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How to get rid of visceral fat: Eating this Japanese delicacy could help reduce belly fat
HOW TO get rid of visceral fat: Having too much visceral fat can be detrimental to a person 's health, increasing their risk of serious health problems. One way to reduce visceral fat could be to eat a certain Japanese delicacy.
Source: Daily Express - Health - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
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Intraosseous arteriovenous shunt of lumbar spine mimicking a benign bone tumor: a case report and short review of the literature
ConclusionsTreating physicians should include vascular malformations in differential diagnosis regarding bone tumors. A non-invasive angiographic method could be included in the preoperative work-up.
Source: Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery - Category: Neurosurgery Source Type: research
27 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results: Ann Oncol These pubmed results were generated on 2019/11/13PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
Source: Ann Oncol - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Report Source Type: research
Publication date: February 2020Source: Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, Volume 190Author(s): Rachel C. Croce, Janet J. BoseovskiAbstractResearch indicates that children often show a positivity bias, or a tendency to favor positive information over negative information, in assessments of informant credibility in social and nonsocial situations. The current study investigated whether young children prioritize positive informant traits (i.e., nice vs. mean informant) as compared with positive speech content (i.e., positive vs. negative evaluation) in conflicting assessments of a work product. A total of 123 4- to 8-y...
Source: Journal of Experimental Child Psychology - Category: Child Development Source Type: research
The puzzling relationship between international development and gender equity: The case of STEM postsecondary education in Cambodia
This study investigates the following question: how does development – specifically socioeconomic and gender equity indicators – affect women's share of enrollment in specific STEM and STEM-related fields? Merging two sources of national data, we leverage provincial census figures and institutional administrative data to estimate women's enrollment share in STEM as well as in specific fields (i.e., accounting, information technology, and health). Findings show women's share of STEM and information technology majors is larger outside the capital. Further, socioeconomic development and urbanization in...
Source: International Journal of Educational Development - Category: Child Development Source Type: research
Social media photos of substance use and their relationship to attitudes and behaviors among ethnic and racial minority emerging adult men living in low-income areas
ConclusionsSocial media monitoring has potential for use in identifying individuals at-risk for substance abuse and those who may be perpetuating unhealthy substance use norms.
Source: Journal of Adolescence - Category: Child Development Source Type: research
Publication date: January–February 2020Source: Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, Volume 66Author(s): Katharine Bailey, Nancie Im-BolterAbstractThe current study investigated contributors to social perspective taking during social problem solving in younger (M = 8.20, n = 111) and older (M = 12.05, n = 112) school-aged children. Results indicated a developmental progression in social perspective taking for different aspects of social problem solving. The findings suggest that social perspective taking is more difficult for some aspects of social problem solving than others. Moreover, syntact...
Source: Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology - Category: Child Development Source Type: research
The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in eggs: A global systematic review, meta-analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment
Publication date: January 2020Source: Trends in Food Science &Technology, Volume 95Author(s): Ali Atamaleki, Mohsen Sadani, Amir Raoofi, Ali Miri, Saeed Gharibian Bajestani, Yadolah Fakhri, Zoha Heidarinejad, Amin Mousavi KhaneghahAbstractBackgroundThere is an increasing trend in the consumption of egg on a worldwide scale, however, it can be a source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) which could threaten the health of consumers.Scope and approachThe related studies on the concentration of PTEs in eggs by databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase in a global scale were retrieved and following met...
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research
In conclusion, Germany shows itself to be only moderately prepared to accept cultured meat.
Source: Meat Science - Category: Food Science Source Type: research
The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of bioactive amines in eight fresh edible commercial mushrooms species. An ion-pair HPLC method with post-column derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde and fluorescence detection was fit for the purpose. Seven out of nine amines were present and levels varied among species. Spermidine was ubiquitous to mushrooms, with highest content in Black Shimeji (12.4 mg/100 g). The levels of spermidine in mushrooms classify them as high polyamines sources, which is valued due to its association with growth, health promotion and antioxidant properties. Agmatine was ...
Source: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis - Category: Food Science Source Type: research
Microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry for multielement determination in instant soups
Publication date: Available online 12 November 2019Source: Journal of Food Composition and AnalysisAuthor(s): Larissa São Bernardo Carvalho, Caroline Santos da Silva, Joaquim Araújo Nóbrega, Elane Santos Boa Morte, Daniele Cristina Muniz Batista Santos, Maria Graças Andrade KornAbstractThis paper presents the use of microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) for food analysis. A method for determination of Cu, K, Mg, Mn, P, and Zn in instant soups by MIP OES with N2 plasma was developed. Sample preparation procedure consisted of microwave-assisted digestion with dilute nitr...
Source: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis - Category: Food Science Source Type: research
More News: Health | Japan Health


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Victoria Victoria Beckham | Fashion Week Fall 2013 Photos
Victoria Victoria Beckham Fall 2013 Runway
Victoria Victoria Beckham Fall 2013 Runway
The younger sister to Victoria Beckham's eponymous label, Victoria Victoria Beckham, had a bit of a mod moment for Fall '13. Beckham's penchant for sleek, unfussy silhouettes was, as always, present but this time infused with a youthful, '60s-inspired energy most obviously in little jumpers, smartly layered with blouses, turtlenecks, and tees, then given the quintessential modish complement — a pair of understated knee-high boots. Click through now to see every look from the Fall 2013 collection.

subset: commoncrawl


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Money Phone Case
Designed to protect the delicate edges of your phone from drops and scrapes, our phone cases are expertly crafted to give you peace of mind. This amazing picture comes straight from the Car Throttle archives, so you won't find this exclusive image anywhere else.
- Exceptionally strong specialist plastic material
- Full 3D image wrap print surrounding every surface
- Exceptional print quality and finish


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Burger King has launched a low-fat, crinkle-cut French fry to appeal to health-conscious consumers, the second-largest burger chain announced Tuesday.
Dubbed "Satisfries," the new fries are taking aim at the fried spuds from rival McDonald's. Burger King Worldwide Inc. said the new fries have 40% less fat and 30% fewer calories than McDonald's fries.
The new product has largely the same ingredients as Burger King's typical fries, but has a more porous batter that keeps out more oil during cooking.
"One out of every two Burger King guests orders our classic French fries and we know our guests are hungry for options that are better for them, but don't want to compromise on taste," said Alex Macedo, North America president for Burger King.
A value-sized order of the Satisfries contains 190 calories, 8 grams of fat and 210 mg of sodium, the company said.
The fast-food giant has introduced a number of new items to its menu this year, including a French fry burger, which is exactly what the name implies: A hamburger with French fries as a topping.
On Tuesday, Burger King shares were up 5 cents, or 0.25%, trading at $19.85.
Consumer confidence slips amid worries about economic outlook
Banks exceed mortgage aid promised to Californians, monitor says
Republican Sheila Bair says GOP should back Janet Yellen for Fed chair


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Map of Taroom, QLD
Not the 'Taroom' you were after? Try the other Taroom (the regional area) in Queensland.
Create a custom map: Click here to create a custom map including 'Taroom'
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Music Picks: Winter 2013
Anna Ternheim, Jerry Jeff Walker, and other inspiration while putting together the Winter 2013 issue.
This One's For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark
A project that could lure Jerry Jeff Walker into a studio is already a win. Add to his contribution ("My Favorite Picture of You") 29 other songs sung by old friends like Joe Ely ("Dublin Blues"), Emmylou Harris and John Prine ("Magnolia Wind"), and a few new ones like Patty Griffin and The Trishas.
The Night Visitor
Swedish artist Anna Ternheim brings sweet songs and slightly exotic enunciations to Nashville, and a luscious yet stately folk album is born. "The Longer the Waiting" is entrancing and will stay with you.
My Head Is an Animal
Of Monsters and Men is six Icelandic voices making unapologetically joyful music. Their sound is full, communal, and driving: foot stomping and hand clapping.
These reviews are from


