't find such an option.
And for distributors, I checked out on those, they sell it "excluding tax" with 63 €, but you have to pay 12 months in advance.
This is really double the price. In respect of resellers, sure they can charge what they want, but not adobe with 25 % higher pricing for the same product.
Someone mentioned, let us get the english version. The 49,99 US$ Version is already multilanguage version according to this website, so no difference in the product itself. Just pricing.
I also urge Adobe to rethink this finally, as it's not the cost of selling it (Microsoft doesn't do that either and has the same higher costs in austria - which I doubt exist).
I can only agree, they sell it what they think the marked will pay. I stick with the old version (now since CS3... ) as I boycott such a behaviour, even I am missing all the new features.
First you are excited to see the new product, which I really think is great, but not like this old fashioned behaviour.
8. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?David.Thomson May 9, 2012 3:28 AM (in response to David__B)
You cannot even purchase the U.S subscription from adobe store because it won't let you use an address outsite of america. This disparity in price is probably offset against american purchases effectively discounting for Americans at the expense of customers outside of America. This again shows that the creative monopoly that is Adobe unfairly weights competiveness towards American companies. It might be good in the long run and spur competitive products to emerge in Europe that can then become the creative standard.
I was really interested in subscribing to Creative Cloud but I am so angry at this discrimination that I am now not going to purchase and will be looking towards alternatives for my own use and will recommend these to my employers.
I think Adobe has done a good job at pushing away a loyal customer may it long continue.
9. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?Mark Southee May 9, 2012 3:48 AM (in response to David.Thomson)
Can you clarify what you mean by "use an address outside of America". Do you mean the IP address of the machine you are trying to register with? There are perfectly legal ways of using a US based IP address from outside of the US.
10. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?David.Thomson May 9, 2012 5:09 AM (in response to Mark Southee)
When you purchase the subscription you need to use a credit card which needs an address for verification. The purchase page does not allow you enter an address that is not States based. The transaction would not verify without a valid address. Pretty clever though on Adobes part in restricting where people purchase their products from.
11. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?regg_m May 10, 2012 7:17 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
I used to love Adobe.. now it's such a ripoff..
discrimination is not cool
12. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?RinkyDD1812 May 11, 2012 3:18 AM (in response to David__B)
I do wonder how many legitimate licences Adobe would sell in Europe if their prices were closer to the North American offerings?
Perhaps the cost of doing business in Europe would be less if the prices were more affordable meaning Adobe sales staff didn't have to expense account so many dinners and drinks to try and persuade people to pay over the odds?
I had hoped Creative Cloud would signal a breakaway from the obscene disparity, given that there are no resellers or middle men taking a cut but Adobe obviously feel that if they can charge more they will. Shame on them for their short sighted, greed centric attitude.
13. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?p.pedaci May 11, 2012 7:10 AM (in response to David__B)
This is unacceptable, and you know it. Nobody would rant if the price difference was in a reasonable range, but 50%? Are you serious?
It's actually kind of offending, honestly, since it's obvious that Adobe thought »They'll buy it«.
I really do hope someone would come up with a comparable product, just to bring some equilibrium into the market.
14. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?regg_m May 11, 2012 7:43 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
the truth is that there are good alternatives for the adobe products out there:
- I've bought Pixelmator because the creative cloud is too expensive in the UK and so far I'm very impressed with the software..
- flash is dead
- Eclipse for coding (excelent) and free
- Final Cut Pro
- Motion
- Quark Express
also GIMP is free (I dont like the UI but it has most of the functionalities)
It was cheaper than Adobe (UK) and some of the tools better
15. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?PNLCG May 13, 2012 12:23 PM (in response to David__B)
I accept that there can be some price differences between various countries but if I but the download from your US site yours costs would be the same as if you werte selling it to a USA customer.
The UK upgrade to Photoshop CS extended is £444 inc. VAT or $715, the USA price is £248 or $399 this is a mark up of $316 £196. In Australia the cost is $670 a mask up of $271. In Europe the price is €477 or $616 a mark up of €168 or $217.
Adobe is being deliberately anti non American and their pricing could be seen as a deliberate policy to profiteer from non American customers.
Please think again you have time to redefine your pricing. It cannot cost $316 more to download from a UK site rather than a USA site. If so Adobe should seriously consider shutting down its UK operations as they are very inefficeint. As are their European and Australian operation.
16. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?pf22 May 13, 2012 12:31 PM (in response to David__B)
David__B wrote:
Please note that resellers are free to decide at which price they sell Adobe products, which can be less than the price on the Adobe Store.
That may well be so, but guess who decides what price the reseller BUYS the product from Adobe at. Yeah. Adobe.
17. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?Strik May 14, 2012 1:40 AM (in response to pf22)
I totally agree with all the above. Adobe should reconsider their european pricing plan and they should appologize!
18. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?Billygunn111 May 14, 2012 2:05 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
I agree, its unacceptable that UK customers have to pay $75.27 (£46.88) per month. This is an Internet based product which is the same for everyone globally and we are all purchasing directly with Adobe. No packaging, reseller fees or shipping. This is a signicant rise in cost to the $49.99 fee that has been strongly marketed to entice people to buy this product.
19. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?David.Thomson May 14, 2012 2:22 AM (in response to David__B)1 person found this helpful
The real question now seems to be how do we make Adobe take notice of the general dissastisfaction of their price structure? I've been reading that this has always been the case that Adobe is over priced outside of America put the rest of the development community at a dissadvantage to out american cousins. It seems that Adobe is happy to have everybody whinging becuase ultimately no action is mounted that can cause real damage to their bottom line profits.
Perhaps we should start a real campaign? Set up a facebook page let as many people know as possible highlighting the issue and flagging up alternative adobe products.
Heres a link to a paper on Price discimination http://www.coleurop.be/content/gclc/documents/GCLC%20WP%2007-05.pdf
There is also information about European action against price discimination http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_102_of_the_Treaty_on_the_Functioning_of_the_European_ Union
Without action Adobe will still continue to fleece a premium from Europe.
20. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?gregkeo May 14, 2012 2:59 AM (in response to David.Thomson)
A great idea David - is there anyone out there prepared to give a little time to set up a fb page and/or other means of rallying international consumer support? In Australia we are subjected to the same inequitable pricing as other non-US customers by Adobe and other US companies. While there isn't a viable alternative yet to the Adobe suite it will happen and I'll be treating Adobe with the same contempt it is showing its current international customers ...........
21. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?YahorShumski May 14, 2012 3:26 AM (in response to gregkeo)
I can set up the Facebook page but we will need help with promotion, content, legal issues etc
22. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?regg_m May 14, 2012 4:04 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
please let us know the name of the facebook page. I'm gathering some documents that can be interesting for this.
23. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?YahorShumski May 14, 2012 5:55 AM (in response to regg_m)
here is the facebook page. I will make everybody admins so we can edit content etc.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adobe-Price-Policy-The-Same-Price-For-Everybody-Campaign/36 5171083530502
We need a good content right now and a sort of promotion
24. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?David.Thomson May 14, 2012 6:14 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
I was trying to find out if there was any way to force governement to intervene for a review of pricing policy like the Australian Government is doing
Apple co founder is also slamming this practice
I'm sure that Adobe have done their homework on whether this is legal or not but if we get enough people interested Adobe might just take note.
I think that one way to drum up interest in the facebook page is to obviously put lots of content on it and try to get on lots of other forums and blogs letting people know what we are trying to achieve.
