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The below explanation of Nestlé's approach to internationalization/globalization is illustrating that the company is one of the oldest international firms that properly concentrates on wellness, health and nutrition. The organization keeps its commitment to follow and respect all application local laws in each target market. Moreover, the performance analysis section demonstrating that Nestle has positioned its brands successfully as healthy and nutritious. The company follows a tendency to make early entries into developing nations and build a significant image by selling products and services that perfectly appeal to local taste of population. Also, it has been given that the company narrow down its focus on some strategic brands only to reduce risk, concentrate managerial effort and marketing resources on niche.
In the context of market entry mode, Nestle follows direct exporting by introducing its subsidiaries in overseas market. The company considers internal expansion as well as try to attain high sales volume by renovation and innovation. Moreover, a multinational company is required to face tariffs and quotas while introducing its offerings to different regions. The Common Agriculture Policy is an important aspect to consider by food and beverage producing organizations and hence Nestle has incorporated Fairtrade in its operations. It provides minimum baseline rates for products by allowing farmers to hedge against market volatility.
Besides above, at the end section of report it is given that Nestle is a multi-domestic firm by its local responsiveness and weak worldwide integration. Also, for the effective management of its human resources the company adopts decentralized approach at all subsidiaries. Finally, the paper is summarizing by suggesting that Nestle should reduce its costs by accessing cheap labour and resources to improve its approach to internationalization, market entry and trade.
The economic globalization, company's internationalization and new markets emergence are all main themes in modern business. Rising numbers of organizations are confronted with persuasive reasons to grow their activities across various national boundaries. Globalization economic factors are the most important and visible ones. It comprise increasing economic competition among countries, rapidly growing financial flows and international trade plus foreign direct investment by multinationals through dissemination of advanced practices of management and in few cases share universally recognized labour standards. The following report is explaining international strategy used by Nestle to expand into global markets. The content is including entry mode adopted by organization and its effectiveness for the success of business. The reader will also find discussion about efficiency of Nestle in globalization and trade. Finally, the suggestions are given to improve internationalization process of organization.
Nestle is one of the most known and largest companies in the world. It is a Swiss organization with its head brand located in Vevey, Switzerland. The corporation was established in the year 1866 and since its inception has developed through bounds and leaps to become the biggest nutrition plus food business. Also, Nestle is main stakeholder in the well-known cosmetic organization, L'Oreal. Its strategic vision plays a main role for it to start from domestic market and then to expand globally. Moreover, Nestle is major player within Irish and UK food sector, as provides employment to around 8000 individuals throughout its 23 sites. It is the producer of some lovable brands of Britain, such as Nescafe, Kit Kat, Buxton, Shreddies, Smarties and Go Cat. Nestle is major exporter, which is exporting products of £346m worth every year to 70 nations round the globe.
Nestle is an international organization that operates around the world through branches with head office in one nation. It is made possible by Trade Liberalization and globalization, which encourages firms to make expansion at worldwide level with less restrictions. The following are some internal factors that have led the organization to grow globally:
In spite of its definite success, by the early 1990s Nestle realized that it faced great challenges in sustaining its growth rate. In several Western countries, the environment of retail sector has become more challenging and balance of power has been shifted from large scale branded beverages or food manufacturers to discount and supermarket chains locally. Furthermore, retailers are finding themselves in unacquainted position to play in against of other branded foods manufacturer, hence bargaining down the market prices. Specifically, in Europe, the trend has increased by successful launch of private label brands by many leading chains of supermarket (WASHINGTON, 2010). This outcome in increased competition of price in various main segments of beverage and food market, i.e. coffee, soft drinks and cereals. Nestle has been taken a response to look towards emerging markets in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America for growth potentials. The logic is obvious and simple that vast business opportunities is provided by combination of population plus economic growth when coupled with adoption of market-oriented strategies of developing nation's government. Many regions are still poor, however their economies are rapidly growing. For instance, it has been forecasted that in coming years, Indian and Chinese population will have same income level as those in Spain. As the level of income rise, it is more likely that customers in these regions will start substituting their branded food stuffs for basic eatables by developing a large opportunities for organizations like Nestle.
In general, the strategy of Nestle is to make early entry into emerging markets and create a substantial image by selling basic items of food that appeal to local base of population, such as condensed milk, tofu, noodles and infant formula. By narrowing down focus on its initial market to just some strategic brands, the organization claims that it can reduce risk, simplify life plus concentrate its managerial effort and marketing resources on less number of niches. The aim is to develop a leading position in all of these niches. By following this tactic, Nestle has taken 85 percent of instant coffee market in Mexico, 70 percent soups market in Chile and 66 percent powdered milk market in Philippines. Due to increase in income level, the corporation is moving out progressively from these niches by presenting more items of upscale, like chocolate, prepared food stuffs, cookies and mineral water.
In terms of internationalization and entry mode, Widersheim-Paul/Vahlne and Johanson in 1975 claim that internationalization is a range of incremental stages or decisions based on distinct modes of foreign market entry. They introduce the Uppsala model of Internationalization. In the particular model, the organization engage into market of any country by establishing chain that include four stages, i.e. no regular activities of export, export through self-governing representative, foreign sales subsidiary development and foreign manufacturing/production. These stages sequence shows a growing commitment of resources to the potential market. Moreover, activities of business are differed in relation to attained experience of market.
With regards to market entry mode, Nestle utilize direct exporting by establishing its subsidiary in foreign market. The company focuses on internal expansion and attempt to reach high sales volumes by removing available products and innovating new commodities. Through this strategy, the organization has been able to grow several products in many fields, such as dairy products, ready to eat foods, breakfast cereals, ice-cream, beverages, baby foods, pet care, bottle water and chocolate confectionary (Jenkins, 2013). Also, Nestle has capability of customizing global products as per the choices of local market customers. One of the main strengths of company is that its subsidiary introduce products, which can perfectly match with local market preference. This ability of products customization supports in gaining customer and brand loyalty by utilizing local names. For instance, Nestlé's confectionery range sold in Russia is known as Rossiya but in U.S., it is recognized as Rolo.
Trade barriers are measures that is introduce by public authorities and governments to make imported services or goods less competitive than commodities or services produced locally. At the worldwide level, restrictions of trade such as quota and tariffs are also taken as barrier type into another nation's market. The most common one is CAP (Common Agriculture Policy) that is developed to support farmers in developing regions. In this respect, Nestle has announced to incorporate Fairtrade concept in its operations. Fairtrade offers minimum baseline price for products by letting farmers to hedge against volatility of market. Also, it facilitates farmers effectively access to international markets and encourage their democratic representation. The company also includes social premium in price of its every commodity that is reinvested in development and social projects.
Additionally, the global food and beverages organizations are required to follow international standards. Hence, according to ISO's 1000 food-related standards, Nestle beverage and food company comply with all standards of undertaking business at global level. Besides this, the organization fulfil requirements all other standards too, as a part of society to gain positive image among target customers. Furthermore, it successfully apply health and safety standards in its services as well as in operations of factories. The corporation is committed towards business practices that sustain the natural environment, thus comply with standards of international environment too (Hollensen, 2007).
Nestle is categorized as multi-domestic organization by its relatively weak worldwide integration and local responsiveness. Comprising its operation firms, such as Rowntree, Buitoni and Carnation among others, Nestle has practiced a decentralized management approach. The operating decisions responsibility of company is pushed down to local units that generally enjoy a great level of autonomy in decisions related to distribution, pricing, human resource, marketing and so on. At the same time, the organization is structured into seven (SBUs) strategic business units globally, which have responsibility for high-level business development and strategic decisions. For instance, one unit focuses on beverages and coffee section, while other focuses on ice cream and confectionary. Such SBUs involve in complete strategy development including market entry and acquisitions (Kim and Shin, 2002).
Recently, two-thirds growth of Nestle has come from acquisitions, hence it is an important function. Operating in equivalent to this structure is regional management, which divides the globe into some main geographical zones, i.e. Asia, North America and Europe. The regional management support in the process of strategy development and are responsible for forming tactics at particular region too. Even though, Nestle makes a significant use of local managers to join together its global operations, the organization depends on its "expatriate army". It includes around 700 managers who spend most of their time on overseas assignments, moving from one nation to another.
Also, the company makes use of management development programs as a strategic tool for developing an esprit de corps within managers. At its international training centre in Switzerland, Nestle brings all managers together from the whole world, for especially targeted development programs of two to three weeks. These programs objective is to provide managers with better understanding of company's strategy and culture (Fischer, Clement and Shankar, 2005). The operation of research and development has important place in Nestle that support the business in commercializing innovative food products (Bauer and Taylor, 2001). The function of R&D consist of 18 distinct groups that perform in 11 nations around the globe. The company spends nearly 1 percent of its yearly revenue from sales on R&D as well as has 3100 staffs dedicated towards this particular function. Moreover, it spend 70% of overall R&D budget on initiatives of development. Such initiatives emphasis on developing processes and products determined by SBUs, which fulfil needs of market in concert with local and regional managers. For example, instant noodle products if Nestle were developed originally by group of R&D in reaction to observed needs of local operating firms through Asian region. Also, the firm has long-term development projects, which concentrates on novel technological platforms development, such as agricultural biotechnology products or non-animal protein sources.
In order to improve its approach to globalization/internationalization, trade and market entry, Nestle should reduce its overall cost by accessing cheaper materials, more advanced technology and labour. It is due to within all industry, a market segment presents that have tendency to buy products on low cost. In order to successfully compete in niche, an organization should be the low cost manufacturer. But the management should know that it always does not guarantee profitability (Sethi, 2002). Through the acceleration innovation and technological advancement, the production cost now can be manipulated to benefit both customers and organization as well. With an increase in globalization, distinct developing nations are being able to produce varied foodstuffs by low labour costs and at superior quality. Such resources interchange is made possible by transportation advancement as well as development in information technology.
Nestle should recognize potential sources of raw materials. By outsourcing production facilities in regions where labour, resources and materials are available at cheap cost, the company can also support in economic development of that particular nation and increase job opportunities too. Moreover, the Nestle products that are not well performing in some markets must be pulled out in spite of regularly spending on them (Weber, 2008). Also, company facing problems in selling some products due to prevailing culture of specific market in which it operates and hence must avoid to make sure the non-occurrence of sunk cost. The company have good opportunity to go from merely a food brand to well-being and nutrition brand, as it will open many new field for the extension of product line. Furthermore, developing manufacturing plants and entering into emerging markets will also support the organization in reducing extra costs.
Additionally, Nestle should make all possible attempts through its research and development unit to become company as nutrition and well-being because people are becoming more conscious towards their health. The organization would be able to capitalize on activities related to consciousness of health by enhancing its concentration on nutrition. In the segment of confectionary, the company should leverage centralize strategies plus research and execute them through innovation and renovation while considering or respecting local tastes as well as habits. This will support the firm in balancing its production cost and maintaining constant profits.
It can be concluded from above report that Nestle has many positive attributes that is supporting its product portfolio and hence the firm is able to sustain its position in list of fortune five hundred organizations. Nestle with the efficient utilization of proper management process, capital infusion, innovation plus research and development continues to grow its portfolio and is not merely a nutrition and food providing firm but serve as real multinational organization in distinct markets. There are various lawsuits in against of corporation and is considered as boycotted business, but in spite of this the Nestlé's revenue have hardly dropped since its foundation.
The economy of world is changing through globalization. Nestle pursue a multi-domestic tactic, as it is facing more pressure for local responsiveness and less pressure for reductions in cost. But it is evident from above paper that changing offerings according to local needs enhances overall cost structure of company but improves the successful acceptance of its products plus needs. Hence, a multinational firm is able to attain efficiencies at global scale by making necessary adjustments in its products.


