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In Loving Memory of N9373M
View Single Post
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: B757/767
Posts: 13,083
I'm so sorry for your loss. My interaction with Chris on this forum was nothing but polite and enjoyable. I pray you'll find peace and comfort to help you through these difficult times.
A Flyer's Prayer
When this life I'm in is done, and at the gates I stand,
My hope is that I answer all the questions on command.
I doubt He'll ask me of my fame, or all the things I knew;
Instead He'll ask of rainbows on rainy days I flew.
The hours logged, the status reached, the ratings will not matter.
He'll ask me if I saw the rays and how He made them matter.
Or what about the droplets clear, I spread across my screen?
And did you see the twinkling of eyes of student pilots keen?
The way your heart jumped in your chest, that special solo day.
Did you take time to thank the ones who fell along the way?
Remember how the runway lights looked one night long ago?
When you were lost and found your way, and how - you still don't know?
How fast, how far, how much, how high? He'll ask me not these things. But did I take the time to watch the moonbeams wash my wings?
And did you see the patchwork fields and mountains I did mold?
The mirrored lakes and velvet hills, of these did I behold?
The wind He flung along my wings, on final almost stalled.
And did I know it was His name that I so fearfully called?
And when the goals are reached at last, when all the flying's done.
I'll answer Him with no regret – Indeed, I had some fun.
So when these things are asked of me, and I can reach no higher.
My prayer this day His hand extends, please welcome home this Flyer.
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The event saw the coming together of renowned Doctors, medical professionals including Prof Dr MC Mishra, Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS), Dr Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, prominent Doctors from Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Apollo Hospitals and the Delhi Medical Association along with living donors, transplant patients and their family members on a common platform to discuss and analyse the need for greater awareness on the need for organ donation in our country.
The concept of organ donation has met with many challenges in our country. Despite all the campaigns on awareness and efforts by the healthcare providers, we have noticed that the gap between the number of organs donated and the people waiting for organ donation has increased.
Dr Subash Gupta, Chief Liver Transplant Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, "In India, due to a lack of cadaveric donors, majority of the liver transplants are done with live donors. This event has been organized to appreciate the gift of life of donors to their recipients. In the last 3 years our Centre has successfully completed more than 900 liver transplants This record number is primarily possible because of the efforts of brave Indians who have come forth as donors. Today we are gathered here to salute them for their noble acts of humanity."
The Center for Liver and Biliary Sciences has successfully achieved over 300 transplants every year for the last three consecutive years. Starting with just 8 transplants in 2013, the Center for Liver and Biliary Sciences has successfully scaled up its procedures, thanks to willing donors. Over the years, the centre has carried out over 1900 transplants; the last three years adding 300+ transplants every year.
However the acute shortage of organs and the lack of awareness is one of the biggest causes for death or permanent disability in a large number of people who would have otherwise led a normal life. Dearth of infrastructure is another big reason to blame. Except for a few metros, most cities do not have transplant facilities and therefore people who are willing to participate in this noble cause cannot do so, and, others remain completely unaware of the process; as a result, no donations are taking place.
The work undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Government in the area of organ transplants is worthy of a mention. In 2014 alone, 155 deceased organ donors were responsible for giving a new lease of life to more than 500 people in the state. This is the highest number of donations the state has witnessed since the cadaver transplant programme was initiated in September 2008. This is also owing to greater awareness and systematic process put in place by the state health officials to meet increasing requirements for cadaver donors not just from within the state and the country but from outside India as well. While the Tamil Nadu continues to lead transplants in the country and has become a point of reference, other states need to step up their efforts in ways more than one.
Dr Gupta added, "There is a need to increase the number of cadaveric organ donations in the country. The demand for donated organs far outweighs the availability of compatible cadaveric donations that we see today. It is imperative that we educate the youth and initiate the concept of touching lives by pledging our own organs towards this noble cause".

subset: commoncrawl


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What is Safe Web?
Safe Web is a misleading application that promises to provide you with a particular function and never lives up to it. Our security researchers classify Safe Web as adware, and it means that his application should be terminated from your computer immediately. Adware programs might not be extreme security threats, but if you don't remove Safe Web on time, chances are that the app will be exploited by cyber criminals to spam you with corrupted third-party content. From there, you would be only one step away from a severe malicious infection.
tested removal of Safe Web*100% FREE spyware scan and
Why is Safe Web on my computer?
You would probably ask this question if you don't remember having Safe Web installed at all. If that's the case, then Safe Web has arrived bundled with freeware. Adware applications often hide behind fake download buttons and random pop-up ads that appear out of nowhere on online gaming sites, pornography pages and other networks where users can easily share files and other data. Just because such sites offer you easy access to something you like, it doesn't mean they are absolutely safe!
As far as the Safe Web's origins are concerned, this application has been developed by Acute Angle Solutions, which is yet another name for Irrational Number Applications, Ratio Application, Time Lapse Solutions, and so on. There have encountered many similar apps before, namely Web Shield, Meteoroids, Blasteroids, Zombie Alert, Zombie Invasion, Web Guard, etc. Just like its predecessors, Safe Web is also available for download from its official site via safewebonline.com. However, it is obvious that only a fraction of users downloads the application directly.
What does Safe Web do?
The official website implies that with Safe Web you could outsmart the people who try to monitor you on the Internet. Basically, when the app gets installed on your PC, it should help you see who or what is tracking you on the Internet. Chances are that you will find a lot of adware applications and even popular search engines monitoring your web browsing habits, but that wouldn't be anything surprising. A lot of reliable sites employ cookies to collect data on their visitors so that they would be able to provide them with relevant content.
The problem is that Safe Web does not really care about providing you genuinely useful service. On the contrary, the app does what it is supposed to protect you from. Safe Web tracks what websites you visit and then periodically displays commercial advertisements. The content of these ads is outsourced at third-party advertising networks, and the program clearly isn't responsible for it.
How do I remove Safe Web?
If you don't want these security loopholes to be exploited by cyber criminals, you need to remove Safe Web at once. Delete the application manually via Control Panel and then check for other potentially unwanted apps. If you don't know which programs might pose a threat to your system security, get yourself a legitimate antispyware tool and scan your PC with it ASAP. Your computer's security should be your utmost priority.
Manual Safe Web Removal
Windows 8 & Windows 8.1
- Slide the mouse cursor to the bottom right of your desktop.
- Click Settings on the Charm bar and select Control Panel.
- Open Uninstall a program and remove Safe Web.
Windows Vista & Windows 7
- Open the Start menu and go to Control Panel.
- Click Uninstall a program and remove Safe Web.
Windows XP
- Click the Start button and navigate to Control Panel.
- Select Add or remove programs and uninstall Safe Web.
tested removal of Safe Web*100% FREE spyware scan and


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This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Find out more on how we use cookies and how you can change your settings here.
The third meeting of the Working Groups took place in Belgrade (Serbia) on 7 November 2012 on the premises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.


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Clifford Barks !
Clifford Barks
Make Sure You Include "Clifford Barks" To Your Library
I need to reveal to you a great book called Clifford Barks!. The author is Norman Bridwell and the publisher is Cartwheel. The was available in February of 2000. The board book children's book is focused on Clifford and is perceived as great juvenile fiction. The book has 14 pages and it has colorfully illustrated pages. It accentuates Stories in rhyme and Dogs, add to cart by clicking on the hyperlink below.
Review articles for Clifford Barks. clifford barks puppy emily elizabeth walk
Publisher: Cartwheel
Model: 9780439149990
Author: Norman Bridwell
Model: 9780439149990
Author: Norman Bridwell
- Num. Pages: 14
- Languages:
- English (Unknown)
- English (Original Language)
- English (Published)
- Dimensions: Height: 5.24" Length: 0.43" Depth: 5.24"
- Product Weight: 0.23 lbs.
- Package Dim.: Height: 0.63" Length: 5.2" Depth: 5.12"
- Package: 0.26 lbs.