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New Taiko Drum Master Wii Supports Four Players
Perform with three friends, and challenge mini games.
The Taiko Drum Master series is making its third appearance on Wii with December's Taiko Drum Master Wii: Everyone Party. But Namco Bandai isn't just sticking in new song and calling it a day. The new game has a bunch of new features. Namco Bandai shared screens and details today.
The big new feature is four player support. Taiko Drum Master is now a party game, allowing four players to team up for performances.
The game will also have seven party games that are playable by four players. These are accessible from an area of the game world called "Dream Taiko Land."
Namco Bandai provided a look at three of these games today:
Wani Wani Panic: See how many alligators you can take out.
Pirate Don-chan and the Secret Treasure: Cooperate with others to recover a treasure from the bottom of the sea while fending off a giant squid.
Haunted House: Set in a haunted house, you try to survive until the end of the performance.
Outside of the party features, the new game has the kind of things you'd expect from a new entry in the series. Of course, you'll find new songs. The game has a total of 70 songs. This includes offerings from games like God Eater, Idol Master SP, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, and Monster Hunter.
See if you can recognize some of the character cameos:
Taiko Drum Master Wii Everyone's Party hits on December 2. Namco Bandai will sell the game on its own and bundled with a taiko controller.
Additional Images (Total 25 Images, Use click action to expand)


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As a brand consultant, the biggest area where I see brands struggling is on the crafting a Vision Statement. Most don't have one, and those that do have these long convoluted statements that don't really say anything. Everyone adds their own two cents and it's no longer a vision. Pretty soon, your attempt at a vision looks more like a local bi-law explaining where you can fish, land your airplane and display real estate signs all in one statement.
Let's look at the story of Dan O'Brien: He was a U.S. track and field super star back in the 1990s. He competed in the Decathlon and won pretty much everything: World Champion, Olympic Champion, US Champion and World Record Holder that would stand for 10 years–a life time in the track and field world.
Dan O'Brien
Even though he met tremendous success in his track career, it didn't really get off to a great start. O'Brien went to the University of Idaho on a track scholarship. He struggled with classes, excelled at partying, lost the scholarship and flunked out. "I was just not prepared for what it took academically," he recalls. "I'd get so far behind, I'd just give up." O'Brien went to work as a cabinetmaker in Moscow, Idaho. He fell into debt, kited checks and wound up in jail wearing a blue jumpsuit and flip-flops. Later, there was a DUI arrest. He was clearly at rock bottom, and needed some inspiration to get himself out.
At his lowest point, O'Brien attended a decathlon clinic run by MILT CAMPBELL, the 1956 Olympic gold medalist, who asked each decathlete whether he had written his goals on a piece of paper and placed it his wallets. O'Brien said he immediately went to his room and wrote "9,000 points" on one side of a small piece of paper and "world's greatest athlete" on the other. "I wouldn't have achieved what I have if I hadn't set those goals," he said. "I was a floater and as soon as I set solid goals, I could achieve what I wanted." With 9,000 points that would be the clear world record holder for decades to come. World's Greatest Athlete was always given to the reigning world champion of the Decathlon. He kept that paper with him as inspiration and direction. He didn't know, but he had written a Vision Statement. As he climbed out of his struggles, he went to a Junior College, starting to compete again. He then started to compete on the world stage, keeping that note in his pocket. By 1991, he won the World Championships Decathlon completing half of his Vision Statement. His career was moving full steam ahead.
In 1992, he was now at the US Qualifying event to get into the Barcelona Olympics. As the current reigning world champion, it was natural that the US Olympic team was relying on O'Brien to make the team and bring home Gold for the Americans. Same with TV networks, sponsors and event organizers. Everyone had created all this hype of Dan vs Dave, in reference to the growing rivalry with Dave Johnson who was also a world-class Decathlete.
At the Qualifying meet for the US Team, O'Brien was in first place after 7 of the 10 events, looking as a shoe-in for the team. But then came the high jump. O'Brien made what seemed like an odd choice of going for a higher height than he needed to and he never cleared the bar after the required number of attempts. He went from 1st place to 15th and missed qualifying for the Games. People were stunned and confused. Why would he go for the higher height, instead of settling for something that would keep him in contention to qualify. Well, it comes back to the second part of his vision statement: 9,000 points. Based on where he stood after 7 events, Dan's calculations showed that he could only get to 9,000 points if he made the higher jump. Yes, high risk, high reward but it was in line with his Vision. Dan didn't have "Olympic Champion" on his little piece of paper.
Not qualifying for the games was a bit of a disaster for Reebok who had put all their money into O'Brien. The US Olympic team was mad, fans were upset and NBC was furious. But Dan kept pushing towards that dream of 9,000 points. Only 3 months after the Barcelona Olympics, O'Brien set a world record of 8,860 points, a record that would stand for a decade. And in 1996, he would go on and win Olympic Gold for his country.
Why I love this story so much? First, if you put everything in your vision statement it gets so watered down. He could have put a laundry list, including Olympic Champion, Millions in endorsements, make tons of money and win every event. But then it would just be he achieved 3 out of 5 things on his list. But he decided to focus on what motivated him. While you might wish he won the 1992 Olympic Gold, it wasn't on his piece of paper. He left off what wasn't important and stuck to it. You should do the same and you'll find your vision statement offers you both focus and inspiration.
A good vision should scare you a little bit and it should excite you a lot.
A vision should open your mind up. It should challenge your thinking. Stretch you to think of things not immediately within reach.
When Dan O'Brien looks back on his career, we can see how that little piece of paper drove him. The fact that he'll never reach his dream score of 9,000 points in decathlon rubs like a blister: "I came up short because I set the goal too low," O'Brien says, grinning. "If I had tried to make 9,200, I might have got the 9,000."
So how can you use this story to challenge yourself and your team to ask: what's would be on your piece of paper?
Does a Vision Statement Pay Out?
Companies that have Vision Statements have a better sense of where they are going. And the proof is there that it pays off for companies with a Vision.
- Harvard Study across 20 industries looking at businesses showed that companies with Vision Statements saw their revenue grew more than four times faster; job creation was seven times higher; their stock price grew 12 times faster; and profit performance was 750% higher.
- Newsweek looked at 1000 companies with Vision Statements had an average return on stockholder equity of 16.1%, while firms without them had only a 7.9% average return.
- "Built to Last" showed that for companies with Vision Statements, that a $1 investment in 1926 would have returned $6,350 compared to only a return of $950 for comparable companies without a Vision.
The Vision and Mission help to Frame the Overall Brand Plan
Think of the Vision as the End in Mind Achievement towards your purpose. What do you want the brand to become? Think 10 years out: if you became this one thing, you would know that you are successful. Ideally it is Qualitative (yet grounded in something) and quantitative (measurable) It should be motivating and enticing to get people focused. It should be personal and speak to why you get up in the morning—why you got into this business.
When I'm consulting, I pick a day 10 years from now and "so you wake up that morning and tell me what your brand is like for you to be happy". I normally ask this 5-10 times so that we start to get really rich answers. This stretches the mind a bit. The first 5 answers tend to be corporate BS that people thing they should say. The problem with the corporate line is it won't inspire you, it won't challenge you and it won't push you to exceeding it. Case in point, my son was in grade 9, and his teacher asked everyone to write down what they hoped to get in the class. He put 55%. I asked why and he said "because I like to over-achieve". All laughing aside, you need goals that will push you just a little harder.
Things that Make a Good vision:
- Easy for employees and partners to understand and rally around
- Think about something that can last 5-10 years or more
- Balance between aspiration (stretch) and reality (achievement)
- It's ok to embed a financial ($x) or share position (#1) element into it as long as it's important for framing the vision.
The watch outs for vision statements:
- It's not a positioning statement. Almost positioning neutral Let the positioning come out in the strategy.
- Make sure we haven't achieved it already. If you are #1, then don't put "be #1".
- Don't put strategic statements. Vision answers "where could we be" rather than "how can we get there"
- Try to be single-minded: Tighten it up and don't include everything!! Can you say it in an elevator. Can you actually remember it? Can you yell it at a Sales meeting?
Ask yourself "Where Do you Want to be in 10 Years?" over and over until you see an inspiration.
Follow me on Twitter at @grayrobertson1
To read more on How to Write a Brand Plan, read the presentation below:
Other Stories You Might Like
- How to Write a Creative Brief. The creative brief really comes out of two sources, the brand positioning statement and the advertising strategy that should come from the brand plan. To read how to write a Creative Brief, click on this hyperlink: How to Write a Creative Brief
- How to Write a Brand Positioning Statement. Before you even get into the creative brief, you should be looking at target, benefits and reason to believe. To read how to write a Brand Positioning Statement, click on this hyperlink: How to Write an Effective Brand Positioning Statement
- Turning Brand Love into Power and Profits: The positioning statement sets up the promise that kick starts the connection between the brand and consumer. There are four other factors that connect: brand strategy, communication, innovation and experience. The connectivity is a source of power that can be leveraged into deeper profitability. To read more click on the hyper link: Love = Power = Profits
I run the Brand Leader Learning Center, with programs on a variety of topics that are all designed to make better Brand Leaders. To read more on how the Learning Center can help you as a Brand Leader click here: Brand Leadership Learning Center
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To reach out directly, email me at email@example.com
About Graham Robertson: The reason why I started Beloved Brands Inc. is to help brands realize their full potential value by generating more love for the brand. I only do two things: 1) Make Brands Better or 2) Make Brand Leaders Better. I have a reputation as someone who can find growth where others can't, whether that's on a turnaround, re-positioning, new launch or a sustaining high growth. And I love to make Brand Leaders better by sharing my knowledge. I'm a marketer at heart, who loves everything about brands. My background includes 20 years of CPG marketing at companies such as Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer Consumer, General Mills and Coke. My promise to you is that I will get your brand and your team in a better position for future growth. Add me on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamrobertson1 so we can stay connected.