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4 Mistakes That can Hurt a Credit Score
How to Boost Your FICO Score wanted to share the four mistakes that can 'hurt' a credit score — be careful not to max out those credit cards. Potential lenders also care about how much a person is charging on their card, because the more they spend the less likely they will be able to repay the debt — this is where credit card utilization comes in.
A utilization rate is calculated by dividing total balances by total limits. It significantly impacts a credit score and advises to keep the utilization rate between 1 and 20 percent so it shows that person is using their credit, but not relying on it.
The number two credit score saver is making those payments on time — just one or two late payments can drastically effect a credit score.
A third step is to avoid applying for a lot of credit — racking up a bunch of hard inquiries makes a person look desperate for credit. While one or two hard inquiries a year should not affect a score by much, a lot of those inquiries can cause significant damage.
Finally, make sure to monitor your credit score — one in five consumers have errors on at least one credit report. Check your credit score and credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com to learn more about your credit report.
Social Media!
Tags: Applying For a Lot of Credit, Boost Your FICO Score, Check Your Credit Score, Credit Card Utilization, Hard Inquiries, Hurt a Credit Score, Late Payments, Learn More About Your Credit Report, Monitor Your Credit Score

subset: commoncrawl


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First scene takes place outside. A table with three chairs. Somewhere a baseball bat and a chain.
Two thugs sit on two chairs. They laugh and talk.
Thug 1: "Haha, that was a fun battle with the police!"
Thug 2: "Yeah, you were amazing, taking on and beating three of them at once!".
Thug 3: "You were no slouch either! The two of us beat a whole squadron! [ They flex their biceps] They are never coming back!".
SpiderStella walks up to them.
SpiderStella: "Yeah, they will not come back. So they sent me instead."
Thug 1: "Who are you?"
SpiderStella: "I am here to find your lair and bring you in to the police!"
Thug 2: "This is a cute costume, but you don't belong here."
SpiderStella: "If I beat you in armwrestling, will you come with me to the police then?"
Thug 2, laughs hard, "Sure!".
SpiderStella sits down to armwrestle Thug 2. They are almost ready to go, then she says to Thug 1: "Here, take my other hand! If one of you beats me, I will leave you alone. Otherwise, you will have come with me!".
Thug 1 laughs, takes the other hand. They start. The guys are struggling. She is struggling a bit too, but not quite as much.
She says to them: "go ahead, use both of your hands!" They do. It seems like they are getting her arms down, they are really trying hard now and she also struggles more now. Then she turns it on and beats them both.
SpiderStella: "Now you have to come with me!"
Thug 1: "Oh yeah? You will regret having humiliated us!"
He gets up to fight.
SpiderStella: "You don't want to do this." They get up, they fight: two vs one. It is a fairly short fight, she wins.
Two more thugs plus the boss arrive. The boss: "what is going on here?"
SpiderStella: "The police sent me! I will beat up all of you, you will tell me your lair, and I will bring you in to the police."
The boss: "Oh yeah? Just one girl against the five of us?"
SpiderStella: "Exactly. You don't stand a chance!".
Shot from behind her, facing all five thugs. They encircle her. A fight ensues, quite tough. Often, several guys attack her at once.
Punches to her abs, to her face, kicks etc etc: feel free to be creative.
Eventually, all five are on the ground.
SpiderStella: "I told you, you don't stand a chance! You have to come with me now!"
The boss grabs the baseball bat, near him and gets up: "Never!"
SpiderStella: "Oh, a baseball bat! [ With irony: ] Now, I am scared!"
Thug 1 grabs the chain, wraps it around his right hand: "You should be!"
SpiderStella: "Oh look, a chain! [With irony:] I am in real danger now!"
All the other thugs get up too. One that was behind her, when getting up, wraps his arm around his neck in order to hold her and to wrestle her down, but she remains standing. Two other thugs each grab one of her arms. Make sure they grab it really well, really hold it, and she looks like she is resisting it ... not just a loose, weak grip.
The boss: "Haha, we got her now!"
Thug 1 and the boss takes turn, hitting her with the bat and the chain-wrapped hand, in the abs, in the face. She lets them do that for a while, then kicks the boss and thug 1 to the ground.
SpiderStella: "Well, that didn't work, did it?"
The two of them get up, a bit mad. One of the thugs that was grabbing the arm says to the boss, "Boss, let me try!" They switch positions.
SpiderStella: "Come on, beat me as hard as you can! I won't even resist! But you still cannot beat me!"
They proceed again with beating her. They are a bit exhausted, take a break. But she seems a bit exhausted now too, and looks more helpless in the tight grip. Nonetheless, she is defiant.
SpiderStella: "Oh, was that all you can do? I am just a little girl, you know, and you are five strong men!"
The two men start beating her again.
Thug 1: "Take that!!"
And, gradually, SpiderStella starts to loose consciousness, eventually going limp and getting dropped to the ground. The thugs are around her.
Thug 3: "Boss, what do we do with her now?"
Boss: "Let's bring her into our lair. I will decide then."
Second scene takes place inside: the lair of the thugs. Somewhere is still the baseball bat and the chain. A rope to tie her up. A simple wooden chair. A cup or a bucket with water (I recommend warm water...).
She is still out, hanging from her arms over her head, which are tied to a pipe or so. The four thugs and the boss talk.
Boss: "Ok, here is what we are going to do. We will wake her up. Then we will beat her up so bad, that her cockiness and resistance is broken. We tie her up and send her to the police, with the warning to
never send anyone again!"
Thugs 4: "Yeah, let's do that!"
Thug 3: "How are we going to wake her up?"
Thug 2: "With this!" He grabs the bucket with water and throws it into her face!
SpiderStella wakes up with a bit of a shock and gasp of air.
Thug 2 laughs at her!
Boss talks to her: "We will beat you up so bad, you will cry! And then will send you back to the police, as a warning to never mess with us again!".
SpiderStella: "As I told you before, I will beat you up! You don't stand a chance!"
Thugs and boss laugh hard. Two thugs take turns punching her abs, but quickly, their hands hurt.
SpiderStella: "[Feinting sympathy] Oh, does your hand hurt? Why don't you use that bat and that chain over there? It worked so well for you last time!"
The thugs proceed once again with beating her with the bat and punching her, some with the chain on their hands, some without. She clearly shows some reaction, but increasingly laughs it off. The thugs and the boss are baffled.
Thug 1: "What is going on?"
SpiderStella: "I told you, I will beat up all of you, you will tell me your lair, and I will bring you in to the police. And finally, here we are, in your lair! Thank you for taking me there!"
The boss approaches her, grabs her chin: "You will break, I promise you that! Even if we must keep beating you the whole night!".
She wraps her legs around his neck: "Oh yeah? How will you do that, when you cannot breathe?"
The boss calls for help, the other thugs try to help. She kicks one or two to the ground, finally demands to be taken down.
They take her down. Now, she is standing, confronting the five thugs. [Perhaps one camera shot from behind her, facing the thugs, and another one from behind the thugs, facing her ]. One thug still has the
baseball bat, the other the chain around the hand.
SpiderStella: "Ok, what is it going to be? Option 1 is, we fight, I beat the crap out of you, and I call the police!".
Boss: "What is the other option?"
SpiderStella: "Option 2 is, we fight, I beat the crap out of you, and I call the police! Oops, that's only one option. [ She smiles ]"
Boss: "Option 3: we fight and we beat the crap out of you!"
SpiderStella: "Really? Well, give it your best try!"
The fight, all five against her. Make it a tough fight, sometimes with several of them attacking her at once. Perhaps again with holds from
behind, punches to her abs etc.. But she wins in the end. All of them are on the ground.
SpiderStella: "Does someone have a phone?" She sees one: "Ah, there!"
She calls the police: "Hi, yeah, as promised, I have found the lair of the gang! And you will also find the thugs and their boss there. [Pause ] No, don't worry, they will not resist your arrest. I will make sure of that. I will watch them until you arrive". She hangs up. She takes the simple wooden chair, swings it around and sits on it "backwards", i.e. with the chest against the back of the chair, her legs essentially straddling that back. She is resting her arms on the back of the chair, and rests her head on her arms. She talks to the thugs, occasionally lifting her head again.
SpiderStella: "I thought you were a lot tougher, but hey, this was a lot of fun! "
Boss: "When we get out of prison, we will find you and we will get you that time!"
SpiderStella: "I hope you get out soon and you will find me again! I hope we can do this again, some day! Perhaps, bring a few more of your friends, to make this a bit of a challenge for me!"
Spider Stella on a mission
- Brand: STELLA
- Product Length: 33 minutes
- Availability: In Stock