Adobe is basically a monopoly within the design industry and if we could persued the government that this is the case they could be pushed to look at it.
25. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?ChristophvS May 14, 2012 6:26 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
I've choosen to subscribe because for the time being I need it and the pricing model suits me.
But I totaly agree that adobe has to feel incredibly powerfull to advertize theire products in $ and charge them with overpricing in other currencys.
So I surely look for alternatives bevor re-subscribing for the full price, when this will be due in year.
26. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?jb.uk May 14, 2012 6:57 AM (in response to ChristophvS)
ZDNet on Adobe's behaviour after it found a security flaw in CS5.5, and told users they must upgrade to CS6 to have the bug fixed:
This is immoral behaviour. It is cynical behaviour. It is the behaviour of a company that knows it has an effective monopoly and isn't afraid to use dangerous flaws in its own products to extort yet more cash from its captive audience.
27. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?mbdrake May 14, 2012 7:24 AM (in response to Billygunn111)
It's worth noting that Mac User UK have noticed the pricing irregularities between the US and UK and have covered this in their review of the CS6 products in the latest edition - and especially given that Adobe charge 23% VAT on Creative Cloud (since they're HQed in Dublin which has a higher VAT rate) versus the 20% rate on the Creative Suite regular bundles.
28. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?regg_m May 14, 2012 8:35 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
I've tried to access the facebook page (priceDiscrimination) but it says "page not found" , can you please post a valid link? as this needs to be sent to blogs
29. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?gregkeo May 15, 2012 1:26 AM (in response to RobinSTC)
Those who have seen the 'United You Broke My Guitar' video on Youtube will appreciate the pressure that can be applied on social media. United Airlines would surely be wishing they had looked after this customer. If you haven't seen it follow this link to an interview by the guy who was shabbily treated http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CtK2KWo-Vo . The original song has almost reached 12 million viewings.
I have neither the skill or creativity to aspire to a similar gig, however others may do.
Thanks Yahor Shumsky for the fb page (7 posts pabove). Lets all get some comments up, including the price differences in your own countries and share the page with as many individuals, blog and web sites as you can .............
30. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?Spamhunter May 15, 2012 3:12 AM (in response to gregkeo)
My company now has an office in the US, so I will be subscribing there & using it in Europe. That's only after years of debating whether Adobe deserve a penny from me for treating me like a plantation slave & refusing to acquiesce.
I'm sure that they could double their foreign revenue ovenight with fair pricing, but it may well require EU action like the multi-€bn MS one to get their a$s kicked into line.
31. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?mbdrake May 15, 2012 3:21 AM (in response to Spamhunter)
To be fair, Adobe isn't the only company that do this. Apple themselves are culprits. Google too. The long and short of it is that US companies do not want to do direct business on British soil if there are better and cheaper countries from which to base their European operations.
Yet we still buy the products and services nonethless!
Also Adobe isn't a charity - it's a profit-making business. It can set whatever pricing it likes - nobody is strong-arming anybody into buying into anything they do. It's a PITA if you've invested lots in time and money into an existing infrastructure based around a particular company's product only to find a massive hike in costs with new versions, etc. etc. - but that's capitalism for you.
32. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?regg_m May 15, 2012 3:36 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
the only way to end with this exploitation is by using other softwares (I've downloaded motion and Final cut pro and so far Im very happy) and there are lots of image editing software, if they're missing any photoshop feature, just send an email to the developers suggesting the new feature, if everyone can do that, a lot of businesses won't be depending on the Adobe products anymore. and honestly, there are other softwares out there.
If you are an USA far right, yes, just buy Adobe and sing the anthem. the rest of the world sucks (for adobe)
33. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?jb.uk May 15, 2012 3:59 AM (in response to regg_m)
Adobe's decision is purely a financial one. They charge whatever they calculate will maximize profits. If Europeans buy the software at these prices, then they will charge these prices. If Europeans refuse to buy, then they will reduce the price.
They spend millions in advertising, promoting the notion that they "care" about their customers, because people are more likely to buy from a company which cares about them. Widespread negative publicity making it crystal clear that they only thing they care about is profit will affect their bottom line, compelling them to address the cause of that negative publicity, and reduce their prices.
34. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?jbregar May 15, 2012 7:01 AM (in response to jb.uk)
You'd have to be living under a really big rock to think that Adobe "cares" about you. They've been customer-neutral (trending to customer-hostile) for a while now. I'm holding out hope that they seem to be getting their stuff together.
That said, no one's holding a gun to your head and forcing you to buy Creative Cloud (or Creative Suite 6). Adobe charges what the market will bear (or what they think it will anyway) in every country... just like everyone else. As has been noted above, Apple does the same thing. So does Nikon, Canon, Sony... the list goes on.
Europeans can buy Mercedes cars cheaper than I can in the US. You can even *gasp* get cars I CAN'T EVEN BUY over here... from US automakers.
I'm pretty sure Adobe doesn't care about your facebook page. How about not upgrading if you don't agree with the pricing scheme? That sends an actual message.
35. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?regg_m May 15, 2012 7:10 AM (in response to YahorShumski)
exactly.. stop buying adobe products is the most appropriate option. adobe products are buggy and slow anyway
36. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?mbdrake May 15, 2012 7:18 AM (in response to jbregar)
I remember my days in professional VFX for film & TV production (Harry Potter, James Bond, big WB films, etc. etc.) and trying to get Adobe to consider developing a native Linux version of Photoshop given that the majority of London-based VFX/post-houses were all mainly running Linux (given the transition from SGI/IRIX - of which Photoshop *was* available).
No, Adobe would not budge despite large number of licenses in use within the industry. We resorted to the likes of Wine (with Disney Animation putting in a large chunk of development dollars into Wine development to improve compatability) and eventually when the CSes started coming out with new licensing systems that Wine just couldn't handle (or at least handled badly), we had to virtualise an entire OS *and* Photoshop which meant that we had to beef up workstations to cope with the extra RAM and CPU requirements for virtualisation. Anything to stop artists having two workstations under their desks.
Mind you, Apple didn't listen much to VFX pros either - Shake was discontinued and source code sold to those that wanted it, and look what happened with Final Cut Pro in recent months with folks either running over to Premiere Pro or to Avid.
I guess this is why competition is good - there are alternatives to Photoshop and it's ilk (but let's face it - come on - it's still used by the majority of VFX facilities even now) as well as developing new tools in-house to get around the old commercial software vendor problem.
Apple, Adobe, whoever, can do what they think they can get away with. They are a commercial, for-profit business as I've said before. I don't think the prices are bad as they stand - but if they went above the £47 as from next year, I'd have to reconsider (as I'm using this subscription for personal use). I personally think it's a bold move on the part of Adobe to be moving to this kind of licensing scheme and I'd like to see it work. I can absolutely see film & TV productions taking on month-to-month subscriptions during periods of very heavy workloads to keep their overall licensing costs down (and then cancel the subscriptions when job is complete).
37. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?jb.uk May 15, 2012 7:16 AM (in response to jbregar)
I don't think Adobe cares about the Facebook page, either, or this thread in this little backwater of the net. But if there were a Facebook page with tens of thousands of likes, or a petition, or a viral video, they would care. I agree that all businesses behave in the same way that Adobe is. The difference here is that it is just so blatant. The pricing differential is much larger than we normally see, and the usual arguments about costs of doing business are clearly absolute nonsense with this product. They keep squeezing and squeezing; they will eventually hit a tipping point and there will be a backlash.
38. Re: Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?Patrick WOU May 16, 2012 7:08 AM (in response to David__B)
I'm one of the many Europeans fed up with Adobe's price policy.
No Creative Cloud subscription nor upgrade for any of my Adobe products until prices are fair in Europe.
Adobe already killed off Flash by their behaviour.
It seems the only way they learn something is the hard way.
So be it ...