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You Want to Know What TEC is? Well, Here's the Scoop!
TEC is a unique experience in Christian living for people from the age of 16 and up. TEC stands for "To Encounter Christ" (formerly "Teens Encounter Christ").
The central theme of TEC is the "Paschal Mystery", Christ's invitation to die to ourselves and rise to a new and fuller life. TEC is not an experience for the intellect, but for heart. And from the heart, in time, comes knowledge.
John 12:24
"A grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain of wheat unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it dies, it produces many grains."
TEC is:
- A unique experience in Christian living for people from the age of 16 and up.
- A three day weekend, beginning at 9:30 AM on Saturday and ending at about 6:00 PM on Monday. Candidates are required to attend all three days.
- A weekend, free from the pressures of school and work where you will experience living with others and with Christ in a Christian community.
- A program based on talks and discussions. Worship is also an important part of the weekend, as is live music, fun, and fellowship.
- Open to people of all christian denominations. The weekend, however, will be of Catholic expression.
- Not a therapy program. Anyone undergoing a serious personal crisis should reconsider attending at this time.
At TEC you can:
- Experience a fresh, different atmosphere, away from home, school or work.
- Meet, and reflect with, other people from different towns, schools and walks of life.
- Find a God that you can believe in.
- Encounter Christ alive and risen today!
Do I have to be Catholic to participate?
Although the weekend is of Catholic expression, the message of Jesus Christ is universal. People of all faiths are welcome.
How did TEC begin?
TEC had its beginning in 1965 in Battle Creek, Michigan under the direction of Fr. Matthew Fedewa.
The first International TEC was held in International Falls in October 1975. In 1977, a group of people from Winnipeg experienced TEC and began work on bringing it to Winnipeg. The first Golden Boy TEC was held in November 1977. Since then, there have been over 70 TEC weekends, and through them, many people have had the opportunity To Encounter Christ, TEC.
What happens at TEC?
TEC is led by a team of priests, sisters, adults and teens who have previously made TEC weekends. Individual team members share their experiences of Christ as He lives and moves in their lives. The sacraments and their meaning in today's church and in the lives of everyone present are also discussed. Group sharing, chapel visits, Eucharistic Celebrations, music and the joy of being yourself are part of what makes each weekend a personal experience.
What makes a TEC weekend so special?
"The naturalness of everyone on the weekend really impressed me. I was just able to be myself with everyone there."
"TEC has helped me look for the good in other people and in myself – the Lord couldn't have given me anything better!"
"TEC is people – the living Church – now I know that God loves me too!"
"I felt warm and loved. I felt important in just being there for others."


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Gaming is a big industry. As such, there are so many facets in gaming that people may not know about. These could be about the gaming development industry, about how games are created, and many other topics.
One good way to learn more about pretty much any topic is through documentaries. They are a great visual medium to accompany video games.
This article will present several gaming documentaries that people can watch and enjoy.
Smash Brothers
The first documentary we'll look at is called Smash Brothers. It focuses on a famous Nintendo game called Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Game Cube.
The game could be called a party fighting game. As many as four people can play and fight each other using a number of characters from Nintendo properties. These characters include Pikachu from the Pokemon series, Link from Legend of Zelda, and Mario and Luigi.
The documentary is not just about the game. While it does cover the advanced techniques included in the game, it is about so much more than that. It is actually about the competitive scene and passionate community that the game created.
It follows the rivalries of east coast and west coast through America. The chapters focus on seven of the most important figures that have emerged in the Melee scene.
These seven figures are important and, along with the community they come from, truly shine through in the documentary.
It is an enjoyable watch and can get gamers really hyped about fighting games. It is free to view on YouTube right now.
NoClip on YouTube
Next up, we won't be featuring a specific documentary. Rather, we'll showcase a YouTube channel that hosts a great number of quality video game documentaries. The channel is called NoClip.
NoClip has already done a variety of gaming documentaries on several video games.
For instance, one documentary that people should watch is their showcase on Digital Extremis, the company that has created Massive Multiplayer Online game Warframe. If you aren't familiar with the game, think Iron Man suits and ninja-like gameplay. With guns. Lots of guns.
It covers the struggles of Digital Extremis and how they wanted to create Warframe for a long time, but just couldn't catch a break big enough to do it. After years of struggle though, they finally released it as a free game that currently has a big following.
They also have a documentary on the new God of War video game. God of War recently won the video game award for best game. The documentary speaks and features game director Cory Barlog and his insights into the creation of the game.
These are only a few documentaries that you should definitely watch to learn more about the video game industry.


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Credit Debt Counselling: The cycle of financial loans is nearly never ending and to come out of it is really difficult. Dont get concerned about debt problems , because we provide high quality personal debt consolidation service. We wish to simplify the process of debt consolidation and hence will answer all your concerns completely. You would be able to make the best decision after youve been updated with all the primary facts.
Reasons and value of debt consolidation.
The bigger loan that a person takes , with which he pays all his different smaller loans is called debt consolidation. This could seem like a strange choice to make , however one is unable to refuse its advantages. One can't overlook the fact that the smaller loans have lesser installments , however its interest paid by a whole is large. To save on your interest charges , it is good to pay back the loans in a single go and a person can do that with the help of debt consolidation. That alone is a direct benefit. If you have another possessions , then the deal you are presented is actually better.
How to get approved for debt consolidation.
Credit Debt Counselling: Its vital that the burden of loan must not increase once the previous ones are paid off. The loan only gets a sanction after all the conditions are met , as per the guidelines for debt consolidation.
Earning is an essential requirement so as to get sanction for the debt consolidation loan. One should be able to repay the loan. The specification differs from company to company. There is a pre set loan and income ratio , you must have the capacity to fulfill that. In addition to that , around 15% of your income has to be disposable income.
Then is your credit history. It is apparent that the firm is going to be really particular about it , since the cash is large and the company should have security that you can repay it. They record your credit score by your payment data . This is the report of your previous payments. In case youve been paying all your bad debts , loans , and bills in a regular manner , you dont need to bother about this part.
Job security and property is also an essential criterion for getting a debt consolidation loan. The possibilities of you getting the loan are better , if you were working for over 12 months in the same place and also residing in the exact same house. This kind of stability ensures that youre likely to repay your loans on time and have a serious approach towards life on a whole.
Last but not least , for people with worthy belongings in ownership , organizations will like giving away loans to you. Your loan is nevertheless sanctioned as this is not going to lead to any hindrance in loan approval.
Nevertheless , if you have a property , you only have better chances.
Maybe , we now have unveiled all your queries regarding debt consolidation , therefore rush up and avail our services , we would be happy to help you. Credit Debt Counselling Can Deal Directly With Creditor in Toronto ON Apply Now.


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The fabric in this Montage by Mon Cheri style is Stretch velvet & velvet lace
Call us or text us at 704-834-1248 or e-mail us for pricing and availability or click here to submit an inquiry.
In Stock:
- Smoke: 6, 12, 18
- Cranberry: 10
Items available in store
*A style on our web site listed as in-stock can usually be shipped today or next day for immediate delivery or quick delivery. An item listed as "Ships Today" can be sent the same business day as long as the order is placed before the cutoff time.