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Since Americans have a hard time understanding that a world exists outside of our borders, here's a handy guide to Game of Thrones, as if it were set in the US.
Kings Landing = Washington, DC
It's the capitol, it's full of corrupt people vying for titles, and it's built on the backs of the poor. Everyone is vying for the Iron Throne and it's hard to figure out who to root for.
Winterfell = Boston, MA
Beautiful in the summer and uninhabitable in the winter. The inhabitants incorrectly think their city is the center of the empire. It is, however, the only real city in its region. (Providence? Really?) The people there are honorable and resilient, and spend much of their time watching sports. Not many black people.
The King's Road = I-95
A highly trafficked route from Winterfell to King's Landing, the road is littered with inns and merchants. There are also many bandits who live alongside it in dangerous places like New Haven, Newark, and Baltimore.
Beyond the Wall = Canada
It's cold, it's vast, and it's terrifying. But the wildlings are a good people once you get to know them. Also it's governed by a monarch far away who doesn't actually hold any real power in the people's minds.
Castle Black = Canadian Border Crossing
This is all that separates us from the unknown terror of the great white north. Also it's manned by a bunch of humorless guys that don't get laid.
The Iron Islands = Pittsburgh, PA
Cold, wet, gray, and nicknamed for metal, this is a place that was once prominent but is now full of working class people and pirates. And the pirates have been horrible for many years.
Casterly Rock = New York City
The regional capital (and the financial center of the Empire), it used to be ruled by a different group - until they were tricked into trusting a foreigner. Now it's ruled by rich people who think they're better parents than they are.
Lannisport = Greenwich, CT
Situated close to the main city, but far enough away that the citizens don't need to be bothered. Also, it's full of money and incest.
Harrenhal = Chicago, IL
It's rich, and it's on the way to most things. But the governing of it seems to be cursed as no one can rule it for long. And it burnt down once.
Valyria = Detroit, MI
Due to its fearsome beasts with great abilities to travel, this was once the center of the world and a shining jewel of civilization. But then a cataclysmic event rendered it a smoldering ruin of its former glory. The only thing that endures is a bit of their ancient music. And the secrets of manufacturing things there have long been forgotten.
Dorn = Napa Valley, CA
Remote area known for women, wine, and boringness.
The Dreadfort = North Dakota
A stronghold of the north but nowhere near as important as the center of the region. And unless you're from here, living here is torture.
Qarth = Savannah, GA
A wealthy port city, the inhabitants think that it's the greatest city that ever was or will be, and yet no one outside the city cares. Filled with many rich creepy people.
The Twins = West Virginia
A location that would be pointless were it not a river crossing en route to other, better places. It's filled with homely women with the occasional hot one sprinkled in. Also, weddings here can get out of hand.
Lys = Atlantic City, NJ
There are two main characteristics: it's surrounded by rough sea, and it's known far and wide for its pleasure houses.
High Garden = Berkeley, CA
In the far reaches of the realm, it is known as a flowery place with lax sexual attitudes. Also a garden of high.
Volantis = Santa Barbara, CA
A rich, old coastal village where the slaves aren't allowed to ever touch the nobility.
Storm's End = San Francisco, CA
A coastal city with a mighty fortress on the Bay. And it's gay friendly.
Yunkai = Reno, NV
A desert town that is known for its sex slaves and incompetent defenses.
Dothrak = Texas
Incorrectly thinks it's an independent country just because everyone there has weapons. Meanwhile most people who live in the capitol are unaware that this is a place.
Vaes Dothrak = Austin, TX
The cultural center of a vast wasteland, where the barbaric activities of the surrounding areas are banned within city walls. Full of people who struck out on their own because they hate their parents.
Red Waste = West Texas


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This event is free and open to the public. Guests are welcome to bring an instrument to participate in the jams or listen and observe the fiddle tunes and folk songs in a close-up and casual environment. Each week, various musicians from the local community, as well as visitors, gather throughout the Jones House. After catching up and choosing a key, the music begins until the "last call for tunes" comes around 10:50 PM.
Cultural Resources Event Calendar
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Earlier Event: September 28Boone Film Festival - Day 1
Later Event: September 29Galleries Open