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BATON ROUGE — The LSU Board of Supervisors agreed today to privatize the operations of its public hospitals in New Orleans, Houma and Lafayette that provide safety net care for the uninsured and help train medical students.
Management of the hospitals and their outpatient clinics will be turned over to nonprofit corporations that run private hospitals in the regions, under plans pushed by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration.
Basic outlines of the agreements were approved unanimously by LSU board members who said they hoped to move LSU out of the hospital business and return the university system's focus to education.
"We're getting back to our core competencies, and we're very excited about that," LSU hospital chief Frank Opelka said.
University System President William Jenkins said he was relieved to see LSU moving away from the administration of health care facilities, saying repeated budget cuts threatened patient care and education programs.
"By any analysis, we were not on a sustainable path and very soon our training of health care professionals was going to be impacted," Jenkins said.
The companies taking over hospital management will make lease payments to the state, dollars that Opelka said would be used to draw federal matching money to pay for services.
Lease terms are under negotiation and haven't been released. The nonprofit corporations agreed to put up about $30 million in initial "milestone payments" as part of the deals, with additional lease payments to be required to manage the hospitals.
The Louisiana Children's Medical Center, which operates Children's Hospital and Touro Infirmary, will lease the Interim LSU Public Hospital in New Orleans and the new $1 billion, 424-bed medical training and research center set to open in two years.
Ochsner Health System and Terrebonne General Medical Center will manage the LSU hospital in Houma, the L.J. Chabert Medical Center and its outpatient clinics. Lafayette General Health System will operate the LSU hospital in Lafayette, the University Medical Center and its clinics.
Opelka, LSU System executive vice president for health care and medical education redesign, said the privatization plans will shrink state costs, while maintaining health services and graduate medical education programs.
The lease agreements are designed to help fill budget gaps at the hospitals. Jindal stripped more than $300 million in state and federal funding for the LSU health system after Louisiana's Medicaid financing was reduced by Congress.
David Callecod, president and CEO of Lafayette General, said he and his board felt a "moral and ethical obligation to step in when we saw the potential cuts that were about to happen to the safety net."
Thousands of workers at the LSU health facilities will face layoffs under the plans and will have to reapply for their jobs with the private hospital operators.
The cooperative endeavor agreements, when they are completed between the state and the hospitals, will go to lawmakers on the joint House and Senate budget committee for review. Opelka said he hoped to have the transactions complete before the budget year ends June 30.
When asked by LSU board member Scott Angelle if a public bid process was needed, Opelka said his lawyers said bid solicitations weren't required under the law for a lease arrangement.
The Jindal administration and LSU leaders also are seeking private health care companies to run the other university hospitals as well.
LSU's Baton Rouge-based hospital already has an agreement in place to shift operations in the coming months to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, rather than build a replacement hospital for Earl K. Long Medical Center.
Privatization plan for Chabert, other LSU hospitals approved
BATON ROUGE — The LSU Board of Supervisors agreed today to privatize the operations of its public hospitals in New Orleans, Houma and Lafayette that provide safety net care for the uninsured and help train medical students.