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This page aims to help you remove Amo Setup. Our removal instructions work for Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer, as well as every version of Windows.
If your Chrome, Opera, IE, Firefox, Edge or any other browser that you have is constantly nagging you with pesky and irritating ads that seem to have no end, then you might have an Adware program inside your PC. Adware apps and programs aren't some highly-dangerous viruses the ranks of Spyware, Ransomware or Trojan Horses but they are still quite unwanted. A typical adware app such as the recently released Amo Setup could flood your browsing screen with various forms of advertising content such as obnoxious banners, blinking boxes, pop-ups, box messages and even redirects to random sponsored pages and sites which, of course, you never really wanted to visit. This could all be extremely frustrating but the bigger issue here is the fact that the activity of the adware could compromise your computer's security, especially if you aren't careful around its ads. Because of this, it is advisable to remove Amo Setup or any other similar ad-generating program from your computer in order to reduce the chances of having your machine exposed to dangerous malware threats. Here, it should be noted that removing an adware might not be the easiest of tasks. Sure, you wouldn't be dealing with some nasty Ransomware or Trojan Horse infection but there are still certain specifics that might make it rather tricky to fully and successfully uninstall the irritating piece of software. Bear in mind that there's usually no built-in method for uninstalling an adware app. Such software elements normally have no uninstallation wizard, no entry in the Uninstall a program list in your Control Panel and if you try to disable or remove them directly from your browser, they are likely to come back the next time you start the browsing program.
Remove Amo Setup
If you have a Windows virus, continue with the guide below.
If you have a Mac virus, please use our How to remove Ads on Mac guide.
If you have an Android virus, please use our Android Malware Removal guide.
If you have an iPhone virus, please use our iPhone Virus Removal guide
Some of the steps will likely require you to exit the page. Bookmark it for later reference.
Reboot in Safe Mode (use this guide if you don't know how to do it).
More information about SpyHunter and steps to uninstall. Please review SpyHunter's EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy.
We get asked this a lot, so we are putting it here: Removing parasite manually may take hours and damage your system in the process. We recommend downloading SpyHunter to see if it can detect parasite's files for you. Click to Download Spyhunter's Anti-Malware Scanner.
More information about SpyHunter and steps to uninstall. Please review SpyHunter's EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy.
Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC at the same time and go to the Processes Tab (the "Details" Tab on Win 8 and 10). Try to determine which processes are dangerous.
Right click on each of them and select Open File Location. Then scan the files with our free online virus scanner:
This scanner is free and will always remain free for our website's users. You can find its full-page version at: https://howtoremove.guide/online-virus-scanner/
Scan Results
Virus Scanner Result ClamAV AVG AV Maldet
This scanner is free and will always remain free for our website's users. You can find its full-page version at: https://howtoremove.guide/online-virus-scanner/
After you open their folder, end the processes that are infected, then delete their folders.
Note: If you are sure something is part of the infection – delete it, even if the scanner doesn't flag it. No anti-virus program can detect all infections.
Hold together the Start Key and R. Type appwiz.cpl –> OK.
You are now in the Control Panel. Look for suspicious entries. Uninstall it/them.
Type msconfig in the search field and hit enter. A window will pop-up:
Startup —> Uncheck entries that have "Unknown" as Manufacturer or otherwise look suspicious.
Hold the Start Key and R – copy + paste the following and click OK:
notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts
A new file will open. If you are hacked, there will be a bunch of other IPs connected to you at the bottom. Look at the image below:
If there are suspicious IPs below "Localhost" – write to us in the comments.
Open the start menu and search for Network Connections (On Windows 10 you just write it after clicking the Windows button), press enter.
- Right-click on the Network Adapter you are using —> Properties —> Internet Protocol Version 4 (ICP/IP), click Properties.
- The DNS line should be set to Obtain DNS server automatically. If it is not, set it yourself.
- Click on Advanced —> the DNS tab. Remove everything here (if there is something) —> OK.
- After you complete this step, the threat will be gone from your browsers. Finish the next step as well or it may reappear on a system reboot.
Right click on the browser's shortcut —> Properties.
NOTE: We are showing Google Chrome, but you can do this for Firefox and IE (or Edge).
Properties —–> Shortcut. In Target, remove everything after .exe.
Remove Amo Setup from Internet Explorer:
Open IE, click —–> Manage Add-ons.
Find the threat —> Disable. Go to —–> Internet Options —> change the URL to whatever you use (if hijacked) —> Apply.
Remove Amo Setup from Firefox:
Open Firefox, click ——-> Add-ons —-> Extensions.
Find the adware/malware —> Remove.
Remove Amo Setup from Chrome:
Close Chrome. Navigate to:
C:/Users/!!!!USER NAME!!!!/AppData/Local/Google/Chrome/User Data. There is a Folder called "Default" inside:
Rename it to Backup Default. Restart Chrome.
More information about SpyHunter and steps to uninstall. Please review SpyHunter's EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy
To remove parasite on your own, you may have to meddle with system files and registries. If you were to do this, you need to be extremely careful, because you may damage your system.
If you want to avoid the risk, we recommend downloading SpyHunter - a professional malware removal tool - to see whether it will find malicious programs on your PC.
Download SpyHunter
More information about SpyHunter and steps to uninstall. Please review SpyHunter's EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy
Type Regedit in the windows search field and press Enter.
Inside, press CTRL and F together and type the threat's Name. Right click and delete any entries you find with a similar name. If they don't show up this way, go manually to these directories and delete/uninstall them:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER—-Software—–Random Directory. It could be any one of them – ask us if you can't discern which ones are malicious.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER—-Software—Microsoft—-Windows—CurrentVersion—Run– Random
HKEY_CURRENT_USER—-Software—Microsoft—Internet Explorer—-Main—- Random
So, what can be done in order to eradicate such an intrusive and irritating app? Well, you can find the answer to this question inside the removal guide for Amo Setup that is located down below on the current page. The instructions there can help each and every one of you who is currently struggling with the nagging adware app so waste no time and have a look at the removal manual. Also, if you feel like the instructions presented in the guide might be a bit too complicated, you could also make use of the professional removal tool that is also available on this page which tool can automatically get rid of the adware for you.
Why having many ads on your screen is bad
Obviously, the never-ending stream of ads directed at your browser can be extremely irritating and unpleasant but this isn't the only issue with adware apps. In fact, the more serious problem with software pieces like Amo Setup is that, due to their uncontrolled generation of advertising materials, you could have your machine exposed to different security risks. It is no secret that many cyber criminals use different forms of online advertisements as means of getting users infected with malware. Although an adware app wouldn't purposefully spam you with unsafe ads, the possibility of you getting exposed to hazardous content is quite real. With this in mind, it shouldn't be difficult to see why even if you could put up with the annoyance caused by the ads generation, you should still see to the removal of Amo Setup so that your computer doesn't get exposed to potential online threats. As we already said, you could use the instructions from the current page or the removal tool that's also available here in order to quickly and safely eliminate Amo Setup.
Be careful in the future
It is essential that you keep away from shady online content, spam messages, obscure and potentially misleading online offers and questionable-looking sites and pages in order to ensure that you don't get another adware program on your computer in the future. Another really important thing to note is the fact that such unpleasant software pieces could also get distributed through file bundles. If you are about to install some new program, make sure that you familiarize yourself with its EULA and find out if there are any bonus components bundled with the main program. Oftentimes, an adware app might get added to the installer of some other program and if you don't manually opt-out of it, you'd get the adware alongside the main software after the installation has been completed. Also, never forget to check the Custom/Advanced setup menu as this is where the settings related to the bundled components are normally available. Just uncheck everything that might not seem reliable or trustworthy and then carry on with the rest of the installation.
|Amo Setup
|Danger Level
|Medium (nowhere near threats like Ransomware, but still a security risk)
|A swarm of irritating and invasive ads that floods each of your browsing sessions is the most typical of adware symptoms.
|Distribution Method
|Usual distribution methods include but are not limited to spam letters, malvertising, software bundling and pirated downloads.
|Detection Tool
parasite may reinstall itself multiple times if you don't delete its core files. We recommend downloading SpyHunter to scan for malicious programs. This may save you hours and cut down your time to about 15 minutes.
Download SpyHunter Anti-Malware
More information on SpyHunter, steps to uninstall, EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy. If SpyHunter detects a malware, you will have to purchase a license to remove it.
If the guide doesn't help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!