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Hey there, and Happy Monday to you!!
(It's also Abraham Lincoln's 209th birthday, so that's pretty cool, haha. Happy b-day, Honest Abe!!)
I've been pretty quiet in the blogging world this past week, if for no other reason than I was just deciding between what to post. My family and I have been doing well; I had a fun, productive week; and I can't wait to catch up with you guys!
How have you been lately? Let me know in the comments below. 🙂
On Saturday, I went out on a girls' outing with my mom and little sisters. We enjoyed going to a few stores, and I was especially pleased to find some of my favorite books and movies at a good price, ones that I've yet to own until now! That's what I'll be talking about today, as you have seen by the title. I do love a good thrift store haul ❤
Blogging Update: This past week, I updated my 'About' page (now called 'About Maggie'!), and created a whole new page about the blog itself. You can go check that out here! I'd love to hear what you think!
In the rest of this post, allow me to convince you why you, too, should give these books and one movie a try – if you haven't already! I love all of them so much. (I also got myself a new bag on that thrift shop trip, and I may share it with you sometime soon in a what's in my purse post!)
Let's check this out ❤ Hope you enjoy!
Thrifted Favorites Haul
The first thing we have is a movie, which is one of my all-time favorites – The Holiday. This cozy romantic comedy is one that I've watched over and over again, because the main characters, settings, and overall plot are just fantastic! My mom actually owns the movie, haha, which is why I've had the pleasure of watching it multiple times, but I wanted a copy for myself as well, because then I'll always have it on hand. As it is called 'The Holiday,' one might guess it's a seasonal movie, which it is – but I happily watch it year-round!
This amazing book is one that I stumbled upon in the book section of one of my favorite thrift stores. Until the title caught my eye while I browsed the shelves, I'd never heard of it before, and it's absolutely tragic that I haven't. This is one of those books that should be read by most, if not all, for the awareness 'Too Small To Ignore' brings to how important children are, and how precious they are in the sight of the Lord, is extremely powerful. I'm not even a quarter of the way through this book, and it has already driven me to tears multiple times!
'Too Small To Ignore' has opened my eyes to the beautiful position the Lord has me in my life – getting to be the eldest sibling to my younger brothers and sisters. Learning to love them with all that I am and sacrificing my free time for their happiness and joy is my mission, one that I plan on pursuing throughout their whole childhood, and into their adulthood, too. That is my prayer. ❤
(I also have to mention that the children at Hope For Guatemala have my heart, too! I can't wait to spend time with them one day. They're in my thoughts, prayers, and dreams. xx )
Do yourself a favor and check out this book. I am positive that you won't regret it!
Lori Wick is a great Christian writer that has composed many wonderful fiction novels, and the one I got on Saturday ('The Proposal') is one that I haven't gotten around to reading yet! I did read a few other books in this series, and they were both a nice cozy read. If you enjoy Jane Austen's books, then The English Garden Series by Lori Wick would be a great fit for you!
GUYS. This book is one that the Lord used to truly speak to me when I was about twelve years old, and it is definitely one that will always have a special place in my heart. Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by David Gregory is a quick read that will have a deep impact on every reader. Without giving anything away, I will say that the title perfectly describes what the book is about! Drop by your library today and pick up this read – it is an extremely powerful, delightful book. ❤
Thank you so much for reading! I love sharing little hauls from time to time, because it's a nice way to share some of the things I've recently purchased. (: I hope you have a great week! Let me know in the comments below:
Have YOU checked out these books?
Happy Monday!
— Maggie