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Terms and Conditions
All bookings are placed with and handled by our sister company, Above Beach Cottages.
Reservations of all holiday accommodation whether made by telephone, email, in person, in writing or from the internet are accepted by Above Beach Cottages, hereinafter referred to as ABC, on the following conditions. ABC is one of a small group of locally focused brands owned by The Original Cottage Company Limited, which is a family owned private limited company incorporated in England (registered number 06951692) with a registered address at Bank House, Market Place, Reepham, Norwich, NR10 4JJ. VAT No. 595 2110 44.
1. Contract of hire
The hiring contract will be between you the Hirer and the Owner of the property for which the booking is made and shall be deemed to be made subject to these Conditions of Hire and governed by English Law. ABC act as Agents for owners, and are not Principals. The Contract of Hire is not effective until ABC despatch to the Hirer written confirmation of the booking. The contract is for the hire of the property for holiday purposes only. We do not accept bookings from Hirers under 18 years of age.
2. Initial payment
Bookings will be confirmed upon receipt by ABC of the required deposit payment of one third of the total holiday cost, comprising cottage rental, booking fee and any additional charges – e.g. pets. If the booking is made within eight weeks of the holiday commencement date, the full accommodation rental will be required at the time of booking. Deposits can be paid by debit card or credit card, BACS transfer or cheque. In the case of web bookings, these can be paid online through our secure payment system.
3. Balance payment
The Balance of the Hire will be due for payment eight weeks before the holiday commencement date. On receipt of the Balance Payment, advice on key collection arrangements and directions to the property will be sent to the Hirer. The Owner/ABC reserves the right to cancel a holiday where full payment has not been received less than 28 days before the holiday commencement date. The deposit paid on the booking is non-returnable.
4. Method of payment
Cheques should be made payable to Above Beach Cottages. Credit Card payments are subject to a surcharge of 1.49% plus VAT. There is no charge for Debit Card payments.
5. Value added tax
Where VAT applies to the property rental, it is included in the quoted price at the prevailing rate. ABC's Confirmation of Booking is not a VAT invoice. All ABC charges and VAT inclusive rentals include VAT at the prevailing rate and are subject to change if the rate changes.
6. Confirmation of booking
Once ABC has issued a Confirmation of Booking, the Hirer is responsible for the total published price of the property and extras as shown on the confirmation. Amendments to bookings, where applicable, will be subject to an administration fee of £60. The Agents reserve the right to adjust prices quoted in the brochure, on our website or on details to properties, due to errors or omissions or changes in VAT.
7. Booking cancellation
If you are forced to cancel your holiday you must inform ABC as soon as possible. The day we receive your notice in writing to cancel is the date on which we will cancel your booking with the owner. Depending on your reason for cancellation, you may, at our discretion, receive a refund of all money you have paid to us for your booking less the booking fee (if applicable), any credit-card charges, and a handling charge of £60.
See Cancellation/Curtailment Policy for details of where we would normally make such a refund. In all other cases, you will remain liable for full payment unless we are able to re-let all or part of the period booked, in which case ABC will consider a refund, less the booking fee (if applicable), any credit-card charges, and a handling charge of £90. See Cancellation/Curtailment Policy for full details.
8. Booking fee
ABC charges a booking fee of £36 (as specified when booking) for your first booking in any calendar year, payable at the time of booking. Additional bookings with the same customer reference where the cottage hire period starts in the same calendar year (1st January to 31st December) will not attract a booking fee.
9. Amenities
The use of accommodation and amenities, where offered, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, rowing boats, beach huts etc, is entirely at the users' risk and no responsibility can be accepted for injury, or loss or damage to users' or visitors' belongings. However, ABC do not seek to exclude or limit legal liability for the negligence of their servants or agents.
10. Party numbers
In no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons as stated in the cottage brochure or website occupy a property. Owners reserve the right to refuse admittance if this condition is not observed. Only those listed on the booking may occupy the premises. The person who completes the booking, i.e. the lead name, certifies that he or she is authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all members of the party, including any changes. The lead name must be over 18 years and a member of the party occupying the property. The lead name agrees to take responsibility for all members of the party.
The Owner/ABC reserve the right to refuse or revoke any bookings from parties that may in their opinion (and at their sole discretion) be unsuitable for the property concerned.
11. Your responsibilities
For the whole of the period included within your booking, you will be responsible for the property and will be expected to take all reasonable care of it. If a property is not left clean and tidy, any additional cleaning costs will be charged to the hirer. The property details aim to give accurate descriptions of the properties. Should there be any specific health or mobility difficulties which may affect a party member; this must be pointed out at the initial reservation stage so that the suitability of the property can be assessed. The property and all equipment and utensils must be left clean and tidy at the end of the hire period. At no time should a pet be left alone unsupervised at the property. The property must be vacated by 10.00 am on the day of departure, along with any parking provision.
12. Damage
All damages and breakages are the legal responsibility of you, the Hirer, and should be notified to the Owner or Agent, keyholder or housekeeper before the end of your holiday. The cost of damage or breakages shall be payable on demand. Normally, minor damage or breakages will not be charged but in circumstances where extra cleaning is required or there has been breakage or damage beyond what is reasonably to be expected, the Owner/ABC reserve the right to charge you for any additional costs incurred as a consequence and may, at their discretion, refuse further bookings. Should you find on arrival any damaged or non-working items, they must be reported to the Owner or Agent/keyholder immediately, so that matters can be rectified. The Owner/ABC has the right to enter the property (without prior notice if this is not practical or possible) if special circumstances or emergencies arise (for example if repairs need to be carried out). Any Damages/Security Deposits charged by the Owner and administered by the Owner themselves or by ABC will be cashed on receipt to allow for bank clearance and reimbursed promptly after the holiday (less any penalties which may be incurred). ABC reserves the right to request payment of a security deposit should it be deemed necessary by the Owner. The Owner/ABC reserves the right to repossess the Holiday Home at any time, where you or any member of your party has caused damage. The Owner/ABC shall not be liable to make a refund of any remaining portion of the hire terms paid.
13. Complaint procedure
If you are dissatisfied with the service you receive, the Owner or keyholder must be notified immediately, so that investigation can be carried out and any necessary action taken. All complaints must also be notified to ABC immediately so that they can investigate the circumstances, and take any necessary action. In no circumstances can compensation be made for any complaints that are made after the hire has ended, or where the Hirer has denied the Agents or the Owners the opportunity to try to put matters right during the Hirer´s stay.
14. Literature
ABC takes every care to ensure the accuracy of the property descriptions. All information in our brochure and on our website is given in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, but ABC cannot be held responsible for changes beyond their control, which may become known after publication of this literature. In addition, whilst we describe properties as non-smoking or no pets, this cannot be guaranteed. The description of a cottage shows what amenities that property has but generally does not state what is not in the property. Please be aware that if a property is advertised as having an enclosed garden, this does not necessarily mean a secure garden. It may be enclosed by hedging or open style fencing. Further, ABC cannot accept liability for happenings outside their reasonable control, such as breakdown of domestic appliances, plumbing, wiring, temporary invasion of pests, damage resulting from exceptional weather conditions or the Owner's negligence resulting in loss, injury or accident.
15. Legal
In the event of any dispute between parties it shall be governed by the jurisdiction of the English courts only and any actions shall be heard in the court for the area in which the property is located unless otherwise agreed between the parties. However, it is hereby agreed and declared that all reasonable endeavours will be used to resolve the dispute arising between you and the Owner and/or ABC without immediate recourse to litigation. If not mutually resolved, it is further agreed that all reasonable endeavours will be used to resolve the dispute by a formally recognised alternative dispute resolution process i.e. mediation, arbitration or expert determination. In default of such agreement, the process and appointment of the independent professional will be determined by the President for the time being of the Law Society or the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. In either case, all parties will contribute equally to the expense of such process, and, in default these expenses shall be capable of being recovered in any subsequent litigation.
16. Availability
The Hiring Contract is made on the understanding that the property and its facilities as published will be available for the dates stated. In the unlikely event that a property is not available through events arising outside the control of the Owner/ABC, then the Owner/ABC may be forced to cancel the booking. The Hirer will be advised as early as possible. Where possible, the Hirer will be offered suitable alternative accommodation, which, if not acceptable, will entitle the Hirer to a refund of all monies due. The Hirer will not as a result have any further claims against ABC or the Owner. Please note that reservation requests taken via our website are not confirmed bookings until we have contacted you and accepted a payment.
17. Best price guarantee
We guarantee you always get the lowest price when you book your holiday property directly through us. To qualify for our Best Price Guarantee, you must find the same property, for the same party size, over the same date period and notify us within 24 hours of your booking, in writing by post or email. The lower price must be viewable by anyone prior to booking and bookable by anyone, i.e. not a negotiated rate, a member rate, an offer applicable to only part of your stay or an offer which requires a credit card number or code to see. This offer does not apply to any optional extras, service charges or other fees and excludes changes in currency conversion rates. We will then validate your claim within 48 hours. The same property must be available for booking at a qualifying lower price in the same currency when we validate your claim. If your claim is successful, we will notify you in writing by post or email and refund the difference or adjust your outstanding balance. Only one claim may be submitted per booking. ABC reserves the right to deny claims if we believe that the Best Price Guarantee is being intentionally abused or manipulated to circumvent its intent. A claim may be invalidated if you make any changes to the reservation after the claim has been submitted and approved.