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NEW YORK (WSJ.COM) - Brazilian stocks were lower after two straight winning sessions, but traders said the changing outlook on interest rate expectations in both the U.S. and Brazil could ultimately help that market.
The benchmark Bovespa index gave up 1% to 26,366 points. The trend toward profit-taking came after two straight winning sessions that saw the index rise an accumulated 5.7%. Domestic funds led the wave of selling, with foreign funds sidelined, traders said. But they added that stocks could rebound once the profit-taking fever runs its course.
In the U.S., disappointing jobs data could lead the Federal Reserve to interrupt its recent series of interest rate increases, according to analysts, which would be positive for emerging markets. On the Brazilian side, analysts are also looking at possible interruption of the recent cycle of interest rate increases -- a slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter of the year is one reason.
There were few winners among Brazilian blue chips, with government oil company Petrobras PBR, +1.91% down 0.1% and mining giant Vale do Rio Doce edging up 0.6%.
Mexican stocks fell after a weak U.S. employment report for May dragged U.S. equities lower. The market's key IPC index shed 0.6% to 13204.39 points, after two days of healthy gains.
Local telecommunications heavyweights Telmex and America Movil AMX, -0.59% were among the most active decliners. America Movil's Class L shares were off 1.6%, and Telmex's Class L shares lost 1.1%.
Cemex's CX, -2.22% CPO shares fell 2.1% as the company paid out dividends in the form of 66.70 pesos worth of new CPOs. Cemex said 92.1% of shareholders opted to take shares rather than cash. The shares were issued at a 20% discount to the market price.
The Canadian market ended higher as the strength in resource issues and their relatively heavy weighting in the market helped the key index sharply outperform New York benchmarks. In Toronto, the S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.5% to 9671.17 points, with six of 10 sector indexes rising.
The energy group added 1.3%, with Canadian Natural Resources CNQ, +4.64% up 89 Canadian cents at 37.96 Canadian dollars and Imperial Oil IMO, +2.86% rising C$1.39 to C$89.91. The materials sector was also behind the market's overall gain, with Placer Dome PDG, -0.67% gaining 35 cents to C$17.60.


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Red Arrows put on spectacular Easter display rehearsing their stunning 'nine-ship' formation over RAF Scampton
Photographer Dave Hollingsworth, 54, captured them in action as they soared over their base at RAF Scampton
THE Red Arrows took to the skies over the Easter weekend to showcase their skills as they practised their "nine-ship" formation.
Photographer Dave Hollingsworth, 54, captured them in action as they soared over their base at RAF Scampton.
He said: "I went down to the airfield to try and catch them but I thought the training might not go ahead.
"All of a sudden one plane appeared, followed by another two and then another two. Before I knew it there were seven of them in the skies above me.
"It's always a joy to see them flying, they're quite a sight when they get together. They really do put on quite a show that never gets tiring."
This year will be the team's 53rd season with their display dates expected to be revealed soon.
The planes often spotted at summer festivals such as Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex.
The team is currently being assessed by senior Royal Air Force officers, with the aim of gaining Public Display Authority.
If this is awarded, the Squadron's pilots change from green coveralls into their famous red flying suits and the ground crew are allowed to wear their royal blue display coveralls.
The season then officially begins and public performances by the Red Arrows are permitted.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at email@example.com or call 0207 782 4368.


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The guts of Apple's news release on its quarterly financial results is presented below, and the company's conference call webcast will remain available for about two weeks at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq210/.
Apple said it was thrilled with the iPad's U.S. launch and will be shipping the iPad to nine additional countries by the end of May.
Apple Reports Second Quarter Results
Record March Quarter Revenue and Profit
iPhone Sales More Than Double
Data Summary
CUPERTINO, California—April 20, 2010—Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2010 second quarter ended March 27, 2010. The Company posted revenue of $13.50 billion and net quarterly profit of $3.07 billion, or $3.33 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $9.08 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.62 billion, or $1.79 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 41.7 percent, up from 39.9 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 58 percent of the quarter's revenue.
Apple sold 2.94 million Macintosh® computers during the quarter, representing a 33 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 8.75 million iPhones in the quarter, representing 131 percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 10.89 million iPods during the quarter, representing a one percent unit decline from the year-ago quarter.
"We're thrilled to report our best non-holiday quarter ever, with revenues up 49 percent and profits up 90 percent," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We've launched our revolutionary new iPad and users are loving it, and we have several more extraordinary products in the pipeline for this year."
"Looking ahead to the third fiscal quarter of 2010, we expect revenue in the range of about $13.0 billion to $13.4 billion and we expect diluted earnings per share in the range of about $2.28 to $2.39," said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple's CFO.