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Imagine being a highly-touted college football player and receiving offers of all-expenses paid trips to South Beach and keys to a Bentley? You know it is illegal to accept the offers, but let's think about what happens to you if you accept an offer like this from a sports agent or some other booster. One scenario is that nobody finds out. You dominate in your college career while living like a king, and then you go on to have a professional career and become a 22-year old millionaire. This seems to be the perfect life, but someone will probably find out, right? Well, even if they do, you will get kicked off the team and have your character questioned by NFL general managers. Then, after sitting out for a year and just having to stay in shape for the NFL draft, these same GMs offer you your first payday worth more money than you could have ever dreamed about receiving. Deciding whether or not to accept these gifts then seems to be the best ever "win-win" situation for the athlete—take the gifts! If you do not believe this is reality, look no further than the 2010 University of North Carolina football agent scandal.
This is a case of three players receiving significant amounts of gifts from sports agents while still students at North Carolina in 2010. Marvin Austin, Robert Quinn, and Greg Little gave every Chapel Hill resident reasons to believe in the UNC football team, until they took the gifts, and consequently took away this same hope. The three players were found to have accepted items including, but not limited to, rent payments, travel expenses, thousands of dollars in accessories, leased Bentleys, and all expenses paid trips to South Beach. All three players were dismissed from the team, and the University of North Carolina took a huge hit to their reputation. The school also suffered direct and measurable penalties with fines, vacated wins, and loss of future scholarships. However, all three players are currently on NFL rosters—Austin signed for totals of 4 years and $3,675,000, Quinn for 4 years and $9,436,053, and Little for 4 years and $3,327,500 (Fox Sports). Clearly, there is some sort of problem with the system if a player can take these gifts and be "punished" with angry college alumni and the loss of a year of college eligibility before becoming multi-millionaires.
While it seems the players made out just fine in the long run, it is clear that the NCAA needs to reevaluate its current business model when you consider that the situation experienced by these three student-athletes was not unique. Under the current system, NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from accepting any compensation for their athletic prowess from people not associated with the student-athlete's school. This is because the NCAA maintains that the school athletic programs are "an integral part of the educational program" since student-athletes are a crucial part of the student body, therefore, creating an amateur model where the student-athletes can not be considered professionals. Moreover, the NCAA is unlikely to ever forego their status as an amateur sports organization due to the tax breaks on the billions of dollars it generates through college athletics. Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code provides a federal tax exemption for any entity that is created to exclusively operate for "religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition." Therefore, the NCAA just does not care if, in this case, the North Carolina football program takes a hit to their reputation and a few student-athletes are put in a difficult spot, so long as the NCAA officials and universities are financially better off.
In order to put this in perspective, it is important to realize the magnitude of the money that is on the table for all of the different characters who are involved. The NCAA enjoys approximately $650 million in revenue per year just from television and marketing fees, championship games, and investment fees and services. Individual universities and colleges also make significant amounts of money from their athletic programs. In the 2010 season alone, seven college football teams generated net revenue over $38 million, with only 4 out of 124 programs losing money. In addition, reports estimate that alumni donations increase significantly as a result of successful sports programs. On average, each team that makes the NCAA basketball tournament field of 68 teams receives an increase in alumni donations of $450,000, but this number can be much greater. After winning back-to-back NCAA basketball championships and a NCAA football championship from 2006-2007, the University of Florida's athletic department received an increase in alumni donations of $38 million. Schools can benefit from athletic success in other ways, as well. Universities that win a national football championship have experienced, on average, an 8% increase in enrollment for the following school year, creating yet another reason for school administrators to deeply care about their sports programs. This conversation would not be complete without considering the significant benefits received by NCAA officials and coaches, as well. Myles Brand, former President of the NCAA, made $895,000 in his last year, which is even less than contracts worth over $1 million that are signed by several athletic directors and coaches throughout the country. Last but not least, we have the players. These young men and women are the ones responsible for the money made by the previously mentioned entities; however, they are not compensated for doing so. While many of these student-athletes receive scholarships to attend their respective universities, this is barely a fraction of the money they are generating for the groups of people who are preaching the ideals of amateurism and getting rich at the expense of their student-athletes (Corgan).
After laying out these facts, many different schools of ethics, including deontology, virtue ethics, and consequentialism, can be used to better understand and evaluate the actions of the many different characters in the UNC football case. The situation for the players and agents was very similar. Both groups of people had a duty to follow the rules and codes prohibiting the exchange of benefits between agents and students-athletes that are outlined in the NCAA bylaws, as well as the Uniform Athletes Agents Act (UAAA) and the Sports Agents and Responsibility Trust Act (SPARTA) (Heitner). From a deontological perspective, these agents and student-athletes would be expected to carry out their duties and follow the rules. However, the student-athletes, especially those from a disadvantaged childhood, can hardly be blamed for being swayed by the gifts and attention that agents offer. From a consequentialist perspective, these football players knew that their most severe "punishment" would be a suspension, without having any impact on the millions of dollars coming their way in professional contracts the following year. Similar reasoning can help explain why agents, who are in a bloodbath competition to sign the most promising future professionals, continue to offer gifts to student-athletes. With some star athletes earning lifetime salaries of over $300 million dollars, an agent's 3% take of that is $9 million. Therefore, agents could risk a few tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and penalties to sway a player to sign with him and earn him 500 million times his investment throughout the player's career. With millions of dollars in potential earnings up for grabs, a few years of suspension or fines from violating the UAAA or SPARTA, if they are even caught, is often times not enough to deter illegal behavior by the agents. While virtue ethics considers the character and intentions of both the players and agents, it is hard to hold them at fault when you consider the potential consequences for their actions in the NCAA's current system.
The NCAA shares a large portion of the blame for this and many other occurrences of illegal behavior between agents and student-athletes. Essentially, the NCAA has created a shareholder-focused business model, where its executives and highest ranked administrators are the "owners" and main beneficiaries. While holding collegiate sports to amateur status has allowed the National Collegiate Athletic Association to receive millions of dollars in tax exemptions, it has consciously ignored the most important stakeholders— the 170,000 Division I student-athletes who make this all possible (NCAA.org). The NCAA should be blamed for maintaining its outdated system in an age where media sponsorships and the millions of dollars generated from the commercialization of NCAA sports have taken the association to record-high profits. It seems as if the NCAA, with a focus on profits, has taken a consequentialist approach to this situation. Apparently, the association feels that the money that would be saved from reducing scandals and the ensuing backlash to universities compared to the money saved through tax exemptions under the current system would not be enough to warrant changes to the current amateur sports organization model.
This relationship between the NCAA and its student-athletes can be closely paralleled with that of large corporations and its employees. Many of the largest companies have received increasing criticism in recent years for seeking increased profits at the expense of treating its employees unfairly and subjecting them to extremely low wages. The same case needs to be made for the NCAA. It only makes sense, as a number of recently-published scholars have proposed, to lift amateur status and allow student-athletes to either receive money through sponsorships or a basic revenue-sharing system. However, this would cause the NCAA to give up their tax exempt status and millions of dollars in tax savings. A virtue ethicist would look at the character and intentions of the NCAA and see a group of people who are motivated by profits and financial growth with far less concern for its student-athletes.
There is no reason why the NCAA would not be able to lift amateur status from its student-athletes and still thrive in a rapidly growing industry. In an "About the NCAA" section on its website, the NCAA claims that it was "founded more than one hundred years ago as a way to protect student-athletes (and) the NCAA continues to implement that principle with increased emphasis on both athletics and academic excellence" (NCAA.org). In reality, the NCAA is doing the exact opposite of protecting its student-athletes, and therefore, it is time for a change. While the agents and players in the 2010 UNC football scandal clearly broke the rules, the system was set-up for this to happen.
Student-athletes generate hundreds of millions of dollars while playing in college and some go on to earn hundreds of millions more as professionals in the years immediately following college. If the NCAA wants to protect its student-athletes, it is time to take a look in the mirror and reconsider if "stealing" the profits from the student-athletes is the best way to protect them. Many proposals have been made and rejected, but now is the time to get all hands on deck and devise a solution before any more scandals take place. The UNC scandal was probably not even the only case of illegal behavior during that season, but it was the only one that got caught. We live in a world where unethical behavior can sometimes be overlooked until it is noticed, and consequently, causes media uproar resulting in serious repercussions. However, the NCAA has now been caught by many people for their unethical business practices without any repercussions or changes. Maybe punishment is not necessary for the NCAA, but it certainly is time to stop punishing its student-athletes.


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Potato Salad
Serves 4
Total Time: 45 minutes
3 lbs peeled potatoes 1 cup diced celery
½ cup diced, boiled carrots ¼ cup diced onions
4 hard boiled eggs 1 ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ cup dill pickles, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise
Combine cut up, cooled potatoes with celery, onions, carrots, 3 boiled eggs, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dill pickles. Fold in mayonnaise, small amounts at a time. Serve topped with sliced hard boiled egg sprinkled with paprika.
The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church
450 Martin L King Jr Ave
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 688-5563 or toll free (800) 282-8011


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Triangle Tyre had been manufacturing and selling tires in China using a tread pattern for studless winter tires for which Bridgestone holds exclusive design rights. In October 2013, the Bridgestone filed a lawsuit with the Intermediate People's Court in Changchun, China. The lawsuit claimed that the activities of Triangle Tyre constituted a design rights infringement.
In July 2015, the claim made by Bridgestone was upheld, and the court ordered Triangle Tyre to cease manufacture and sale of tires that use the tread pattern and pay damages to Bridgestone. While Triangle Tyre appealed the decision, the High People's Court in Jilin Province upheld the original ruling in January 2016 in a second trial, resulting in a victory for Bridgestone.
In June 2016, Triangle Tyre submitted an appeal for a retrial to China's Supreme People's Court. However, in September 2016 this court determined that the result of the second trial was appropriate, rejecting Triangle Tyre's appeal and upholding Bridgestone's claim.
The company informed in an official statement, "Bridgestone is committed to protecting its intellectual property and will continue to aggressively address any unauthorized use or infringement of its patents, trademarks, or any other intellectual property in a strict manner."