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Captain America 2 Movie Poster
Marvel has released 'Captain America 2' poster in anticipation of the film's panel and preview at Comic-Con 2013. And though we won't get to see what ol' Cap's been up to until 2014, this poster promises that he's been pretty busy.
The first 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' poster is here and we're digging the simplicity. It's just Cap's shield on a black background but there's something different about his shield — it's battle-worn and faded, indicating that Cap's been through some pretty tough times while defending his country from harm. That's re-assuring, no?
'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' follows Cap as he struggles to simultaneously find his place in our modern world and embrace the present, while teaming up with Black Widow to fight a new and mysterious enemy in Washington D.C.
The film stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie (The Falcon), Toby Jones, and Frank Grillo. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) will also be making appearances.
'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' will give us a sneak peek at Comic-Con on Saturday, July 20, and hits theaters on April 4, 2014. Check out the poster in full below.
Posted on 07/09/2013, in 2014, Action Movies, Captain America 2, Disney, iMax 3D, Marvel. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


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Below are interactive experiments that can be used to teach all ages about the art and science of space-based remote sensing. The experiments focus on how NASA uses remote sensing to study how and why the Earth changes.
Mission: Biomes
The following two activities are designed for teachers to use in classrooms as supplementary, interdisciplinary units. Mission: Biomes is especially appropriate for grades 3 through 8, and is designed to be interactive and self-correcting which will allow each student to work at his or her own pace.
Great Graph Match
Geo Grapher needs your help to match temperature and precipitation graphs for different locations to the biomes where they belong
To Plant or Not to Plant?
Travel with Bill Botanist on an expedition to each of the world's biomes. Help him study his plant specimens and choose the best possible biome to plant each one in.
Image Composite Explorer (ICE)
The Image Composite Explorer is designed to be an easy first step into the realm of Earth system science, image processing, data analysis, and satellite remote sensing via your web browser. ICE is a simple, browser-based application with several modes for analysing remote sensing data, including color image composites with multiple wavelengths, display of time series, mathematical functions between multiple datasets, and analysis tools such as scatterplots and historgrams.


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|Mequon, Wisc.
|High School:
|University School of Milwaukee
|Previous College:
|DePauw University
AS A SOPHOMORE IN 2008-09: Transferred to Santa Clara in the fall of 2008... Earned first win of the season against Cal State Bakersfield's Ashley Thorneycroft ... 3-6 overall record for singles at the No. 6 position... won Singles Blue Bracket at the Saint Mary's Invitational during preseason ... paired with Kacie Wagner, Carmen Pham, and Isabelle Hoy in doubles ... earned a 3-1 record with Kacie Wagner during Saint Mary's Invitational in preseason play ...
AS A FRESHMAN IN 2007-08 AT DEPAUW UNIVERSITY: Played for DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. freshman season ... qualified for the Division III NCAA National Championships in singles ... named to the SCAC All-Tournament Team in singles and doubles ... posted a 24-6 overall singles record ... went 19-4 in duals ... played primarily at the No. 2 position and went 16-4 ... was undefeated in only match at No. 1 spot ... went 2-0 at No. 3 position ... in doubles, paired with Janelle Arita and posted a 22-5 overall record ... played primarily at the No. 3 position ... went 11-1 ...at the No. 2 spot, posted a 7-2 record ... was undefeated in only match at the No. 1 position.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate of University School of Milwaukee ... played tennis for coach Jim Laing ... high school team won the state championship three times ... team captain senior year ... placed second at the Division II state high school tournament in 2006.
PERSONAL: Born in Milwaukee, Wisc. ... parents are Robert and Marlene Buckley ... father played tennis at University of Wisconsin-Stout ... has a twin sister Megan, who attends Santa Clara, and a brother, Nick ... interests include sports, travel, music, movies, and hanging out with friends.