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Welcome to our Store.thanks for your interested in our gowns.As a manufacturer specializing in producing top-grade wedding gowns. Wedding-dresses' gowns is selected high-quality fabric.it is crafted with care and minute attention to detail and designed to meet the criteria of fashion.we can make formal dresses wedding dress,bridal gown,prom dresses,bridesmaid dresses,flower girl dresses,mothers dresses,veils,ring pillows,shawls.....
We could make the dresses according to the pictures came from you,we welcome retail and wholesale.
Free shipping to United States Canada United Kingdom Australia Canada New Zealand
If you have any other question, please contact us at any time. The Email is firstname.lastname@example.com , thank you!
2018 New Arrival Bridesmaid Dresses Sheath Lace Party Dresses Pink Bridesmaid Dress Scoop Half Sleeve Prom Dresses High Quality Custom made Pink Bridesmaid Dress
Dresses Length:Knee Length
Neckline: Scoop
Silhouette: Sheath
Sleeve Length: Half Sleeve
Decoration: Lace
Built-in Bra: Yes
Color: Picture Color or Customized
Country of Origin: China
Size: Standard Size and Custom Size
Color: you can choose any color from our color chart.
(Note: there may slight color different from different LCD or CRT screens.)
Size unit:( centimeters or inches) we can make the dress with standard size and custom order. If you need a custom made dress, please measure yourself according to the picture guider and send us the following important measurements:
1 inch = 2.54 cm
Bust: _________
Waist: _________
Hips: ____________
Shoulder to Shoulder: ____________(measured from back of shoulder)
Hollow to Floor (without shoes): ____________
Height (from the top of head to floor without shoes): ___________
Heel high: ___________
The date you will wear the dress: __________
If your dress has a jacket,please do tell us below measurement:
Shoulder: __________
Shoulder to Bust: ___________
Bust Point to Bust Point: ____________
Armhole: ___________
Shoulder to Waist: ____________
Arm Length: __________
Shipping Time: 3-10 Working Days
If you are from Brazil, please kind tell us CPF number =
It's really so necessary, without CPF number, the dress can't be shipped
Estimated Delivery Time
10-15 Working Days
3-6 Working Days
3-6Working Days
3-5 Working Days
Within 6-8 Working Days
1.Q: Can I return or cancel the dress if I change my mind?
A: Even standard size dresses are made to order for each customers. The custom nature of our dresses means our cancellation and Return Policy is stricter than other items, so it's important to order carefully.
2.Q: Will the dress looks exactly as shown on the pictures?
A: Please note that our items are hand-made, and they cannot be 100% exactly like the items in the photos. Just like hand painted pictures, painting the same image twice can never be exactly the same. Each listing is for making you an item which is about 90% like the item in the photos we have provided.If you have any specific requirements, you must inform us prior to production to avoid any possible alteration fees.
3.Cancellation Policy:
We understand that ordering a dress for your special occasion is an important undertaking, and our cancellation policy was created with this in mind. However, it is important to note that our dresses (including sashes, and wraps) are made-to-order, whether you ordered a standard size or custom measurements, and the materials cannot be reused once the creation process has begun. The good news is that after placing your order, there is still time to change your mind. Please refer to our cancellation and return policies below for details.
- Item cancellation requests received within 24 hours of payment confirmation will be eligible for a full refund.
- Item cancellation requests received within 24 to 72 hours after payment confirmation will be eligible for a partial refund consisting of the full shipping cost and 50% of the product purchase price.
- Item cancellation requests received more than 72 hours after payment confirmation will be eligible for a partial refund consisting of the full shipping cost.
- Once your order has been shipped, it can no longer be canceled.
If you would like to cancel your order, please contact us via inbox message, we will reply you in one working day.
4.Return Policy:
Your satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us. Upon the arrival of your package, we encourage you to check and make sure that the dress or clothing has been made to the standard size or custom measurements that you specified. Try on your dress or clothing as soon as possible without altering, or washing the dress.
If you are returning or exchanging dresses, clothing, or accessories, please make sure they are in their original condition - unworn, unwashed, unaltered, undamaged, clean, free of lint and hair, no perfume.
1. When choose standard size, please write US, UK or E Europe Size standard clearly.
2. When make custom made dress, you can ask professional tailor to help you measure it , if you have no idea to measure by yourself.
3. Since computer screens have chromatic aberration, especially between CRT screen and LCD screen, we can not guarantee that the color of our products will be exactly the same with the photographs you see.
4. There will be US$30.0 extra cost for plus size(which is bigger than US size 18W) or complicated changing design service on the model.
5. If there is extra customs duty or tax, it will be on buyer`s side
About Feedback:
Thanks so much for your bidding, it will be more appreciated if you can leave us 5 STAR positive feedback if you feel that the item and our service is good for you. Great feedback will be left to you too. If any situation, you receive an unsatisfied item, please just contact us immediately, we will try to solve the problem for you. But keep in mind that any problem please do contact us first, we are really hope that you can have a happy experience from this transaction.
Usually our shipping time is 3-10 days,we will ship the dress by DHL,UPS,TNT.Fed-ex.EMS,and so on
Free shipping to United States Canada United Kingdom Australia Canada New Zealand
1. As an honest seller, we guarantee that all the dresses were be made as 95% similar as original picture shown. If you want 100% exactly same, please don't make payment. please forgive. No two will be exactly in the world.
2.All the dress need custom-made! The whole process tailored (from the date we receive your payment and measurements) will take 7-15 working days (Urgent orders except).
3.We accept return the items within 3 days after you receive it . But buyer is responsible for the return shipping cost. After getting the returned item, we will refund the customer at the item's price ( excluding the shipping costs to and from ).
4. If your order has been received and it is not what you ordered, or if your item has a manufacturer defect, pls contact us within 3 working days, then send back the item and we will send you an replacement for free.
5. All items considered for exchange or refund must be returned in "as new" condition, complete with all package materials, otherwise the item will be considered used item and maybe considered for trade-in purposes only. We do not cover any items for damage after use.
6. Since computer screens have chromatic aberration ,especially between CRT screen and LCD screen,we can not guarantee that the color of our products will be exactly the same with the photos you see. And the same color but different fabric must has chromatic aberration, so if you asked us to return money back just because chromatic aberration, we will not accept.
Q: Where can you ship to
A: We ship worldwide. There may be particular locations that we might require additional information to ship to, However, if such a rare event were to occur, we will get in touch with you ASAP.
Q: What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer on your products?
A: We sell products that we believe to be of high quality and reliability. Before shipping each dress to our customers, our Q&C personnel will do detailed check to ensure high quality and it's never be our intention to send out damaged or faulty goods.
Q:What if I don't like the item, can I return it back?
A: It depends, if your product arrives in a defective manner, mis-shipped or color error, you are qualified to get refund. However, if the item is not faulty or it is made in accordance with the size you selected but does not fit, please note that we will Not accept your return application.
Q: When will I receive my items after I place an order?
A: Normally, it takes 5-10 business days for tailoring and 3-7 business days for shipping.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We currently accept PayPal payment. If you don't have PayPal account,you can open one which is very easy. Paypal can be used by Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express),Debit Card, or E-check (i.e. using your regular Bank Account).
Q: How can I receive a full refund?
A: After confirmation, please return your items and give us the tracking number for next steps, it normally takes 3-5 business days to make a refund and our customer service representatives will inform you by e-mail after refund has been successfully issued.
Q: How can I make a change on my order?
A: Before you proceed to check out you can leave your request about the products in order note. We will check it carefully and try our best to satisfy you. If your order is requested urgently, it is better for you to contact us in 2 hours after you've paid. In addiction, if you have already paid and need a change, please contact our customer service representatives immediately, we will discuss with the tailors to see if it is possible. However,refund&exchange is not available when your order is finished.
We are the factory for custom made dresses. we make dresses for designers in European and USA client, please trust us, our strong team could make sure each dress will be your dream dresses.


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Date: August 14, 2018 to August 14, 2018
Where: Loews Boston Hotel, 154 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02116
Phone: N/A
Event Type: Business
Ticket Price: N/A
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Independent video-game designers have hit upon a fascinating way to create buzz: Don't give players all the answers. That opens up a game beyond the game, with players flocking at online message boards to debate the deeper meanings of what they've just experienced. I'd guess that many of the people who have bought recent indie hits like "Her Story," ''Soma" and "Journey" have spent more time arguing about them than playing them.
One of the pioneers of this trend is Jonathan Blow, whose time-warping puzzle game "Braid" baffled millions in 2008. The story in "Braid" was unapologetically ambiguous, and interpretations ranged from a tale of love gone sour to a retelling of the creation of the atomic bomb.
Blow has taken his time crafting a follow-up, but has finally re-emerged with "The Witness" (Thekla, for the PlayStation 4, PC, $39.99). It's even more bewildering than "Braid" - and while some Blow fans will adore it, many will find it infuriating.
"The Witness" is set on a lush tropical island dotted with the ruins of a vanished civilization. Scattered across the island are hundreds of electrified panels, each of which contains a small, two-dimensional puzzle. The vast majority are mazes, and the first few simply ask you to draw a line from start to finish. But they quickly grow more complex: You may need to separate colored boxes, or draw the line so it creates certain shapes in the grid.
The devilish gimmick here is that the designers never explain the rules, so when triangles and stars pop up in the mazes you have no idea what they mean. The only way to interpret them is by experimenting - and once you figure out one symbol, Blow has another in his pocket.
Rewards vary. Most of the time your prize for solving a puzzle is ... another puzzle. Some panels unlock doors or create bridges to new areas. If you solve enough mazes, you'll activate lasers that converge at a mountaintop, where you'll find ¬タヤ well, let's not spoil too much. Older gamers will be reminded of the 1990s classic "Myst" (indeed, one of the designers is a "Myst" veteran), although the mythology here isn't quite as elaborate.
As a die-hard puzzle addict, I initially found "The Witness" disappointing. The puzzles are generally well-designed, but they're almost all mazes, and I would have liked a bit more variety. But it has grown on me, and I've found it's better appreciated in short sessions. Tinker with a few panels until you get stuck, and then play something less nerve-racking, like "Call of Duty."
Websites have already started posting solutions to some of the most vexing puzzles, so there's nothing to stop you from seeking help. And I'm looking forward to finding out what players think of the broader mystery embedded in the island. "The Witness" demands intense levels of patience and concentration - and I still don't know if the payoff is worth the effort. Three stars out of four.
Copyright (2016) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
This article was written by Lou Kesten from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.