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Subscribe To Stephen Dorff Will Star As An Israeli Fighter Pilot In Zaytoun Updates
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Stephen Dorff started out with some pretty interesting films. From a small role in Mary Harron's I Shot Andy Warhol to pairing up with Jack Nicholson in the Bob Rafelson film Blood and Wine, he seemed like a star in the making. Then he took the high-profile role of villain Deacon Frost across Wesley Snipes in Marvel's Blade and what should have been his breakout role actually led to a number of utterly forgettable projects. However, thanks to a few big name directors giving the man some quality parts, he's back in the game and was able to snag the lead in Zaytoun.
Variety reports that the handsome (yeah I said it) actor has agreed to play an Israeli fighter pilot in the upcoming United Kingdom/Israel co-production from director Eran Riklis. Riklis has made several films in his native country with Lemon Tree probably being his most well known, as it was nominated for several categories at the Israeli Film Academy Awards. Zaytoun is set in Beirut in 1982 and follows an Israeli fighter pilot named David (Dorff) who, after being shot down, forms an unlikely friendship with a 10 year old Palestinian refugee. Sounds like an interesting premise and one rife with political connotations. It's also worth noting that the script was penned by Palestinian writer Nader Rizq which, in working with the Israeli director, could produce a very different and unique vision of the events.
Dorff's road to this promising lead role included a small part in Michael Mann's Public Enemies as well as supporting turn with Henry 'Superman' Cavill in Tarsem Singh's Immortals, but if there was one person to thank for his resurgence it would have to be Sofia Coppola. The actor was sensational in the overlooked Somewhere, a quiet meditation on how easily we can get stuck in a seemingly endless loop, lost in our own lives. His performance is subtle and heartbreaking, I was surprised and saddened at the lack of recognition. Perhaps it wasn't showy enough? Well, that may change with this politically charged, small film which will again put the bulk on his shoulders. Zaytoun will begin filming in March.


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Thirteen Keystone XL opponents were arrested Monday during a protest in downtown Houston after they refused to move from the front of pipeline owner TransCanada's offices.
The 13 activists were among dozens of demonstrators to gather outside of the office building at 717 Texas Ave., chanting slogans like "climate change has gone too far," as they stood in opposition to the pipeline. Keystone XL will move oil sands crude from Canada to refineries on the Gulf Coast if President Obama approves a connection that will extend across the international border.
Two former oil company employees, including an auditor for Exxon Mobil Corp. and a geologist for Chevron who quit this year, were among those arrested, said Becky Bond, political director of CREDO, one of the groups behind the demonstration.
Five years: Keystone XL proponents use pencils to make their point
Police advised those arrested that they faced up to a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail.
"They feel strongly enough that they're going to take that risk," said Amanda Starbuck, a spokeswoman for the Rainforest Action Network, which also organized the protest.
Opponents to the pipeline have argued that it will create additional incentive to produce crude from oil sands, which creates more emissions than conventional oil production. They also warned against the risks of an oil spill from a pipeline and the challenges of cleaning it up, pointing to complications following recent spills in Arkansas and Michigan.
Cleanup of a pipeline spill of Canadian oil sands crude into Michigan's Kalamazoo River has taken more than two years and cost more than $800 million.
"They've petitioned, they've called, they've rallied, and they feel it's not enough," Starbuck said of the activists arrested.
Texas: Keystone soon will carry crude, with or without Obama
She said a pipeline opposition campaign had gathered commitments from more than 75,000 people who are willing to risk arrest in demonstrations in opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline if President Obama and his administration approve a connection to Canada.
They southern leg of Keystone XL is under construction in Texas and is nearly complete, with oil expected to flow through the line before the end of the year, TransCanada says.


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BLUE Freedom® Grain-Free Indoor Chicken Recipe For Adult Cats
Some cats just don't do well with grain-based foods. That's why we created BLUE Freedom canned food for indoor cats. BLUE Freedom contains no grains, so it has no glutens. Glutens are known to trigger allergic reactions in some cats.
BLUE Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for indoor cats is made with the finest natural ingredients—ingredients chosen with great care by our animal nutritionists to meet the special needs of cats who live indoors.
- A protein-rich recipe that includes cranberries to help keep the urinary tract functioning properly.
- Carefully balanced calories in our proteins and fat help maintain an ideal, healthy body weight.
And like all BLUE foods, BLUE Freedom contains no chicken by-product meals, no corn, wheat or soy and nothing artificial.Available in 3-oz., 5.5-oz. and 12.5-oz. cans.
ALWAYS Starts with Protein-Rich CHICKEN
- NO Chicken (or Poultry) By-Product Meals
- NO Corn, Wheat or Soy
- NO Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
Guaranteed Analysis
|Crude Protein
|9.0% min
|Crude Fat
|6.0% min
|Crude Fiber
|2.0% max
|78.0% max
|0.10% min
|Omega 3 Fatty Acids*
|0.10% min
|Omega 6 Fatty Acids*
|0.56% min
*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
Nutrition Statement
BLUE Freedom Indoor Adult Chicken Entrée Food for Cats is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Feeding Guidelines
Feeding Instructions
3-oz. Can: Feed approximately 2 cans per 6-8 lbs of body weight per day.
5.5-oz. Can: Feed approximately 1 can per 6-8 lbs of body weight per day.
Refrigerate unused portion.
Fresh Water
Be sure to have a clean bowl of cool, fresh water available at all times.
Note: Individual cat's requirements may vary due to age, breed, environment, and activity level. Adjust food as required to maintain optimal body condition, and ask your veterinarian if you are unsure.
Calorie Content:
1,128 Kcals/kg, 96 Kcals/3-oz. can, 176 Kcals/5.5-oz. can, 399 Kcals/12.5-oz. can.


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The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are working together again and this time it seems that they're competing to see which is the most Chinese. Neither side is beyond stooping to historical revisionism, instigating fights with neighboring countries or brainwashing their people in pursuit of this goal. It's a tit-for-tat war of words and deeds that will soon have both sides claiming to be the sole inventor of the printing press, gunpowder and the compass.
Launching this most recent round of vitriol was an editorial by CCP mouthpiece the People's Daily claiming that the CCP was the true slayer of the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II and that the upstart KMT did little in the fight to save the motherland. The KMT's own President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) responded on Soldier's Day by saying that no, it was actually the KMT who defeated the Japanese. He went on to say: "The public must not forget about this period, nor should we allow the history to be altered or distorted," without at all seeing the irony in what he was saying. It doesn't take two semesters of world history to know that a substantial portion of the Chinese world would be speaking Japanese now if it weren't for the bombs rained down on Japan by US planes. Neither the KMT nor the CCP took back Taiwan or any part of the mainland — they were handed over to them by the US.
This united historical revisionism doesn't just stop at vilifying the Japanese. The KMT is now following in the CCP's footsteps by rewriting history books as well. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education unveiled its new pet project to brainwash the youth of Taiwan, namely a revised history curriculum that doubles the amount of Chinese history taught at the expense of both local and world history. It makes one wonder how the edited history textbooks will approach World War II. Will the US even play a role in the text, or will it be a unified Chinese nation that whipped that cur, the Japanese?
The CCP and the KMT aren't going to simply stop there. Now they're riling up a fresh dispute with Japan over some extremely important rocks in the East China Sea, saying that it's a simple matter of fishermen's rights. After all, doesn't the united Chinese nation have a claim to any and all territory near its borders, or where any person with a trace of Chinese descent once lived? Ignore the fact that the Ryukyu Islands are part of a contiguous chain that has long been inhabited by Japanese and that they have been used in the past by the US to mount attacks on the Japanese mainland, or that they could be used now to deny US Navy access to eastern Taiwan, and you might wonder what the big fuss is about. The KMT usually claims that it's just about fish and sovereignty, but it's obvious that the reasons for sending coast guard vessels to eyeball the Japanese go a lot deeper than that, especially coming so soon after a similar Chinese standoff.
What all this appears to constitute is the dawn of a Third United Front between the erstwhile enemy parties. The First United Front from 1924 to 1927 saw the CCP and KMT working together to end the era of warlordism in China, while in the Second United Front they just agreed to quit shooting openly at each other to fight the invading Japanese instead. In this third, unwritten united front, the goals of the CCP and KMT are unification and regional hegemony. They've already gone a long way down the unification road with the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) — and more agreements are sure to follow — and now we are seeing a hint as to the direction these parties will take to gain regional hegemony.