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Remembrance Service in Cherished Angel Garden for Families Who Have Experienced The Loss of a Baby
Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers hosted their Annual Remembrance Service in honor of babies who have left the earth too soon. The ceremony took place on May 20, 2012 in the Cherished Angel Garden, directly north of the Hospital.
The Garden was dedicated in remembrance of babies who have passed away and offers a place for family and friends to grieve and reflect upon the loss. This is the sixth year that the Remembrance Service has been celebrated, with a butterfly release closing the ceremony.
"We felt there was a strong need to find a meaningful way to remember and recognize these precious little ones," said Mary Grimm, manager of the Family Birth Center. "These remarkable little angels continue to have a profound impact on our lives."
The sisters of Little Company of Mary generously donated space for the Garden on the East side of their convent. The Garden was created and funded entirely through volunteer efforts from the Perinatal Loss Committee and the Family Birth Center Staff at Little Company of Mary.
If you or someone you know are mourning the loss of a baby, Little Company of Mary's Perinatal Loss Committee encourages you to reflect at the garden. The garden is located in the east lawn of the Little Company of Mary Sisters' Convent at 2801 West 93rd Street in Evergreen Park.
Visit www.LCMH.org/SupportPrograms for information on Little Company of Mary support groups and programs available.
Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers (www.LCMH.org), is a Catholic, not-for-profit hospital based in Evergreen Park. For 82 years, Little Company of Mary has delivered compassionate care to Chicago's Southwest area. While there's always going to be a certain level of pain with any surgery or treatment, Little Company of Mary is committed to finding new ways of reducing it. From minimally invasive techniques that fight cancer with a quicker recovery to a caring approach with better patient communication and convenient access, our team of experts is constantly making the experience of health care hassle-free. And every day, whether it's new ways of making you more comfortable or bringing the latest technology right to your neighborhood.


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The Crush Catalogue: Creative Storage
Getting organised: we don't have to do it we want to, don't we, ladies. Now's the ideal time to get stuck in and straighten out our creative spaces. Here's a look at colourful storage for your craft supplies. Bring on the craft room clear out!
While we crack on with decluttering and colour coordinating our craft supplies, making more mess than expected, we notice – aside from potentially having enough craft supplies to open our own haberdashery – what we're really missing are nifty storage solutions. Ideas that keep our supplies both out of sight and on display. Sound impossible? Take a look at these and decide for yourself…
1. Stripe canvas storage bag by Lilac Coast
2. Sewing box by Alena Handmade
3. DIY cute box by Little White Whale
4. Make your own gold paper storage sacks with The Red Thread
5. Contact paper boxes by Homey Oh My
6. Crochet jar cosies and rope basket tutorials in Mollie Makes 49. Look inside to see more projects in this issue
Visit our Pinterest board for more storage and craft room ideas
Follow Mollie Makes's board Keeping it Tidy on Pinterest.
Mollie Makes 49 is on 9 January. Available from all good newsagents, supermarkets and our official online store. Sold out? Download it from Zinio, Google Play or Apple Newsstand.


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The 14th Ornithology course will start from 4th Dec.17 and will be concluded on 3rd Feb.18.
The admissions will start on 23rd Nov. 11.00 hrs onwards.
The forms are to be collected from Zoology Dept.,2nd floor in the main building
of M.E.S.Garware College, between 11.00 am and 01.00 pm.
The Course fee is to be paid in cash from 23rd Nov. onwards, between 11.00 am and 1.30 pm. Details will be shared
at the instance of form purchase.
The form cost is Rs. 50/- per admission form. The exact course fee amount will be indicated on the admission form, expected to be
Rs.5,000 to 5,500 inclusive of GST.
The course Time Table along with Field visit itinerary shall be available on the 1st day of the course.
You may contact Dr.Anand Padhye in Zoology dept. of Garware college
as he is course conductor along with Dr. Satish Pande.
Feel free to communicate.
Dr. Satish Pande, 9822193707, email@example.com
Dr. Anand Padhye, 9922558271, firstname.lastname@example.com
Pradeep Marathe, 9970161796


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CCPD Faculty Register Now Enquire for more information Media Newsletter
Dear Enquiry, thanks for showing interest in taking a program in our institution. You made the right decision by choosing BlueCrest. We are the best education provider in Ghana. Our certificates are globally recognized. BlueCrest is accredited in Ghana by National Accreditation Board, Ministry of Education to offer Diploma and Degree programs. We are the winners of most awards and also the most accredited among all Training Institutions. Please take a few moments to fill up the enquiry form and we will get back to you soon.
* All fields are required. Once we receive your message we will respond as soon as possible.
BLUECREST COLLEGE ACCRA CAMPUS:Cola Street, Near ATTC, Adjacent Societe Generale Head Office, Kokomlemle, P.O. Box AN18392, AccraTelephone: 030-2250649, 030-2251150, 030-2251151, 028-9116315, 028-9116316 E-mail: email@example.com
SCHOOL OF FASHION & DESIGN:Cola Street, Near ATTC, Adjacent Societe Generale Head Office, Kokomlemle, P.O. Box AN18392, AccraTelephone: 030-2245367, 028-9282828 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
© 2016 BlueCrest University College :: www.bluecrest.edu.gh


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Corsair Carbide 330R Review
Up Close: Front, Rear and Base
Published: 18th September 2013 | Source: Corsair | Price: £69.99 |
Up Close: Front, Rear and Base
Having taken a bit of a glance at the exterior on the last page it's time to look at things a bit more in depth. Aside from the subtle corsair name and triple sail logo the only other external feature on the front of the case is the front I/O. Keeping it simple and keeping costs down Corsair have opted for just a pair of USB3s the usual audio sockets and a soft touch short travel power/reset switch..
Opening the sound dampened door reveals the 3 heavily perforated 5.25" bays, which should serve to allow additional air into the interior. Below these is the front air intake.
The Intake is easily removed by means of clips on its upper edge allowing access to the single fitted 140mm fan. Mounting points are in evidence allowing an additional 140mm to be fitted or 2x120mm. A pin and clasp mechanism allows the door to be removed or the hinge side swapped.
Round the back a single 120mm fan is on exhaust duty, below which lay a set of steel push outs for non grommeted tubing holes. The metal fan grill is domed to protect the fan and presumably prevent the aperture being blocked off should someone push the rear of the case hard up against a wall.
Corsair have opted for vented PCI covers, which although affording better airflow out of the case will invariably increase its sonic signature. Odd choice for a silent case we think.
Flipping the 330R over to look at the base we're pleased to see a huge mesh filter protecting the PSU intake area. The filter itself is plastic and is held in place by magnets. The case feet are sturdy, but are made from a hard plastic as opposed to a rubber which we guess would have lessened vibrations but would have added to the cost.
Most Recent Comments
i can see this case doing wellQuote
A very handsome case, a full atx case with obsidian like style at a lower price point.
i can see this case doing well
For a Corsair case though, the price is pretty good for the feature set.Quote
Looks a bit plain to me... but then again I run an NZXT Phantom, so what do I know about what looks good xD
For a Corsair case though, the price is pretty good for the feature set.
It's not exactly the most traditional case! Haha Quote