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text: THE ** Stella McCartney** camp is refusing to comment so far on rumours that the designer is pregnant with her third child. McCartney and her husband, Alasdhair Willis, are intensely private about their family, which already includes son Miller Alasdhair James Willis, born in 2005, and daughter Bailey Linda Olwyn Willis, who was born last December. If the whispers are true, the designer would be due to give birth at the end of this year, following her spring/summer 2008 show, which is traditionally held in Paris. (July 13 2007, AM) Leisa Barnett


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If Trump Ends Our Remittances?
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Violent Weekend in Cuba: 30 Ladies in White Arrested Again Trying to Attend Mass
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Dissidence and silence
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Thugs Beat Pregnant Pro-Democracy Dissident 'in the Belly,' Put Father in the Hospital
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Cuban dissident leader to Trump – 'Treat Cuba like a dictatorship'
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Dissident Group Denounces At Least 9,940 Arbitrary Arrests In Cuba In 2016
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- 8 BioFluxe Keto Diet – Final Verdict
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BioFluxe Keto Diet is a clinically defined weight reduction supplement which contain blend of 6 highly effective ingredients which help in reduction extra fat. The presence of caffeine extracts help in enhancing energy levels while reducing weight. With reliable admission, your yearning desires get diminished and you encounter fuller feel for the duration of the day. With a lift to metabolic rate, you are a quick procedure of getting in shape.
BioFluxe Keto Diet Ingredients
BioFluxe Keto Diet incorporates the expansion of a few classifications of plant separates that are clinically researched and experience a few systems to reach a last determination. The rundown of fixings could likewise be taken a gander at the container picture or the official page that is anything but a troublesome undertaking to check. Some well known increments of this weight reduction supplement incorporate names like:
- Garcinia Cambogia -A tropical plant remove that incorporates HCA concentrates and prompts hoist the hunger and upgrade the serotonin level. With reliable use, it permits liquefying all undesirable fat mixes of the body.
- Green Tea – Green tea separate One of the best hunger suppressant that holds mixes like catechins and polyphenols, which lifts the metabolic rate of the body to consume fat rapidly.
- Higenamin – Improves the physical force and enhances the quality and vitality assets to make extended periods of exercise execution.
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- Boosts ketosis process for sound weight reduction
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- Healthy weight reduction in a brisk timeframe
Proper Way In Which You Have To Take This Supplement
Take BioFluxe Keto Diet with water and keep your body hydrated. Take Two Pills a day and you will get rid of extra fat. Favor taking nourishing foods that are sound and free from additional carbs and fat. Avoid any type food which contains more amount of carbohydrate. It may be noted that you must have more protein in every meal.
What Are The Precautions to Take?
In spite of the fact that BioFluxe Keto Diet is a decent decision to consider for weight reduction, the fixings are incredible and require your consideration before expending. Try not to run with pills consumption in the event that you are diabetic, having hypertension, nursing woman, or a minor. On the off chance that any bothering arrives cease the utilization and counsel a doctor.
Is BioFluxe Keto Diet Safe?
BioFluxe Keto Diet is regularly hypothesized that dietary enhancements are hazardous and are not worth the expense. In any case, in the event of this one, it isn't. The essential element of this weight reduction pill is determined utilizing regular methodology. It won't cause any undesirable impacts in light of the fact that there are none recorded. Additionally, there are no additives, fillers and folios in the blend that would make any mischief your body. Henceforth, it is exceptionally protected to utilize.
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BioFluxe Keto Diet – Final Verdict
Taking a gander at the few parts of the enhancement BioFluxe Keto Diet has all the earmarks of being an extraordinary recipe that works incredibly for speedy weight reduction process and suits every single sound grown-up. The value purchasing item with free sending and discount back alternative settles on it a marvelous decision to test whenever.


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Stunning to look at MAGNEO, world's first AR hand-gripped circular-screen computer that debuts at CES 2017
This year CES is celebrating 50 years of success and a great name tag which is the reason that this year, the event has gone bigger than ever. The CES 2017 will run from 5th January to 8th January 2017 and among these few weeks hundreds of products will be launched.
YoungZone which is the leading entertainment supplier for young kids in China has come up with a new product for CES. The company has launched world's first ever AR hand griped circular screen computer that will have an innovative circular screen with an AR design. The device is named MAGNEO.
The MAGNEO is named is certainly a very highly imaginative mobile device. The device will certainly challenge the traditional designs with its rounded shape. The MAGNEO is an Augmented Reality device with an ultra-powerful arithmetic unit, a high definition and speedy camera. The device comes with a hand gripping structure that will make it really easy to use.
The MAGNEO comes with a 92mm high definition LED screen. The other devices offer a rectangular screen but it has a circular screen which will give a unique experience to the users. The device will have dial plate that will have the positioning of screen balanced as per the demand of the user.
This kind of design was already acclaimed and awarded at German iF Design Award in year 2015 and in Italy's A Design Award along with China's Success Design Award In year 2016 as well. MAGNEO has captured a lot of attention worldwide due to its latest technology.
It is specifically devised for children of age 13 to 16 years and will focus on learning perspective. MAGNEO has successfully made its mark at the CES 2017 and will be soon available in market.
CES 2017 is celebrating the show's 50th anniversary with a recording-breaking exhibit floor spanning more than 2.6 million net square feet. More than 3,800 companies launch innovative products this week at CES, including an unprecedented 600 startups in Eureka Park. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, CES 2017 runs through Sunday, January 8, in Las Vegas, Nevada.