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THE WATCHFUL EYE - Priscilla Masters
Book Cover
Author Information
Author Name:
Priscilla Masters
Author's Home Country:
United Kingdom
Publication Details
Book Title:
The Watchful Eye
Year of Publication:
Allison & Busby
Categories & Groupings
Crime Fiction
United Kingdom
Book Synopsis
Dr Daniel Gregory, a GP in the small picturesque market town of Eccleston, is becoming concerned by the frequency of visits by Vanda Struel and her two-year-old daughter Anna-Louise. At first he believed they were merely a symptom of a vulnerable young woman, over-protective of her child. But as the number of consultations escalates and the complaints become increasingly bizarre, Daniel worries that there could be something more sinister driving Vanda to the doctor's surgery day after day.
Book Review
Billed as one of Priscilla Masters Medical Mysteries, this author has written around 15 books, some standalone, some with a central series character. THE WATCHFUL EYE is set, as the synopsis says, in a classic small English village where Daniel Gregory is the local GP. Recently divorced, with a young daughter of his own, he's essentially a lonely man, kept in the village by his house and his job alone. But he has a rather odd relationship with many of those patients. Whilst he is concerned by the plight of little Anna-Louise, he does seem a little ineffectual - more worrying than actual action. Plus he's also got other distractions. He's very attracted to the local policeman's wife - although the relationship is platonic. He's got complications with his practice nurse, his overbearing mother, he's increasingly drawn to internet dating and he has a rotten relationship with his ex-wife who keeps his time with his daughter to the bare minimum.
THE WATCHFUL EYE covers the plight of Anna-Louise, the stalking of the policeman's wife and the complications of her relationship with her increasingly distracted and violent husband, the suicide death of an elderly patient and the allegations of a young female patient.
The first part of THE WATCHFUL EYE carefully introduces the cast of characters, and it's not too hard to pick their various roles. The brazen teenage girl is obviously destined to complicate our doctor's life. The policeman's wife has a stalker who is obviously going to drive her husband to extreme measures, which is going to cause problems for our doctor. The elderly patient is obviously going to cause problems for our doctor. The overbearing mother who is only trying to help, but causes problems for our doctor. And the attraction to the policeman's wife - where the doctor causes problems for the doctor without even trying.
The synopsis of the book says it's a captivating and thrilling read, but I must confess it wasn't either for this reader. The layout of the characters and their roles was obvious from the start, and everybody stepped up to their expected role as required. The slightly ineffectual, "why does everything always happen to me" personality of the central character certainly didn't help engender any sympathy or even particular interest in our doctor. A surprisingly low-key, almost unemotional sort of a read - especially with a child in jeopardy, THE WATCHFUL EYE seemed to promise quite a bit, but ultimately didn't deliver for me.
Submitted 9 years 8 months ago by
Monday, September 22, 2008 - 11:48am
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Listen up, climate-change watchers. On Monday, the Supreme Court will consider a case on greenhouse gas emissions and is likely to weigh in on a central Republican criticism of President Barack Obama: that he is misusing his executive authority. The New York Times reports the justices are poised to decide whether the Obama administration went too far in trying to regulate emissions from sources like power plants. The case comes after Obama has been announcing executive actions on climate change, making good on his promise to act "with or without Congress."
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp is defying election-year skepticism from Republican leaders and plans to release a major rewrite of the U.S. tax code next week. The Michigan Republican isn't expected to start committee consideration of the bill until GOP leaders ensure that enough Republicans and the business community will stand behind it, according to this Politico story. Aides and lobbyists say Camp will be responsible for convincing his fellow GOP members to get on board if he wants to move ahead.
Are you a fan of Nestle's "Hot Pockets" – two types of which have been recalled? Quartz asks a good question: How did the U.S. miss 8.7 million pounds of diseased beef in the first place? Their piece points out the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service is by the USDA's own admission overworked and often undertrained. And, Congress cut $19 million from FSIS's $1 billion budget.
Ready, set, lobby. Americans for Prosperity, backed by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, has registered to lobby for the first time, the Hill reports. The group, which has spent millions in election-year ads attacking Obamacare and vulnerable Democrats, says it will lobby on issues related to energy, health care, intellectual property and technology.
Watch out, mortgage servicers. Steven Antonakes, the deputy director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, says servicers have had more than a year to prepare for a reform rule that took effect last month and suggested the agency would move quickly against those that break it. This American Banker piece explains the rule, which requires clearer monthly statements and stricter timelines in responding to borrowers.
– Robert Schroeder
Follow Capitol Report on Twitter @capitolreport
Follow Rob on Twitter @mktwrobs
Read more from MarketWatch:
Wal-Mart says it's 'neutral' on minimum wage
Capitol Hill will scrutinize Swiss banks' tax-evasion role next week


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Denver-raised, Texas-based, and world-renowned alto saxophonist and educator Brad Leali returns home to headline this years Five Points Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 17th. Wanna hear them ahead of time? KUVO's got your hookup: Tune in this Friday at 2:30 for a live broadcast of Brad Leali, his little big band and vocalist Carla Helmbrecht live from Phyllis A. Greer Performance Studio. Members of the KUVO Studio Club can reserve their seats with Arvida at 303-446-7631 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Get your sneak-peek on the Oasis in the City and see you Saturday for the 11th annual Five Points Jazz Festival!
Brad Leali, Rich Chiaraluce & Pete Lewis - saxophones
Pete Olstad & Gabriel Mervine - trumpets
Wade Sanders & Tom Ball - trombones
Claus Raible - piano
Mark Simon - bass
Darrell Green – drums


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Yes, Peyton Manning's first season with the Broncos didn't result in the team going any farther than it did a year ago. Still, Denver was good enough to nail down the No. 1 seed in the AFC — before becoming the latest No. 1 seed to be bounced in the divisional round of the playoffs.
But the glass is half full for Peyton. With $40 million.
Peyton acknowledged in August that his five-year, $96 million contract is, in reality, a one-year deal. He knows that because the deal had no guaranteed money beyond the first season. As he embarks on the second season, that's not the case.
Though characterized by some as a series of one-year, $20 million deals, the truth is that, unless the Broncos cut Manning before the start of the 2013 league year, he'll be in line for $40 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, with only one narrow caveat. The Broncos will be able to avoid the 2014 salary of $20 million only if he suffers another injury to his neck during the 2013 season.
For any other injury to any other area of his body, Peyton still gets the full $40 million. And it's very safe to assume that Peyton's camp will be prepared to argue that not just any "neck" injury voids the 2014 guarantee. Instead, Manning's people believe that the guarantee goes away only if the neck injury directly relates to the neck injury that derailed his career in Indy.
So while Peyton, the ultimate competitor, has every reasons to be mad a day after missing a chance to host the AFC title game, he has 40 million reasons to get over it, quickly.