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Scoping out the latest in everything related to the fascinating world of images, our goal is to offer educational information, titillating tidbits, and glimpses of some of the best clipart and photos to be found online.
Friday, January 8, 2016
3,000 Photos of Friends Having Fun
No matter how much you love your job, by the time Friday arrives it's time for a change of pace. Not just for a break to recharge the batteries, but to tackle some of the work you have at home as well as to connect with family and friends. From family dinners, to special occasion invites and house parties, we fill the spaces in between weekend responsibilities with fun, love and laughter.
And it all begins tonight. Before us are two whole days to fill however we choose.
What I love most about Friday, however, is that my husband and I have set it aside as a time to catch up. When we have walked in the door at the end of the day, put away coats, emptied out lunches, we grab a cocktail and head for our chairs to chat. Points of interest, recaps and anecdotes fill the time before supper.
Also on the list for discussion, though, are plans for the next two days, whether we intend to do little more than read a book between chores or spend an evening out listening to music.
This weekend we look forward to hosting a small dinner party to be followed by a games night. It means that there's extra work in the cards for me tomorrow, but the reward is worth it. One of the best things we can do to enrich our lives is to enjoy a wide circle of friends and interest.
So, hey, it's Friday, the perfect time to get on that. With that in mind I decided, then, to have a little fun with a photo search and see what great images can be found on various sites when I combine the words party and friends. Here are the results:
ClickArt Online
Posted by Unknown at 6:36 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: friday, friends, friendship, fun, life, lifestyle, photographs, photos, social, socializing, TGIF, Thank God Its Friday #TGIF
Thursday, January 7, 2016
How to Become a Professional Photographer
I've certainly never considered myself anything more than an avid amateur photographer. At least in the years during and since working for a local newspaper where in addition to editing and writing I photographed everything from the grip-and-grin shots to sporting events.
Prior to that even the label of amateur didn't apply. Looking back on those grainy shots of the past I'm really sorry that I didn't know a little more about what makes a good picture. Tiny subjects in the centre of the photo, boring landscapes, and absolutely no concept of lighting and contrast were the hallmarks of my work. It didn't help either that my first camera was a Polaroid.
A few years in journalism, however, showed me that had I considered it, I might have not done too badly as a photographer. I enjoyed it and what I lacked in technical knowledge, and it was plenty, I made up for with a good eye. Or so I was told.
Entrenched as I was in the career I had at that point it didn't seem to make a lot of sense to pursue an interest. However, when our daughter announced that she wanted to study photography, post-secondary, it seemed as good an idea as any for our artsy girl.
Though she did well in the program, her graduation coincided with digital photography and smartphones. Now everyone's a photographer and the challenge comes in how to get your name and your work noticed.
If you think you have what it takes to make the transition from amateur to professional photographer here are some tips that might help you succeed:
How to Become a Professional Photographer from wikiHow
100 Tips from a Pro
How to Become a Professional Photographer
Know When You Are Ready to Become a Professional Photographer
This link shares some myths about the career choice you are making too:
20 Myths About Becoming a Pro Photographer
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Tips for Designing Appealing Static Ads
As winter winds blow and snow storms through, staying home, cuddled and cozy, is far more appealing than heading out for an item you might want, but don't necessarily need. The carrot dangled before you better be a big one to change that view.
My husband and I (well if I'm to be honest, my husband) are currently in the middle of a fairly extensive renovation project. A dismal back kitchen and its upstairs room have been on the honey-do list since we purchased the old century house 35 years ago. Honey must have decided that it's do or die time as he has finally thrown himself into the project screw guns blazing.
As he struggles through crawl spaces, insulates in sub-zero temperatures, and copes with other miserable tasks, I am doing by part by beginning the search for furnishings. As this room is all about sunlight, we have decided to keep it simple, anticipating it will be used for quiet afternoon reading, or pre-dinner cocktails before the fire.
Having found some 'design your floor plan' websites I now have a fairly good idea what I'm looking for. The question, then, will soon be where to get it. While price and style are obviously the key selling points, I must first find my way to those right choices. This is where advertising comes into play.
It's not enough to offer a promotion; you need to tempt and titillate. Creating an ad that's appealing to potential clients, not just in an economical way, but aesthetically, is one of the most important things you can do for your business.
So as the dull buying days of January loom before us, here are some great tips for designing ads to help your business stand out, as well as a few examples of those who got it right:
10 Tips for Designing Static Ads
100 Brilliant Print Adverts for Inspiration
Print Advertising Design Tips
Posted by Unknown at 6:36 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: ad, ads, advert, advertisement, advertisements, adverts, business, commerce, design, designing, discounts, offers, promotions, retail commercial, sales
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
90 Inspiring Photos for a New Year
For example, 2006 has been stuck in my memory as a time of extreme tragedies and profound sadness. Loss and grief seemed to be everywhere. As editor of a community newspaper I saw most of it and to this day, listing the things that happened raises the eyebrows of people who didn't know.
As we counted down to 2007 then I celebrated what I had to believe in my heart would be a better year.
And it was — remembered only for its optimism, hope and good times. From that point on I put a lot of pressure on a new year that followed a less than satisfactory one to be kinder.
Looking back on 2015, however, I wasn't really sure what to expect. For the most part it had been 'normal', a mix of what's expected in life. The year took a nose dive in December, however, and I strode into January with the great need to leave it behind me.
And that's when the above quote struck me. With the arrival of 2016 we are all just moving on really. Not getting a fresh start, but grown just a little wiser from the experiences of the previous year. Life will lift us, then occasionally try to take us down.
It will also, however, provide us with the inspiration to keep going. We will learn from mistakes, gain strength from the lessons and heal through its many pleasures.
So as you embark on a happy and healthy 2016, here are some words of wisdom and beautiful photos to which you can add your own favourite quotes for inspiration to keep on going on should times get hard:
Inspirational Frames
Landscapes With Motivational Quotes
Inspiring Backgrounds
Posted by Unknown at 6:53 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: 2016, backgrounds, inspiration, inspiring, landscapes, motivation, motivational photos, New Year, photographs, photos
Monday, January 4, 2016
780 Photos of Walking for Fitness and Fun
For a fortunate few, today, Monday, Jan. 4 is actually the first day back to work after an extended break between Christmas and the new year. Back to the grind, back to routine, back to reality.
That reality often includes as well a return to exercise and healthy eating which might have lapsed over the holidays, or the resolve that you are going to finally set yourself on a positive lifestyle track.
I fall somewhere between these two groups. I know what I should eat and have made the changes at this point that I feel are most important without taking all the fun out of life. Well, my life anyway. I do a bit of yoga, walk when I can, make it a point to take extra trips up and down our stairs and sneak in some lunges and squats during the work day.
But I know that if I want to maintain the level of health I currently enjoy, without medications, I'm going to probably have to step up my game. Since years of resolutions have proven only that I succeed quite well at not following through, for this year I only made a promise to myself that I would add one healthy lifestyle habit to my short list. The plan then is to either up the game each consecutive year or add something new.
For 2016 I intend to walk a little more, a little faster, a little farther than I have been. For inspiration, here are some great photos of dedicated strollers:
Acclaim Images
ClickArt Online
Posted by Unknown at 6:40 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: 2016, exercise, fitness, health, New Year, new year's, NewYear's, photos, resolution, walk, walking, years
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I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that I feel like I'm going to go postal if I go too long without a run. I wish I wasn't so controlled by my running. I wish I didn't need the endorphins like I do.
But I do.
I guess its better than being controlled by alcohol, drugs, food or other addictive vices.
Being a working mom with young kids is just plain hard. I know that being a stay at home mom can be hard, but that's not the world I live in, and I never have.
Even though my youngest is closer to 3 than she is to 2, I still feel like I'm trying to figure it out. Three kids threw us for a loop. I've said it before and I still think it, sometimes I'm walking a slippery slope and if it weren't for running, I may have needed professional medical intervention.
If I keep up with my running though, I don't lose my mind.
Finding my running groove early in the week is challenging. I also need to get my treadmill set up again.
I do my long runs on Saturdays. From 7:30-12:30 on Sundays I'm in go-go-go mode at church, teaching, running around, doing a variety of things (I'm a pastor). Sundays are pretty exhausting and I'm often in heels and on my feet a lot. Probably not ideal for the day after a long run. Especially once the mileage ramps up (as in next Saturday, when I will run 10 miles).
Mondays I probably need to do a real easy run. But it's dark until at least 6:15am and I've tried a few times and I just can't get comfortable running in the dark. On workdays, I need to be home at 6:30am-6:45am, which doesn't leave a lot of time for running if I wait for it to start to get light.
Today I was desperate. I hadn't run since Saturday. I've been feeling a bit down this week and not running wasn't helping. I decided to adjust my morning so I could run. It meant coming back home after dropping Miss Rose off, before I dropped the little girls off and went to work.
But I may have self-combusted today if I didn't run. It was well worth it. I ran 3 miles in just under 29 minutes, a pretty good time for me.
We folded up the treadmill for the summer, but it's time to get it back in place in the garage. That way I can start my runs on the treadmill in the dark and maybe finish the last mile or two on the streets when the sun rise. I'll be happy when the time changes in a month because for a short time it will be light early enough to get a decent run in.
I spent Monday and Tuesday watching people run along the Bay while I was in planning meetings. It was torturous! So tomorrow I'm going to head to the Bay with the girls in the jogger and get a good run in and then play in the sand with them.
That's enough babbling for tonight!
I had an incredible run on Saturday that I'll write about in the next few days.
I love running. I don't always love how much I love and need running, but it takes care of me.