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The countries we choose and the students we choose
Choosing prospective students for the Pestalozzi scholarship is an enjoyable but important part of the work we do. Before the students touch down in the UK, and reach the Pestalozzi International village, a lot of work is done behind the scenes.
The rigorous recruitment process involves in-depth research into specific countries, the formation of robust partnerships with organisations in each country, and the assessment of the students themselves.
How do we choose our students?
Every year, members of our Student Programme team travel to our student countries to find prospective Pestalozzi students aged between 16-19 years-old. Whilst in the partner countries, they conduct one-to-one interviews, which are a big part of the selection process. On top of the interviews students also have to sit exams in English, maths and science before they are considered for a coveted Pestalozzi scholarship.
The selection process also takes into consideration a number of factors including the student's age, academic ability and potential, financial situation, social circumstances and the most important consideration is their commitment to making a positive difference to the lives of people in their home communities.
Below are the five considerations when looking at perspective Pestalozzi students:
- Students from the country must be capable of scoring 5.5 (with 5.5 in Writing) on the IELTS Academic Paper.
- We look specifically at students who lack the opportunity to complete the final two years of secondary school (A Level or equivalent) and we also focus on countries with low rates of student progression into tertiary education.
- Students from the country must have a level of education sufficient to cope with the demands of an A-Level course or an Enhanced A-Level course.
- Students from the country will ideally add to the ethnic and cultural diversity of Pestalozzi International Village.
- The country must be able to provide partners who meet the Pestalozzi partnership criteria.
Which are our student countries?
We currently select students from Belize, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Tibetan communities in exile, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
We work with many different partners within these countries. Below is a brief outline of each:
Area: 22.966 sq.km
Population: 367,000
Education—Primary: 109/114 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: 82/78 Female/Male
Education—Tertiary: 30/18 Female/Male
We work with Ecumenical High School, Independence High School, Julian Cho Technical High School and Toledo Community College. We also work with Energy for Life the organisation sponsored by BNE a speculative energy prospector in Belize. They source and educate bright students across Belize.
Area: 38,394 sq.km
Population: 784,000
Education—Primary: 103/101 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: 87/81 Female/Male
Education—Tertiary: 9/13 Female/Male
We work with Ministry of Education and the Kidu Foundation.
Area: 3,287,263 sq.km
Population: 1326,802,000
Education—Primary: 117/105 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: 69/67 Female/Male
Education—Tertiary: 23/25 Female/Male
Our partner is Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, which is a scheme which helps source bright students from across India.
Area: 1,910,931 sq.km
Population: 260,581,000
Education—Primary: 105/107 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: 82/83 Female/Male
Education—Tertiary: 33/29 Female/Male
We work with the Del Foundation. They fund several educational institutions. Pestalozzi selects students from the Senior High School - SMA Unggul Del. We do not work elsewhere in Indonesia. The school itself is selective and caters for fee paying and economically disadvantaged students.
Area: 147,181 sq.km
Population: 28,851,000
Education—Primary: 140/130 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: 69/65 Female/Male
Education—Tertiary: 15/18 Female/Male
Our partners are Budhanilkantha School, Gandaki Boarding School, Bloom Nepal School and SOS Hermann Gmeiner School Sanothimi.
Area: 1,200,000 sq.km
Population: 3,200,000
Education: N/A
Pestalozzi has welcomed Tibetan refugees to the village since 1963, working with our main long established partner, the Department of Education at the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamsala. The selection process takes place in July/August each year alternating between two locations, Bangalore in the South and Dharmasala in the North. This outreach ensures a wider pool of applicants. We also partner with Pestalozzi World in India and welcome their Tibetan scholars to selection. http://tibet.net/department/education
Area: 241,550 sq.km
Population: 40,323,000
Education—Primary: 104/103 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: N/A
Pestalozzi welcomed our first Uganda student in 2011. We work closely with the Quicken Trust based in Herstmonceux. Our selection takes place in Kabbubu at Trust High School (www.quickentrust.com) usually in November. We invite candidates from the Kabbubu Development Project and also work directly with schools in Kampala.
Area: 752,612 sq.km
Population: 16,717,000
Education—Primary: 109/65 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: 109/65 Female/Male
Education—Tertiary: 109/65 Female/Male
Pestalozzi welcomed our first Zambian students to the village in 1988. Currently, selection takes place at Pestalozzi World, Ibex Hill in Lusaka in April each year. At present we work with the Kucetekela Foundation (www.kucetekelafoundation.org) a small education charity.
The KUCETEKELA FOUNDATION is a non-profit organization which provides scholarships to Zambian boys and girls who are academically promising but financially disadvantaged to attend excellent secondary schools. This scholarship, combined with a system of mentoring, will endow the children with outstanding education and guidance which will empower them to contribute and compete successfully in life. We also work with the Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists, (JETS) a Ministry of Education run programme.
Area: 390,757 sq.km
Population: 15,967,000
Education—Primary: 99/100 Female/Male
Education—Secondary: 45/48 Female/Male
Education—Tertiary: 5/6 Female/Male
Pestalozzi welcomed four Zimbabwean students as part of the first intake of IB students in 1997. At present selection takes place at SOS training headquarters in Harare in April. We invite candidates from SOS schools and the family strengthening programme and also from the Higher Life Foundation. https://www.higherlifefoundation.com/ The Higherlife Foundation is a philanthropic organisation founded in 1996 by Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa. Since inception, the foundation has been supporting orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa through education and material support.
How do we choose our partner organisations?
We work with partner organisations within each country. The partner organisations in each country also help to find suitable candidates for our scholarships.
Our current partner organisations include respected and trusted NGOs, schools, development agencies and government bodies. Working closely alongside these organisations allows us to make sure we are identifying and selecting the right young people from low income backgrounds who could benefit from a Pestalozzi scholarship.
We are always exploring new partnerships in every country we work with; this is to ensure our selection process is thorough and transparent, reaching those most in need of educational opportunities. This research helps to create better opportunities for our potential and current students.
For further information regarding all the information above please contact Mags Alexander at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Online Fraud: Are You Next?
By Sid Kirchheimer , March 05, 2014 10:31 AM
The difference between computer users who get scammed and those who don't often comes down to a simple checklist: In just-released research, AARP identifies 15 particular behaviors, life situations and knowledge attributes that significantly increase vulnerability to online fraud.
The kicker: Nearly 1 in 5 American adults - roughly 34 million people - engage in at least seven of them.
These eye-opening findings are pooled from detailed surveys of more than 11,000 adults across the U.S., comparing the online actions, behaviors and life experiences of fraud victims and non-victims - and providing a detailed "profile" of those who are most vulnerable to Internet-based scams.
In future blogs, we'll delve deeper into how, where, when and why the dangers of online fraud lurk in the "Fraud-Likely 15." (You can also keep tabs on other scams here and with free email alerts.) But for now, a snapshot of some key findings from this important AARP report, "Caught in the Scammer's Net":
In the past seven days before being surveyed, respondents admitted to:
- Clicking on pop-up advertisements: Opened by 26 percent of victims compared to 10 percent of non-victims, pop-ups are often used to install computer malware or lead to surveys that glean personal information.
- Opening email from unknown sources: 27 percent of victims versus 17 percent of non-victims risked similar malware and detail-seeking phishing in emails.
- Downloading apps: 39 percent versus 28 percent. Yet another method to install malware to steal computer files, passwords and accounts.
- Selling products on online auction sites: 23 percent versus 7 percent. Scammers pose as buyers, paying with counterfeit checks or money orders - often for higher amounts than the sale price, with a request to send back the difference.
- Purchasing a product through a money payment business: 47 percent versus 30 percent. When using these services, link them to a credit card, which offers more protection against fraud. There's more risk linking to a checking or debit card account because if those systems are hacked, or someone gets your payment transfer information, your bank account is exposed to the scammer.
- Signing up for "free trial" offers: 18 percent versus 8 percent engaged in these traps, which lock buyers into hard-to-cancel contracts - and merchandise may not arrive until after the trial ends.
Additionally, victims scored higher on several indicators of acting impulsively and admitted to posting more personal information online, such as birth dates, marital status, names of children and even Social Security numbers, that could be used for identity theft. They were also more likely to visit Web sites that required them to read privacy and terms of agreement statements - significant because those sites often require providing personal information.
>> Sign up for the AARP Money newsletter
Life Experiences
Confirming previous research, the AARP report found that feeling vulnerable increases fraud vulnerability. So be extra careful when making decisions online (or in person). And take note, friends and family members, if loved ones are experiencing any of the following:
- Feelings of isolation, reported by 2 in 3 victims, compared to a minority of non-victims
- Loss of a job: 23 percent versus 10 percent
- Negative change in financial status: 44 percent versus 23 percent
- Being concerned about debt: 69 percent versus 57 percent
Other factors that increase vulnerability risk: stress about moving, personal or family illness, the death of a loved one, relationship issues and going through a divorce (which tripled the risk). Previous research shows that those 65 and older are most vulnerable to any type of scam within three years of such traumatic events.
When asked several questions about Internet safety, neither victims nor non-victims scored particularly well. But on two specific issues, victims were significantly less likely to answer correctly than non-victims:
- Being unaware that banks do not send emails to customers asking them to click on a link to verify personal or account information. Nearly 2 in 3 victims, compared to 38 percent of non-victims, believe that banks do this, but it's a common ruse by scammers to download malware or collect details for likely identity theft.
- Being unaware that a Web site's privacy policy does not mean the site will not share information from users. Roughly half of non-victims, compared to 40 percent of victims, were aware that information can be shared. However, such information may be sold either to legitimate vendors or to scammers posing as such, and used to compile to Sucker Lists to identify possible future victims.
Photo: Don Hankins/Flickr
For information about other scams, sign up for the Fraud Watch Network . You'll receive free email alerts with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud. And you'll gain access to a network of experts, law enforcement and people in your community who will keep you up to date on the latest scams in your area.
>> Get discounts on financial services with your AARP Member Advantages.
Also of Interest
- $25: What Scammers Pay for Your Identity
- National Air & Space Museum and Other Top Free Things to Do In America
- Get free assistance with tax-return preparation from Tax-Aide
- Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being
See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more