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The Cleveland Indians made it official Wednesday and signed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Cleveland Plain Dealer had reported it to be worth $1.5 million if he makes the rotation with incentives that could bring the total package to $4 million.
Matsuzaka will be reunited with new Indians manager Terry Francona, who was his skipper for five seasons with the Boston Red Sox.
The 32-year-old right-hander spent six seasons in Boston and made 11 starts last year after recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in June 2011. He was 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA last year.
Matsuzaka was one of Boston's prized acquisitions prior to the 2007 season and was 33-15 in 61 starts over his first two years with the Red Sox, helping the club to a World Series title in his first campaign. He has made a total of 55 starts over the past four seasons.
In 117 games, all but one as a starter, the Japanese native owns a big league mark of 50-37 with a 4.52 ERA. He was 108-60 with a 2.95 ERA from 1999-2006 in Japan.


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: Sally Jewell
EDUCATION: Graduate of University of Washington, bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, 1978.
FAMILY: Husband, Warren; two grown children. Lives in Seattle.
CAREER: President and chief executive officer, Recreational Equipment Inc., 2005-present; chief operating officer, 2000-2005; president, commercial banking group, Washington Mutual, 1996-2000; president, WestOne Bank, 1992-1995; executive, Rainier Bank/Security Pacific, 1981-1992; engineer, Mobil Oil Corp., 1978-1981.


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Get a sideline perspective of Colonials athletics with the RMU Coach's Show. Each week at different Pittsburgh-area bars, the voice of the Colonials, Chris Shovlin and WDVE sports broadcaster, Mike Prisuta will sit down with the coach to talk about the last game and look ahead to the next.
Listen each week as the show broadcasts live on ESPN Radio 970 AM and iHeartRadio. Check the show schedules for a broadcast near you, then come out and meet the coaches in person.
Robert Morris University. All rights reserved.


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In college I had a diverse group of friends, people that represented different interests and common experiences which made my time during those years a lot more fulfilling. Even better was that these different groups all came together fairly regularly for a themed event at a local watering hole. Connecting with diverse interests in a meaningful way has been a tremendous business advantage to this day.
When I attended my first BlogWorld conference in 2008, it was a similar experience in that there was a convergence of different groups: from new media/bloggers to public relations, to internet marketers to brands and business owners. The common experience of using blogs and digital content as a communication platform has brought a lot of people together in a way like few conferences have. I've made some of the most meaningful connections for my business and personal growth through BlogWorld, now known as NMX.


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The results of a web survey on "Professional Updating Initiative on Climate Change Policy" are shared by CEC members and IUCN staff inlcuding Frits Hesselink, Jack Byrne, Ninni Ikkala and Claire Parker.
IUCN has been working on developing a Professional Updating on Climate Change Policy course, aimed in particular at IUCN's national and regional level staff. The objective is for IUCN's climate policy work to have a stronger national and regional focus, building on existing national policy experience and to ensure well coordinated IUCN policy messaging. As a first step, an on-line survey was carried out with regional colleagues to better understand needs for such updating, its content and options for delivery. Please find attached the results of the on-line survey. The next step is to define the participants list and designing the first module.