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To Compete or not to compete: Attracting investment and creating jobs
by, 13th-March-2012 at 03:40 AM (4105 Pogleda)
... in the global economy
U.S. Ambassador James B. Foley
Skolska Knjiga Auditorium
March 1, 2012
I want to thank the Innovation Institute for hosting me today, and thank you as well to Skolska Knjiga and the Zuzul family for graciously allowing us to use your hall. The Innovation Institute is an organization dedicated to the dissemination of new ideas and to fostering the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship needed to make Croatia competitive in the 21st century. It therefore struck me as an ideal forum for discussing the economic challenges facing all of us around the world and here in Croatia in particular.
Let me say from the outset that I am here to share ideas and observations, not to give lessons. I readily acknowledge that my own country is grappling with similar problems of debt and deficits, and that we have yet to find, or at least agree upon, the solutions. Moreover, I recognize that the Croatian government has only recently taken office and that it has done so under very difficult circumstances. To its credit, the new government has clearly articulated, and begun to implement, a much-needed program of economic reform. It has the support of the United States and we wish it every success in this endeavor so critical to Croatias future.
That said, having lived in Croatia for the better part of three years and coming closer to the end of my tenure as U.S. Ambassador, I wanted to share some broad observations of a philosophical nature concerning the kind of economy needed to create jobs and prosperity in the 21st century.
At the risk of being provocative, I will begin by saying that, for all the important things we have in common, I have been struck by what seems to be a sharp difference in the ways our two peoples look at some basic economic issues. In the United States, it is only a slight exaggeration to say that the businessman is king. At the very least, he (or she) is seen as a positive role model, both because his success is perceived to be a just reward for individual merit and effort, and because that success contributes to the well-being of others through job-creation and the spread of prosperity. Now anyone familiar with American movies knows that we are also wont to portray businessmen as unscrupulous or rapacious, and it is also true that in the wake of the financial meltdown a few years ago the critique of capitalism has sharpened even in the United States. But still as a society and culture we Americans place the highest value on individual liberty and we believe the free enterprise system is the natural economic expression of our political values and philosophy. We believe the government has essential responsibilities in regulating the market and assuring a social safety net, but we look to the private sector, not the state, as the generator of economic well-being.
In Croatia, by contrast, the profit motive seems to be less celebrated than it is in the United States, and the businessman is often viewed with suspicion. Meanwhile the state is seen as a critical guarantor of economic well-being and even, to a larger extent than elsewhere in Europe, the main source of national wealth. This perspective is to some extent clearly the result of the controversial privatization process that occurred in the 1990s, which was widely viewed as flawed and unfair, and which helped to give a bad name to capitalism. But there are probably deeper reasons for the aversion to capitalism that lie in Croatias Yugoslav past. My impression is that there is a high degree of nostalgia for a statist system that seems, at least in retrospect, to have functioned well enough to provide equality, job security and social protection for the greatest number. This is quite understandable, given the unique experience of the former Yugoslavia. Unlike in Central and Eastern Europe, where communism was perceived as an alien and Soviet-imposed system, and where the transition to the market economy was readily undertaken following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the socialist system of Yugoslavia was home-grown and experienced as more humane and functional than the Stalinist model. Finally, perhaps the most critical difference with Central and Eastern Europe is that the post-communist transition in former Yugoslavia was not a peaceful one. On the contrary, Croatia in particular was born in conflict; it had to fight a war for its very right to exist and for its territorial integrity. The price the Croatian people had to pay in terms of lives and economic destruction was immeasurable. It is no wonder there was little appetite at wars end for the shock therapy that Central and Eastern Europe went through on the road to a market economy.
However, the consequence of this unique history is that Croatia and the other countries of the former Yugoslavia were in some sense shielded from revolutionary economic changes that in the 1990s swept other parts of the world. During those years capitalism was embraced nearly everywhere, even by countries still ruled by the Communist Party, such as China and Vietnam. And at the same time we began to see the emergence of a global market ultimately linking all the worlds national economies together. Globalization, as we have come to know it, provided countries the opportunity to trade and profit in every corner of the world, but also subjects them to competitive forces without precedent in history.
Please understand: I am not defending globalization, only describing it. It is in many ways a destructive force and many of its fiercest critics can be found in the United States. I know that many tend to equate globalization with Americanization, but the fact is that whole parts of the American economy have been decimated by foreign competition. My own home town of Buffalo, N.Y., has dwindled in population as industry after industry has collapsed or moved elsewhere, often overseas. We in the United States are thus finding it immensely challenging to compete with the emerging capitalist powers in Asia and elsewhere, given their remarkable entrepreneurial dynamism and their low labor costs. But however much we may dislike globalization, there is no escaping its logic. The fact is that in global terms we now find ourselves in a kind of Darwinian universe where only the fittest will flourish. We can complain about a so-called neo-liberal threat to wages, living standards and social protections, but at the end of the day every nation has either to embrace the competitive challenge or accept economic decline. If there is one message I would wish to convey to you today, it is that Croatia needs to become a more competitive society and economy. I am not here to preach an American economic model. Croatia will find the model that best reflects its values and unique historic and cultural experience, and it will undoubtedly be a European model, with greater emphasis on the role of the state than is the case in the United States. My point is simply that a nation has to be able to afford its chosen economic model. Sweden and Germany, for example, feature impressively generous social welfare systems, but this is because they possess remarkably successful and globally competitive capitalist economies.
The harsh reality is that no nation can afford complacency in the face of global competition. My own country is no exception. The United States confronts a number of formidable challenges. Our budget deficits and pattern of borrowing are not sustainable, and threaten to leave an unacceptable burden for future generations of Americans. While tightening our belts we also have to find ways to finance the rising costs of supporting an aging population as millions of baby-boomers reach retirement age, as well as to invest in the renewal of our national infrastructure. We have to upgrade our educational system and better prepare our citizens for the demands of the 21 st century economy. We need, in short, to become more efficient, innovative and productive if we are to remain competitive with the Chinas, Indias, Brazils and the other emerging stars of globalization. But Americans welcome the challenge. The United States is a competitive nation, and competition has made us stronger in the past. As President Obama has indicated, if the 21 st century is to be an Asian century, we intend to be very much a part of it, even as we remain true to our commitments to our closest partners and allies in Europe.
The main reason I am optimistic is that, despite the current difficulties, the United States remains a land of opportunity where the business culture and entrepreneurial spirit are as strong as ever. This spirit of inventiveness, of looking to the future, is arguably the United States greatest economic strength. In America the words profit and entrepreneur are generally positive terms, not cause for suspicion.
In fact, the overwhelming majority of new jobs in the United States come from small businesses that may one day grow to become the next Google or Facebook. Many start ups of course do not succeed, but there is a culture of risk-taking and an accepted process of creative destruction that works to keep our economy competitive and future-oriented. In the United States, it is socially acceptable to fail in business. Many of our most successful businessmen failed early in their careers -- such learning lessons are almost a badge of honor. This is a matter not only of mindset but of business climate. For example, in many states you can start a business online in less than an hour and for under $10. And these start-ups are crucial to the vibrancy of the American economy. Innovative companies such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, or Apple, which today employ tens of thousands, did not even exist prior to the 1970s.
This brings me back to Croatia. As I mentioned, Croatia faces many of the same challenges as does the United States and indeed most of the Western democracies. We are all facing a moment of reckoning after years of over-spending and borrowing. The new Croatian government has therefore rightly focused initially on reforming the budget. This is not a choice but rather a requirement to ensure investor confidence in the sustainability of public finances and in macroeconomic stability, and to maintain reasonable borrowing costs for both the public and private sectors. However, as the new authorities have also acknowledged, simply raising taxes and cutting expenditures will not be enough to ensure that all Croatian workers find jobs. They are also focusing on investments in strategic areas that can orient and underpin the countrys future economic growth, and they are expected to tackle structural reforms needed to rationalize and modernize Croatias economy.
However there are serious limits to what the state itself can do to stimulate economic growth and create the jobs Croatians are looking for today and into the future. The public funds are simply no longer available, and large-scale borrowing is no longer possible. Growth, jobs and prosperity will therefore depend on the private sector; they will depend on whether the free market is functioning successfully in Croatia. This means the creation of a business and investment climate that encourages and rewards entrepreneurship by Croatian individuals and businesses, and one that is also attractive to foreign capital. In sum, a business and investment climate that is competitive internationally.
As a friend of Croatia I have to say in all candor that such a climate does not exist today. If you ask most of the ambassadors in Zagreb about the experience of investors from their countries, you may conclude not only that the investment climate is not attractive but in some sense is actively hostile. These investors speak of encountering local officials who are suspicious and often antagonistic to their business projects; and of encountering bureaucratic and other obstacles at all levels of government.