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IDPD 2014: The Promise of Technology
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is an annual observation promoted by the United Nations to raise awareness of disability issues and the gains to be derived from the greater integration of persons with disabilities into political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Each year the IDPD focuses on a different issue. The theme for 2014 is "The Promise of Technology". Assistive technology (AT) promotes greater independence by enabling people with disabilities to perform tasks that they would otherwise unable to accomplish. AT includes screen readers that interpret a document displayed on a computer screen and re-present it to the user, for example using automated text-to-speech.
Properly structured electronic documents, such as those that are PDF/UA (Universal Accessibility) compliant, optimize the reading experience of AT users.


text: Leveraging the Six Stages of the Buying Cycle Understanding the consumer buying process to improve your marketing funnel What is the Buying Cycle? Why Does it Matter? Every experienced marketer knows that the buyer's cycle is far more complicated than it ever used to be. Nowadays, you can't just cold call a lead and expect to process their order that same day. With the internet providing a vast wealth of options, information, and competition, the average consumer is both more distracted and


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Basalt mirror
This hand-crafted bike helmet mirrors began with a used bike spokes from old or damaged wheel. The spoke was shaped to clamp onto the shell of a bicycle helmet and coated with rubber. The mirror was cut from plate glass mirror and attached to the spoke hanger using epoxy and a spoke nipple. The mirror was hand-made. Once mounted and adjusted, they are extremely stable and durable. This particular mirror is approximately 1.6 x 1.75 inches.


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You are here
AfDB at the World Summit on Food Security
Rome, 17 November 2009 – The World Summit on Food Security, which is being held in Rome between 16 and 18 November 2009, is being fully supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Jacques Diouf, proposed that this Summit should agree on key actions to tackle the food insecurity situation. As he said "the silent hunger crisis — affecting one sixth of all of humanity — poses a serious risk for world peace and security. We urgently need to forge a broad consensus on the total and rapid eradication of hunger in the world."
FAO estimates that the number of hungry people in the world could increase by another 100 million in 2009, and pass the one billion mark.
AfDB Vice-President, Kamal El Kheshen, said that "the global food crisis has posed a major threat to global food and nutrition security and caused a host of humanitarian, human rights, socio-economic, environmental, developmental, political and security-related consequences. Against the backdrop of the food crisis, Africa's agriculture faces real and diverse challenges including those that pertain to technology, infrastructure, markets, institutional and human capacity, regional integration, governance, production inputs and climate change risks."
The AfDB strongly supports the call to invest more in Africa's agricultural sector. Together with IFAD, the Bank accounts for more than half of all donor interventions in African agriculture. Since its establishment in 1964, the Bank Group has provided over 3,000 agricultural loans and grants to its Regional Member Countries (RMCs) amounting to US$ 62 billion. Between 1980 and 2000, over 40 percent of the Bank Group's concessional resources were used to support agricultural development. Through its public sector window, the Bank manages a portfolio of 226 operations, with commitments valued at US$ 3.72 billion in 30 RMCs. Since 2004, humanitarian support has amounted to approximately US$ 36.45 million.
In collaboration with its partners, AfDB is promoting a number of complementary agriculture, food security and allied initiatives, such as the African Food Crisis Response (AFCR), a framework for accelerated support to RMCs affected by high food prices. Over a three-year period from 2008, AfDB added US$1 billion to its agriculture sector portfolio, raising it to US$ 4.8 billion. The AFCR is projected to inject about US$780 million in the short-term, and US$ 2.19 billion in the medium-to-long-term, into Africa's agriculture.
According to El Kheshen, "the Bank is also developing various targeted initiatives in a number of agricultural sub-sectors including agricultural water management and storage, post-harvest losses reduction, and continental agricultural capacity building." An ongoing operation aims to promote the use of the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) in seven African countries and is valued at US$ 33 million. The programme to build the capacity of national agricultural research institutions in Africa is valued at US$ 293 million. The Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, as set up by the Abuja Summit, will increase fertilizer use.
During the Summit, AfDB and FAO took the opportunity to discuss matters of interest for both institutions, including the AfDB new Agricultural and Agro-Industry Strategy for the period 2010-2014.
The AfDB delegation to the World Summit on Food Security was composed of Vice-President Kamal El Kheshen, Agriculture and Agro-Industry Director Aly Abou-Sabaa and Lead Agriculture Specialist, Benedict Kanu.


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My Books
Siege of the Northland
Release date: 15th September 2017
In the northern territories of the Eastland, a small party on horseback gathered on a hilltop beneath a dull descending sky; below them, and for as far as the eye could see, a slaughter was underway of men, women and children. The crackle and roar of burning homes and flesh, accompanied by the clamour of terrified livestock and the unceasing cries of those dispensing the terror, only added to the mournful chorus of human despair that fouled the air.
Works in Progress
Winter Warrior
Winter Warrior – Book Two in the Northland series continues the adventures of those fearless Northlanders who survived the action in Siege of the Northland.
Release date: Autumn 2020
Smith & Greenaway
Smith & Greenaway: Victorian Detectives – is a foray into the world of historical adventure.
Very early days for this project, but when my mind runs wild with ideas for these two 19th century crime busters, I take time out to make a few notes (often accompanied by a pot of Yorkshire Tea) before returning to my friends in the Northland.