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18 / 07 / 13
President Barroso pays tribute to Nelson Mandela at the 6th South Africa-EU Summit
President Barroso is today in South Africa to attend the 6th South Africa-EU Summit, which takes place on Nelson Mandela's International Day.
In the morning, President Barroso pays tribute to Mandela's legacy by joining NGO Stop Hunger Now in distributing food for those in need in the Freedom Park in Pretoria.
Afterwards, President Barroso, the President of the Council Herman Van Rompuy and the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma will meet at the 6th South Africa-EU Summit. The South Africa-EU Summit will provide an opportunity to strengthen the strategic relation between the EU and South Africa and to discuss job creation, economic growth investment and skills. Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs and Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht will also be attending the Summit. A joint press conference with the three Presidents takes place at 14:00 and will be broadcasted on EbS+ . President Barroso's press statement will be available after delivery. See also IP/13/694 and MEMO/13/686 for more information on the Summit and EU-South Africa relations.
Other news
Antitrust: Commission sends statement of objections to ARA for suspected abuse of dominance on Austrian waste management markets
The European Commission has informed Altstoff Recycling Austria AG ("ARA") of its preliminary view that ARA may have abused its dominant position on the markets for the management of packaging waste (mainly packaging made of plastic and metal) in Austria by hindering competitors to enter or expand on these markets. Such conduct, if established, would harm competition and customers in violation of EU antitrust rules. The sending of a statement of objections does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
EU and the US extend scientific co-operation on standards and measurements
To help reach the goal of having compatible standards across both sides of the Atlantic, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on Wednesday 17 July agreed to expand their current scientific co-operation to 10 different areas. The JRC-NIST Implementing Arrangement is particularly relevant in the light of the currently negotiated Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The TTIP aims to remove tariffs and unnecessary regulation and facilitate trade and investments on the other side of the Atlantic. Once in place, the free trade agreement will save millions of euros to companies and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The JRC-NIST Implementing Arrangement encompasses 10 (non-exhaustive) areas related to standards and measurements. Environment and climate, energy, transport and security feature high on the collaborative research agenda. Healthcare and clinical measurements, food safety and nutrition, as well as nanotechnology will be subject of the development and harmonisation of methods, indicators and documentary standards. Besides reference materials in a range of areas, the co-operation will include research on civil engineering structures and emerging Information and communication technologies (ICT), as well as marine optical radiometry.
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of gas transmission system operator Net4gas by investment groups Allianz and Omers
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of Net4gas of the Czech Republic by Allianz Infrastructure Luxembourg, part of the Allianz Group of Germany, and Borealis of the Netherlands, owned by Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System "OMERS" of Canada. Net4gas is the gas transmission system operator in the Czech Republic. Allianz is an investment and management company for direct infrastructure investments for the Allianz Group, an international financial services company, active worldwide in offering insurance and asset management products and services. Borealis is a worldwide infrastructure investor owned by OMERS, one of Canada's largest pension funds. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would not raise competition concerns, because the parties' activities do not overlap. Moreover, the proposed transaction would create no vertical relationships between the parties' activities. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website in the public case register under the case number M.6925 .
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over a newly created joint venture TCAC by TCC and UTC
The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the proposed acquisition of joint control over a newly created joint venture Toshiba Carrier Air Conditioning (TCAC) of China by Toshiba Carrier Corporation ('TCC') and United Technologies Corporation ('UTC'). The joint venture is active in air-conditioning products. The Parties' activities have only a very limited overlap within the EEA and their combined market share is low. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.6937 .
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Alpinvest by Carlyle
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of sole control over AlpInvest Partners B.V. of the Netherlands by the Carlyle Group of the United States. Carlyle already holds a controlling stake in AlpInvest. Carlyle provides alternative asset management services through the management of funds in several areas including corporate private equity, real assets, global market strategies and solutions. Alpinvest provides fund management services, in particular fund investments, co-investments, secondary fund investments and investments in mezzanine debt. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would not raise competition concerns because it would not significantly alter the market structure. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website in the public case register under the case number M.6965 .
Eurostat Quaterly balance of payments
Second estimate for the first quarter of 2013 - EU27 current account surplus 29.1 bn euro 32.4 bn euro surplus for trade in services. The EU27 external current account recorded a surplus of 29.1 billion euro (0.9% of GDP) in the first quarter of 2013, compared with a deficit of 1.5 bn (0.0% of GDP) in the first quarter of 2012, according to a second estimate released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
Building EU-Mongolia relations on agriculture and rural development
The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloș will visit Mongolia, 18-21 July 2013 to discuss prospects for increasing cooperation with the Mongolian authorities in the fields of sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development. In terms of agriculture, Mongolia faces challenges related to self-sufficiency, environmental degradation and desertification. Rapid urbanisation and the growing mining sector have also brought important changes in the Mongolian nomadic culture. Building on the experience that the EU and EU member states have with addressing similar issues, the visit will focus on how to best answer these challenges. See also IP/13/714 .
EU and China together explore the benefits of green growth
Business opportunities from resource efficient production is the focus of today's visit to China by European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, and Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for Environment. Green growth is now high on the political agenda for the EU and China – both are interested in achieving sustainable growth while maintaining and improving the state of their respective environments. The global market for green goods and services is currently estimated at around €1 000 billion per annum, and this is expected to double by 2020. This year the European Union and China are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and "Green Growth" has been proposed both as a key topic for the upcoming EU-Summit and for this Mission for Growth. (cfr MEMO/13/697).
(for more information: C. Corazza - Tel. +32 229 51752)
EU re-opens its market to Myanmar/Burma
As of tomorrow, 19 July, Myanmar/Burma is set to benefit once again from so-called 'Everything But Arms' preferential trade regime which will grant duty-free and quota-free access to the European market for all products except for arms and ammunitions. The trade preferences for Myanmar/Burma will be applied retroactively as of 13 June 2012. The EU's trade preferences had been suspended in 1997 as a result of the country's serious and systematic violations of core international conventions on forced labour. The EU will bring the country back under the special, advantageous trade arrangement after the country's recent internationally recognised efforts to improve the political, social and labour environments. The Commission believes that the commercial preferences have the potential to make a huge difference to the country's economic development. Myanmar/Burma exports to the EU were worth €164 million in 2012 and consisted mainly of clothing.
What Commissioners said
Speech Andor at G20 Labour ministers in Moscow
"Effective employment and social investment policies play a critical role in spurring growth and competitiveness and preventing macroeconomic imbalances - all of these are badly needed in Europe", EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Lásló Andor, will say in a speech in front of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers in Moscow today. Andor will further stress the importance of putting job creation high on the G20 leader's agenda, prior to the next summit in St. Petersburg in September. "Creating quality jobs, in particular for young people, and tackling the social consequences of the crisis are therefore among our top priorities. We must avert the economic, social and political damage that may stem from high youth unemployment or inactivity", he will add. ( Speech/13/647 EMBARGO : 16:30)
Commissioner Potocnik, during EU-China Green Growth mission: "The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives"
"If there are 7 billion frogs in one pond then it is time to consider together how to avoid drinking it dry. With a global population of 7 billion, we must start thinking about how to tackle the looming crisis of en ever-increasing population combined with finite resources. China, one of the EU major trading partners, will be a key player is the necessary global transformation to more resource efficient production and products. Both the EU and China recognise that our future economic growth needs to be green. We share the same vision: Environmental protection and economic growth must go hand in hand. The emphasis on environmental protection by China's new leadership creates a very good basis for closer cooperation. And it is our companies – Chinese and European – that will provide the solutions to do this and respond to these promising markets. This cooperation can easily be translated into new market opportunities for businesses in both countries. Green growth offers an opportunity to most sectors of the economy, from the building industry to the food sector, from transport to energy production and also for the services sector and tourism. The potential for new partnerships with Chinese companies is huge in all sectors.