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The new Senate: More compromise?
They still have a narrow majority, Republicans still control the House and there's still a Democrat occupying the White House.
But to Senate Democrats, 2012 is not 2010.
Story Continued Below
After playing defense and avoiding tough votes for much of the past two years, Democrats believe their sweeping wins of key Senate races and President Barack Obama's historic reelection give them new ground to push a more ambitious agenda, ranging from tax reform to an immigration overhaul to energy legislation. Democrats contend they have a new mandate to raise taxes on the rich and drive Washington's high-stakes fiscal debate over the next 60 days.
( Also on POLITICO: McCaskill beats Akin for second term)
And above all else, they say it's time for the GOP to start compromising and stop filibustering.
But the makeup of the new Senate doesn't exactly guarantee Democratic victories for Barack Obama's second term. The Senate Democratic Caucus will be comprised of a newly strengthened liberal wing as well as a band of at-risk red-state Democratic moderates who are up for reelection in 2014, a midterm election typically treacherous for a president in his second term.
Top Senate GOP leaders aren't ready to simply start bending to Democratic pressure — key leaders up for reelection in 2014 could easily face a challenge from the right if they bow to Democrats on taxes. They plan to block Democratic efforts to jam through bills without giving them a chance to change them. In the House, Republicans believe they have an equal mandate to Senate Democrats to push legislation on their own terms.
And no one quite knows whether Obama will be more willing to cut deals with the GOP or stick to his guns and demand Republicans cave to his demands.
( Also on POLITICO: Murphy tops McMahon in Conn.)
While the recipe adds up to more gridlock, Senate Democratic leaders believe that with their win — combined with Obama's victory — the burden will now fall squarely on Republican leaders and the rank-and-file to force it to compromise, namely over taxes.
"Given the numbers and given the economy, and given their super PACs – they would have to admit that the policy of obstruction was a political failure," New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, No. 3 Senate Democrat, told POLITICO. "The whole focus falls to a large extent onto the Republicans and to particularly the more moderate Republicans who instinctively would like to avoid the gridlock and compromise and get something done."
On the Senate's to-do list: a deficit reduction plan, tax reform, immigration overhaul, energy legislation, cybersecurity legislation and an infrastructure bank designed to encourage new development. Democrats insist they are ready to meet in the middle on all these hot-button issues, but they first must cut a deal with the GOP House over the year-end fiscal cliff threatening to send the economy back into recession.
Republicans believe it's up to the president to return to governing after disengaging from Congress in the aftermath of the debt ceiling debacle from the summer of 2011.
( Also on POLITICO: Kaine beats Allen in Va. Senate race)
"If President Obama gets reelected, it's very hard to see how we solve the tax problem when the Democrats are moving even futher left," conservative Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) said in an interview right before the election.
Democrats, who held a 53-47 Senate majority for the past two years, are expected to retain a similar advantage, including with an independent, newly elected former Maine Gov. Angus King, who is widely expected to caucus with the Democrats.
The Senate Democratic Caucus will now have an emboldened liberal wing, with a reelected Sen. Sherrod Brown from Ohio, Rep. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and the first openly gay senator, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. And Democrats added a new liberal star to their caucus: Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, who defeated one of the few remaining moderate Republicans, Scott Brown.