Lest you think I am exaggerating, let me make clear this is not a personal opinion: quite a number of international studies have reached this conclusion based on empirical analysis. For example, the World Economic Forum based in Switzerland publishes an annual Global Competitiveness Index. For the year 2011-2012, the WEF assessed 142 countries from all over the world. This year Croatia ranked 76 th overall not a good rating, but also not a bad rating. It puts Croatia roughly in the middle globally in terms of its economic competitiveness. Similarly Croatia ranked 80 out of 183 countries on the World Banks Ease of Doing Business Index.
However, when you examine specific categories by which the WEF measures the competitiveness of a countrys investment climate, Croatia actually ranks near the very bottom globally:
- Rigidity of employment index: 125 th out of 142.
- Efficiency of the legal framework in challenging regulations: 126 th out of 142.
- Efficiency of the legal framework in settling disputes: 129 th out of 142.
- Wastefulness of government spending: 129 th out of 142.
- Burden of government regulation: 137 th out of 142.
- Agricultural policy costs: 139 th out of 142.
- Extent and effect of taxation: 140 th out of 142.
While these statistics seem depressing, the overall middle ranking results from the fact that Croatia is deemed highly competitive in other areas such as math and science education, scientific research, infrastructure, transport and communications. In other words, Croatia actually possess many of the attributes necessary to be successful economically and competitive globally. Indeed, given the educational level of your workforce, it seems almost absurd that Croatia is ranking so low on such surveys. The good news is that it is possible to improve the ranking dramatically by addressing identified shortcomings, as countries such as Albania and Hungary have done. And the positive consequences of creating a business-friendly environment investment and jobs are likewise rapidly attainable.
To an outsider the changes needed to improve the investment climate in Croatia look relatively simple and even easy to implement. Moreover, given that Croatia is otherwise extremely attractive to foreign investors, it is fairly certain that such improvements could lead rapidly to an infusion of capital that the Croatian economy urgently needs in order to grow and produce the jobs Croatian workers are looking for. However, for change to occur there has to be a desire for change. The statistics I cited are not likely the mere product of accident. Rather they indicate a system whose purpose is to make investment difficult and to some degree impossible. So the real question is whether Croatians truly desire a system which fosters an entrepreneurial culture, rewards investment and welcomes foreign investment in particular. That is a question only Croatians can answer. I understand that Croatians are ambivalent in this regard they want to preserve their countrys unspoiled beauty; they want to protect the environment; they want to safeguard Croatias unique culture, traditions and way of life. But they also have clearly not taken vows of poverty and so want jobs for themselves and opportunities for their children. In todays ruthlessly competitive global economy, they can have this only if Croatia develops a business-friendly climate. Otherwise capital will go somewhere else, as it already does, to places where it is most welcomed.
As to the steps needed to improve the investment climate, a number of my ambassadorial colleagues in Zagreb consulted with businessmen, both Croatian and foreign, to seek advice and ideas. In December we published an article outlining a few targeted actions that would instantly make Croatia a more attractive investment destination and trading partner. I will mention a few of them briefly. The point I would underscore is that these are not American ideas as such; they are best practices of EU member countries. Again, my aim is not to suggest an American model for Croatia but rather to emphasize that Croatia needs to choose for itself to become competitive in the world we live in today.
First, Legally Binding Tax and Customs Opinions: Currently, foreign and domestic companies have no sense of predictability when budgeting for customs and tax assessments, as opinions given can be overturned or dismissed. This creates uncertainty and discourages potential investors. To help address this, a system could be established in which opinions obtained from tax or customs authorities are legally binding, allowing companies to predict tax and customs obligations. The Austrian government introduced such a formal legally binding ruling procedure in early 2011.
Second, Public Procurement Auctions Online: E-auction systems allow bidders to watch online the lowest price being offered for a specific product or service and to keep submitting counter-bids in real-time until the end of the auction. Croatia could establish an online system for public procurement auctions, similar to that which was implemented in the United Kingdom, Austria, and at least forty other countries worldwide.
Third, Deadlines for Permit Decisions: The biggest barriers to investment are the challenges that both domestic and foreign investors encounter when attempting to obtain permits for new development projects. Predictability for domestic and foreign businesses could be enhanced through legislation requiring government offices to abide by deadlines for the review and resolution of permit applications. Several EU countries, such as the Netherlands and Finland, have implemented similar measures.
Fourth, Labor Market Reform: I recognize that this is a sensitive matter, but I can tell you that, in my capacity as ambassador, the issue of labor market flexibility comes up repeatedly in my discussions with companies and potential investors. Protections for those who are lucky to have jobs is clearly important, but what about those who cannot find jobs and what about young Croatians who will not have future job prospects if the Croatian economy does not attract investment and grow? Croatia might consider a social model, such as the ones implemented by Denmark or the Netherlands -- two countries with very low unemployment rates which strive to balance flexibility for employers to both hire and let workers go with social security and training for employees. In Denmark, they call this system flexicurity: it refers to labor market flexibility in a dynamic economy, and security for workers. Regardless of the approach you choose, if you want greater economic dynamism and job creation, you will have to find a way to make it easier for employers to take on new workers -- and, yes, sometimes, when appropriate, let them go.
Let me make clear that the United States is not only a friend of Croatia but we count on your success as a model and on your leadership in this region. And so we will continue to look for ways to support the strengthening and modernization of the Croatian economy, particularly in the development of entrepreneurship, and investing in Croatias youth. This year we are repeating a successful initiative that encouraged Croatian young people to think innovatively. The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb created the Ron Brown Apprentice Program to support business planning and entrepreneurial skills among University students (18-25 years). Our Public Affairs Section called for business plan entries from students in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Kosovo; successful businesspeople from each of the countries will evaluate the projects. The top three submissions from each country will win an award and attend this years Brown Forum in Opatija. However, investment in Croatias youth begins from within. Those of you in the audience who recognize talent, we encourage you to consider sponsoring internships or developing an Idea Lab in your business, where you can help Croatias next generation of entrepreneurs develop their ideas into a reality. This concept exists throughout the world, and is simply critical to ensure that nurturing business skills becomes part of the economys fabric.
Moreover, I would also encourage young Croatians to think globally. An anecdote that was relayed to my embassy by a marketing professor at the University of Zagreb illustrates this point. This professor worked with marketing students in the United States, Britain, and in Zagreb, and asked each group to develop a business plan of their choice. The U.S. students developed a business plan targeting the United States and China; the British students developed one focused on the EU market; those at the University of Zagreb developed a plan focused on. .. Zagreb.
This inward focus should change, especially as Croatia enters the EU, and I encourage you to think in terms of global opportunities. The European Union after all represents a market of over 500 million people.
Last year, the U.S. Embassy successfully organized The Brown Forum: U.S. and Southeast European Trade and Investment in cooperation with the Government of Croatia, the Croatian Presidents Office and the Croatian Employers Association. The event provided a unique opportunity for over 200 government and business leaders from seven countries in the Southeast European region and the United States to come together for a wide-ranging dialogue about improving the attractiveness of Southeast Europe as a destination for foreign investment and trade. It also resulted in an Action Plan outlining recommended reforms for the regions governments and business leaders to improve the business and investment potential in the region.
I am pleased to tell you that we and the Croatian Government are again co-hosting the Brown Forum this year in Opatija April 2-3. The 2012 Brown Forum: Economic Opportunities at the Municipal Level has a slightly different focus. This year, we will gather municipal and local government and business leaders from the region and the U.S. to discuss how local entities can initiate economic growth, provide support to local businesses and market a municipalitys resources and benefits to potential investors. Croatia has enormous potential, but the opportunities need to be understood at every level. We are excited that several mayors from the U.S. and Senator Mark Begich, himself the former mayor of Anchorage, have agreed to travel to Opatija for the Forum to discuss their own experiences attracting investment and transforming the economies of their cities and counties. We have more than a dozen U.S. firms already lined up to attend as well, to interact with Croatian and regional businesses.
In conclusion, let me affirm that the United States believes in Croatia and we are confident that Croatia will embark on the path of making itself successful economically. Croatia has many advantages that so many countries around the world would wish to have; only it is not benefiting sufficiently from these advantages. But the time for change has now come. After successfully meeting the first two monumental challenges in its short history first, the winning of independence, and second, building of the state and the rule of law while integrating into Western institutions such as NATO and the EU Croatia is on the cusp now of its third historic challenge, that of making itself competitive in the global economy and creating the conditions for job creation and future prosperity. Croatians are indeed a competitive people and successful in many areas of human endeavor. The newly elected government understands what is at stake and has begun to embark on the path of reform. The conditions are thus set for future success, and we wish Croatia well on its next journey.