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Published: 2012/11/02
Yonder, Dr. Dog, The Roots and More Confirmed for McDowell Mountain Music Festival
The first round of 2013 music festivals have started to confirm their lineups. Phoenix, AZ's McDowell Mountain Music Festival will take place from March 22-24 at at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix March 22, 23, 24, 2013. For the past six years, the roots music and jam festival has taken place at the Westworld Complex in Scottsdale, AZ. The festival's initial lineup includes The Roots, Balkan Beat Box, Heartless Bastards, Dr. Dog and Yonder Mountain String Band. Additional acts will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Though the festival's new location has does not include camping, the festival's website lists several nearby camping options.
Here's a look at the festival's initial lineup
The Roots
Yonder Mountain String Band
Dr. Dog
Heartless Bastards
Balkan Beat Box


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In recent months, there were plenty of rumors surrounding the future of the fallen Motorola Mobility and their role in the overall smartphone market. Being purchased by Google for $12.5 billion USD a year ago did not exactly help them in the transition: mid-August last year they announced a cut in workforce by 20% and closure of one third of the offices. Recently they announced that 10% more of the workforce will have to be laid off.
There are glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel for the company (and hopefully that is not a train), and it is all led by the aforementioned rumors ? an X Phone brand, that many thought of as a single flagship smartphone rather than anything else. In the most recent scoop of such news comes a surprise: X Phone might actually be an entirely new brand from Motorola, which should compete with the likes of Samsung?s Galaxy, or Nokia?s Lumia, etc. Moreover, that particular brand might see the light of the day around June already ? which makes sense as the developer conference Google I/O 2013 is happening mid-May. There is a chance we will see some new hardware announced as well.
The rest of the rumors are as follows:
· Customers will be able to customize their device. They can choose the color of the device and configure some of the hardware specs like RAM and internal storage. Motorola will guarantee your custom device will be delivered in one week.
· Customers can pre-load their own wallpapers, ringtones, apps, contacts, etc. before the device arrives.
· Motorola will guarantee at least one full Android version update after the purchase of the phone. Software updates will be delivered by Motorola, and not the carrier.
· The first ?X Phone? will be an octo-core (likely big.LITTLE ARM cores) device, with a full core dedicated to Motorola?s new human language system.
· Motorola and Google will heavily subsidize the cost of the device to attract more customers.
Whilst most of the rumors are actually credible, the one including the octo-core chip inside is certainly not among them. The only octo-core solution of today is Samsung?s Exynos, and even that actually uses four high-powered Cortex-A15s and four slower Cortex-A7s in an ARM CPU configuration known as the big.LITTLE. Tegra 4 announced this January is also a quad-core Cortex-A15 solution with an additional single low power companion core, and Qualcomm?s strongest (and not yet available) solution is a quad-core Snapdragon 800 (using Krait 400 CPU).
We'll follow this rumor as it develops and continue to report on it as we get more information.


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The question is what happens when a volunteer spends about 15 hours a year with a few high school seniors? And the answer is simple — it eliminates the barriers of post-secondary education.
The question is what happens when a volunteer spends about 15 hours a year with a few high school seniors? And the answer is simple — it eliminates the barriers of post-secondary education.
The tnAchieves program works when a mentor and a student come together to achieve a single purpose, which is to help that senior prepare for community college and its challenges. Graham Thomas, tnAchieves director of college access, and Rick Morrow, executive director of the United Way of Anderson County, recently talked to The Oak Ridger about the program and the need for mentors.
The UWAC is a partner with the newly established program in Anderson County. "The responsibility of the mentor is to help with the non-academic barriers to education," Thomas said.
He said many of tnAchieves students are first-generation college students and about 62 percent come from households with a combined total income of $50,000 or less.
Morrow said UWAC's mission in the program has three focal points: enabling seniors to live with honor; youth development; and providing and meeting basic human needs. Public high school graduates can receive up to $3,000 annually for community college tuition if they complete the program. But to complete the program, the student must have a mentor — and tnAchieves needs more mentors.
The mentor's role is not to make sure the student's grades stay high, but he or she helps in taking away the insecurity or simple needs issues of transition. Some of those issues could be as simple as knowing how to fill out the proper financial forms or even looking for a medical record. A mentor might even help with finding the right classroom so the student won't be late, or making sure the student's schedule is clear and the student knows where to go and when.
Thomas said one insecure student drove to school, but didn't get out of his car.
The mentor has "two roles," said Thomas, noting that the mentor is to encourage and be the task master.
"The mentor really becomes a trusted friend," Thomas said. "Basically, the mentor is anyone who wants to help."
Each mentor gets five students, he said. They build relationships through texting, email and phone.
Many mentors currently are needed in Anderson County. Thomas said with more than 300 students applying for scholarships, the program needs about 35 more mentors than the 36 local mentors it already has.
Morrow called the program a "great return on investment." But it's not all mentoring, because the student has to give back, too.
Besides having to maintain 12 hours and a 2.0 GPA, the student has to complete eight hours of community service each semester.
"We encourage volunteer work where you might want to work later," Thomas said. "The mentor can also help with that.
"A lot of students only know a college degree as becoming a doctor or lawyer."
For more information about tnAchieves, contact Thomas at (615) 604-1306 or at firstname.lastname@example.com. You can also find out more information at the website, tnachieves.org.
Beverly Majors can be contacted at (865) 220-5514.


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By Michael Aneiro
LPL Financial's Anthony Valeri today points out that mortgage-backed security valuations have now reverted to levels last seen in early September.
The average yield spread on government MBS increased to 0.62% last week, the highest since September 12, just before the Federal Reserve announced its third round of quantitative easing (QE3) and its expanded MBS purchase program. Refinance fears as well as concern over how long the Fed will repurchase MBS has led to wider yield spreads.
"We remain neutral overall on agency MBS but still find the sector the most attractive government bond option," Valeri writes, noting that the average MBS yield of 2.6% is now at a six-month high.