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Melasma is the frustrating patches of facial hyperpigmentation often associated with hormones; this includes your natural, everyday hormones, those your body produces with pregnancy, and hormones taken for contraception. The excessive melanin pigment in these patches can reside in the top living layer of cells, called the epidermis. This is also where pigment is when you get a tan. The body sheds this pigment regularly. The bad news is that melasma pigment can also reside in the deeper layer, called the dermis. This layer does not normally hold melanin pigment, and so is one of the reasons melasma is so hard to treat.
The cause for this excess pigment production is difficult to control, compounding the challenge of treating melasma. Some aspect of it is driven by the immune system. Short treatments of strong prescription cortisone creams have been used to treat it with moderate success. However, melasma tends to recur, and topical cortisone treatment has skin thinning (and other) undesirable side effects, and thus is not a good long term solution.
For all of these reasons, the treatment of melasma is tricky, yet significant improvement is possible. Treatment needs to be both consistent and very intensive, because the pigment production and deposition of melasma is tenacious. Your treatment needs to be equally tenacious. When I create a skin care routine to treat melasma, I cover all of the bases, including:
- First and foremost, sun protection, which needs to be absolute and used without exception, because one "indiscretion" in the sun will set you back after you have worked so hard to lighten the patches and even the color in your complexion. Sun protection needs to be broad spectrum and used 365 days a year. I trust only the mineral zinc oxide products for this job.
- Skin lighteners that reduce pigment production such as retinoids (retinol and prescription tretinoin), hydroquinone (2% available without prescription and 4% or higher with prescription), botanical lighteners like kojic acid, and vitamin C are all good options. Dead cells carry pigment upwards, accentuating the uneven skin color.
- Exfoliators to reduce pigment carried in the dead cell layer and enhance penetration of the lightening products. I use glycolic acid for this job. Rough scrubs and sponges can be used too.
This is a very intensive treatment and sensitive skin may become irritated – which can lead to inflammation and uneven pigment production! It may be good to enlist the help of a dermatologist to treat melasma in order to get prescription-strength products. Many over-the-counter professional products, such as the ones I have here, are highly effective and yet need to be used with care. At any sign of skin irritation or inflammation, a rest needs to be taken and then treatment resumed slowly. Options are based on what you know about your skin and your skin type.
I created the Ultimate Pigment and Sun Damage Repair Kit to incllude the best non-prescription products to fight hyperpigmentation, at the right concentrations to improve the pigment problem without irritating skin. The kit builds a complete skin care routine with compatible products that enhance ingredient penetration and sooth potential irritation so your skin can heal and improve simultaneously.
If you want to build your own skin care routine, here is how I often treat my patients:
- Cleanse with a Clarisonic Brush (to help products penetrate better) and a gentle cleanser or a glycolic acid cleanser. A toner will help remove any residual dirt and skin oil to enhance penetration of products as well.
- Correct with Pigment Fading Pads followed by either Vitamin C or Glycolic Acid. At night, use a retinoid such as a professional retinol product. Because inflammation may drive melasma, I add green tea as an ingredient to calm inflammation naturally and safely.
- Hydrate to balance skin moisture with your favorite skin cream or lotion.
- Protect in the day from sun up to dusk with a good application of broad spectrum zinc oxide sunscreen. If makeup is worn, use mineral makeup to enhance sun protection.
Shankar Krupa, et. al., Evidence-Based Treatment for Melasma: Expert Opinion and a Review, Dermatol Ther, 2014 Ded; 4(2): 165-186 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257945/
Melasma, American Academy of Dermatology, 2018 https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/melasma
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Ultimate Acne Solutions Skin Care Kit™
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text:
Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore Inc. announced Thursday that it had agreed to acquire Advance Bank, another Baltimore-based institution.
A sale price hasn't been determined and will be based on which Advance assets regulators say MECU can acquire, said Dorothea Stierhoff, senior public relations manager with MECU.
MECU, a state-chartered credit union, and Advance Bank, a mutual savings bank, are each owned by their depositors. MECU has about $1.2 billion in assets and nine locations. Advance, with two locations, had nearly $61 million in assets at the end of last year.
The two institutions had been discussing a possible merger for about a year, said Advance CEO John Hamilton, who will be joining MECU on the lending side.
Advance is a small community bank, and the much larger MECU offers the kind of services Advance customers deserve, such as nine branches, an expanded ATM network, a large technology platform and mobile banking, Hamilton said.
With the deal, MECU will have access to new lending products, such as FHA loans, Stierhoff said.
MECU will maintain Advance's locations at 4801 Seton Drive in Baltimore and 6669 Security Blvd. in Baltimore County, Stierhoff said.
Advance employs 20 workers. MECU will retain as many of them as possible once the acquisition closes, Stierhoff said.
The deal must be approved by regulators, but is expected to close later this year.


text:
Baker & McKenzie recently hosted Group Captain Catherine McGregor AM, Australia's most prominent transgender woman, speaking about her life in and outside of the military. Catherine is a speech writer and strategic adviser to the Chief of the Air Force. Her career in the Australian Regular Army spans 40 years, during which she has held a variety of regimental and staff appointments. She is also a published author and well-known political and cricket commentator.
For the third consecutive year, global law firm K&L Gates has carried out its annual Global Day of Service. The event is a week-long volunteer effort by its partners and staff focused on serving more than 70 charitable organisations in cities and regions across five continents in which the firm has offices. Partners and staff from each of the firm's offices worldwide volunteer around the theme of "Caring for our global neighbourhood: one world, one mission." K&L Gates' teams in Australia assisted a number of charities including: the Ronald McDonald House Charities (Melbourne); The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation (Melbourne), Pioneer Clubhouse (Sydney), Manna Inc (Perth), Red Cross (Brisbane) and Brisbane Youth Services (Brisbane).
K&L Gates' Perth office recently hosted a high-profile line up of inspiring leaders at a special women's networking morning tea. The list included former Governor-General of Australia the Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO; former UN Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Gertrude Mongella; Tanzanian Goodwill Ambassador for Tourism in Australia Dr Casta Tungaraza; and former Senior Vice-President of Hewlett Packard, Diana Bell.
The Hon. Tony Abbott MP was there to officially launch Gerard Henderson's book, Santamaria: A Most Unusual Man. Bob Santamaria was a mentor to the current PM, who said at the event: "launching this book is an act of piety towards my tribe. It is an act of piety towards someone who was for some years almost a father to me. He helped to shape me, he helped to shape us." The event, which was hosted by ABL senior partner, Mark Leibler, and co-hosted by Melbourne University Publishing, was a huge success with close to 100 people attending. That same week, Julia Gillard, now Chancellor of online education provider Dūcere, was a guest speaker at an Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce/ Young Business Forum (YBF) event, which was hosted by ABL lawyer Rebecca Zwier and attended by 110 YBF members.
As part of Arnold Bloch Leibler's recognition of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week and commitment to reconciliation, the firm is once again supporting AIME's National Hoodie Day today. ABL staff members are wearing AIME hoodies to raise awareness for this important organisation, which provides a structured education program for Indigenous kids.
AIME has had remarkable success with its students finishing school and transitioning through to university at the same rate as every Australian child – effectively closing the gap in educational outcomes. Every limited edition hoodie sold goes straight back into the program and brings AIME closer to working with 10,000 Indigenous kids nationally across Australia by 2018.
Holding Redlich chief executive officer Clarence Kunnel takes part in the 2015 Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Melbourne, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
It is the sixth year that Mr Kunnel has taken part, one of six people who have participated in all Victorian Sleepouts. Over the past six years he has raised more than $36,000.
"This annual event has had an enormous impact on raising awareness about homelessness – a problem that exists Australia-wide," Mr Kunnel said.
"What we experience by taking part is only a fragment of what life must be like on the streets – but with so many influential leaders from the community taking part it is such an important awareness and money-raising initiative."
Corrs partners take part in CEO Sleepout
Clayton Utz supports Vinnies CEO Sleepout with $20,000+ fundraising effort
More than 430 of the legal industry's finest filled the ballroom at Sydney's Shangri-La Hotel for the 2015 Australasian Law Awards. MC'd by Australian comedian Tom Gleeson the event was a roaring success, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the legal profession over the last twelve months. Congratulations to all of the night's award winners and a big thank you to event partner FTI Consulting, all the award sponsors, finalists and everyone who attended for making it such a huge success.
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