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A Florida food writer's tips and recommendations from some of the city's top restaurants
A Florida food and travel writer since the 1980s, I have joyously eaten Tampa Bay's best dishes for ages. But, just when I think I know the local foodie scene, bang! An explosion happens with a new wave of diverse cuisine emerging from the kitchens of Florida's most talented and creative. Grab a fork and join me in tasting this new revolution of food. I've already gotten started and left my notes to help you start your endeavor—do you agree?
Flavor notes
Hero Water Cocktail – Well, I couldn't leap tall buildings after this signature sip, though its Japanese shochu spirit distilled from sweet potato was clearly emboldening. Mostly, I felt refreshed by its cucumber, lime and coconut heroism.
Tonkotsu – This ramen bowl, like many of Ichicoro's specialties, fuses Asian cuisine with Tampa Bay's Cuban heritage. Mojo-style asado pork snuggles with the house noodles in a rich broth close to gravy. Ginger and toasted sesame tones spark the fiesta of textures from spiced hard-boiled egg to bamboo shoots. Not my dorm room's ramen!
Spicy Abura Soba – They call it "Japanese carbonara." The broth-less ramen bowl layers roast pork, ginger tempura, applewood bacon and poached egg.
What you should know
Ichicoro takes tenets of simplistic Asian design to barebones with exposed cement block walls, stone and wood slab tables, and stumpy wooden stools.
Chopstick-challenged like me? Relax. No shaming here for using knife, fork or the cool rustic wooden ladles.
Sit at the kitchen counter to interact with friendly chefs and watch red jalapeños roasting for the house sauce.
The minute the doors open at noon, this intimate, 40-seat place gets busy. You can call ahead for a text alert when your table is about ready.
Explore Tampa Bay's Asian cuisine.
Flavor notes
Pink Moon – When "shine" shares a restaurant's name, 'shine it is. This moonshine libation elevates the kicky liquor with fruity notes of grapefruit, carpano bianco and St. Germain elderflower liqueur. Starfruit gets muddled within, and is used as a garnish. My first clue that this place knows how to class-up Southern classics.
Cornmeal Fried Chicken – It may sound cliché, but nonetheless, here F&S sticks close to tradition. Prepared to order in quarter or half portions, it's like sinking your teeth into crackle and juice. The bacon-braised greens are sticky sweet, requiring only a dash of the house's datil pepper sauce.
Brown Butter Buttermilk Ice Cream – I am not a big ice cream fan, but the ingredients grabbed me. Buttermilk contributes a note of tang to the ice cream, and orange in the caramel makes this brilliantly Florida. The benne wafers? The thinnest, crispiest, most buttery imaginable.
What you should know
In the emerging Seminole Heights district of independent restaurants, this has a rejuvenated, working-class vibe complete with pool tables and arcade games.
Spacious and casual, it strives for a Southern public house feel—and succeeds! I prefer sitting at the long bar amid jars of sliced Florida fruits.
Everything is housemade, from the Fritos in the Frito pie to the Minorcan sausage—a homage to early St. Augustine settlers—in the clam chowder and pilau.
Taste Florida's version of Southern comfort food.
Flavor notes
Benedict – An inspired reinvention of biscuits and gravy founded on large, fluffy, griddled biscuits with black pepper caraway crème as the crowning touch. But the housemade chicken sausage patties are the boss of this dish—fresh, peppery, oniony.
Chicken Burger – In a historic former brick stable, graze on the signature dish. Roasted tomato, fresh jalapeño, avocado, feta and cumin aioli turn the ground chicken tenderloin (flavored with cilantro and scallion) into a mouth party.
Fried Avocado Wedges – Crisp panko crusting gives way to buttery filling. A sauce of sambal-ignited sour cream, smoked sea salt and lime completes the taste-bud tango.
What you should know
Across from the University of Tampa, Oxford Exchange feels like a college library meets Buckingham Palace with a complex of bookshop, gift stores and eateries. The restaurant, coffee shop and tea counter, with its tea sommelier, work in concert.
The fountain glass-domed courtyard conservatory is my first choice for dining. Brushed steel tables juxtapose with overstuffed banquettes in the main dining room. There's not a bad seat in the house.
My check arrived tucked into a book. A take-away bookmark quotes Booker T. Washington: "Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way." Mission accomplished.
Discover more innovative American cuisine.
Flavor notes
Scallop Crudo – Thin, salty slices of raw sea scallop in cashew milk. Then the flavors go a little nuts with ginger cashew gremolata and slivers of flash-fried chives for a novel yin-yang conjunction of land and sea.
Morcilla – Reflecting Chef Farrell Alvarez's Colombian roots, the silky blood-and-rice sausage filling counterpoints with the casing's snap. Jalapeño, cilantro and charred tomato in the relish perfectly balance the richness.
Gnocchi with Short Ribs – On an ever-evolving menu, this one remains constant—once you've tasted it, you are addicted to the pillowy gnocchi, dollops of creamy smoked ricotta and pickled rings of spicy peppers.
What you should know
Chef Alvarez and partner Ty Rodriguez envisioned a neighborhood place in Seminole Heights. But word is out, and their clientele comes from all over Tampa Bay. Make early-night reservations for the best seats.
Top seating is around the three-sided counter containing the open kitchen. It's like an excellent, oh-so-casual episode of Netflix's Chef's Table.
The wine list is small, specifically selective and organized by bottle prices. Many are poured by the glass.
Join the farm-to-table revolution.
Flavor notes
Fig Lebowski – From Edison's Mixology Lab, it shakes up bourbon that's house-infused with dried fig, sumac-infused maple syrup, citrusy Licor 43 and Seville orange bitters. Served up in an old-school martini glass, it tastes like a liquid fruit bowl drizzled with autumn.
Potato-Crusted Oysters – A prime example of Chef Jeannie's wizardry and a constant on a daily changing menu. Blue Pointe oysters breaded with finely shredded potatoes for a flash fry. Plated on the half shell puddled with sweetened, reduced dill pickle brine, a splotch of house dijonnaise for creaminess, and micro Dijon greens for texture and punch.
Vadouvan-seared Red Snapper – Uses a house Indian-inspired spice blend and comes with coconut turmeric jasmine rice, vanilla-pickled carambola (starfruit) and tropical fruit curry for a gallivanting brush with exotica.
What you should know
Chef Jeannie Pierola, a four-time James Beard semifinalist, succeeds with her vision of a welcoming neighborhood place with inventive food (thus the name).
The quasi-industrial feel of a chic laboratory creates "zero pretense"—dark woods, scuffed tables and a white marble bar.
The menu conspires with the lab theme, listing its lunch and dinner offerings under headings like Spark (apps), Solid + Soluble (salads and soups), Compiled (sandwiches) and Liquids (drinks).
Venture into Tampa Bay's gastropubs.
Flavor notes
Charbroiled Oysters – Mmmm! The smokiness sparked memories of fresh oysters on the grill for Christmas Eve. These go a step more festive with chunky garlic and a crust of melted Parmesan and Romano.
Florida Pompano – It's difficult to find pompano on Florida menus, so I didn't hesitate to order the mild fish, thinly fileted and pan-seared. Finely chopped sundried tomatoes and shallots gave the creamy tomato sauce textural complexity. I loved the color and crunch that carrot ribbons (French fry-style) added to the dish's landscape.
Water Works Meatloaf – Comfort food gets a kick off the couch. Dry-aged strip steak and fresh vegetables go into the meatloaf, topped with cabernet garlic demi glaze. For surprising flavor, housemade white cheddar popcorn tops the garlic-leek mashed potatoes.
What you should know
Eating Florida down to its roots: The concept took me back to Tocobaga tribes and Spanish conquistadores. They even call their oversized grill a "barbacoa," as did early pirates.
Ulele occupies a 1903 pumping station at the north end of the Tampa Riverwalk. Columbia Restaurant dynasty's Richard Gonzmart turned it into a sprawl of a microbrewery, beer garden and restaurant that spills onto green lawns with sculptures and river views.
The restaurant serves only its house craft beers and American wines, the latter at utterly reasonable prices, along with fun cocktails.
An observation counter adjoins the semi-circular, open kitchen beneath a white-plank vaulted ceiling and exposed ductwork. Original art, including Dalí and Picasso, decorate the space, but a Tampa Bay Bucs flag hangs from the mezzanine dining area.


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User Review of the Velbon Super Mag Macro focusing rail
I recently bought a new macro lens (paid for with an excellent month of sales in July!), and my research identified the real need for a macro focusing rail if I was going to do this properly. The Velbon Super Mag slider was the result. I bought the Canon 100mm f2.8 for two reasons – it seems to be the lens of choice for some great images on DP Challenge, and its review on The Digital Picture was very good as well. There is no way I can do a better review of a lens than they can! Incidentally, I bought my lens from a "used" seller on Amazon – about $100 less than the new price and a filter thrown in as well. The lens was in perfect condition – but that is another story!
Why do you need a macro focusing rail? Well, the main problem with macro photography is the extremely small depth of field. You can try to stop down the aperture to get more of the subject in focus, but that then requires more light (or a higher ISO), and after you pass F16 or F22, the quality tends to diminish a little as the diffraction of light around the aperture increases. As a result, many studio shots with a great depth of focus are as a result of focus stacking, where you take several images of the subject with a each one having clear focus on a part of the object. You then combine these in Photoshop, which blends the sharpest parts of each image into one composite photograph. You can do this by changing the focus ring on the lens to get the different parts of the image in focus, but I understand that this changes the perspective, and so the best way of getting focus stacking to work smoothly is to move the whole lens/camera towards the subject and change the areas of focus that way. Hence a macro focusing rail, which lets you move the camera in very small controllable ways to get focus exactly where you want it. Of course, the same approach lets you focus on a small part of the subject for single macro shots without having to move the tripod and risk disturbing the insect, say.
I looked around for various reviews of macro focusing rails. I wanted one that was sturdy, not too heavy, not too expensive, and had movements in both directions – towards the subject and from side to side to get the right position for the shot. After reading the reviews, I ended up with the Velbon Super Mag slider.
The unit has two main sections – a three rail unit with a long screw mechanism that moves the camera backwards and forwards about 2.25 inches (6 cm). It has a detachable sideways mechanism with three rails again that can move the camera 1.25 inches (3 cm). In the field, you would normally have both fastened together to allow the full range of movement, but for studio shots I preferred just having the actual focusing rail on the tripod. Why? It removed one potential piece of instability, and I just didn't ever use it!
How stable is it – the main focusing rail is very solid. You move it forward with a knurled knob, and once in position, it stays there very securely. I found the horizontal slider to be slightly less secure. At each end of its travel, it is locked in place, but in the center, with the focus rail and a heavy camera on top, there is a little wobble. Of course, if you are using flash, this doesn't really matter, and with a remote release outdoors, it would not cause problems, but this was the other reason I removed it for normal use. It is quick and easy to remove with an allen key (provided.)
I use Arca-swiss tripod mounting plates on my camera/tripod and always have one screwed into the bottom of the camera, and so I decided to buy an Arca-swiss mounting plate and connector combination. This makes it very easy to put the focusing rails on the tripod and add the camera with just a few twists of a knob. Not really essential, but it makes for a smoother workflow and makes it less likely that you would damage the camera by carrying the whole tripod/rail/camera combination around in one package.
I've used this a lot over the past couple of weeks, and I've got nothing but praise for its capabilities. I've really enjoyed my first steps in Macro, and the focusing rails have made this a lot more successful that it otherwise would have been.
One bonus – the rail can also be used to put the camera/lens on a tripod with the rotation point being under the nodal point of the lens. This means that the perspective of near and far objects does not change as you take the various shots for the panorama. Of course it needs to be in your camera bag, but if you plan to go out to take some panoramas, this will increase your chance of success!


text: The dangle way of this Costume Jewelry Fan Designed Topaz Dangle Antique Beads Chandelier Earring, a type of ear hook style, the unique fan pattern design is perfectly composed with brilliant quality topaz plastic beads. The range of this piece is the best alternative of knickknack accessory for casual dressing. This part jewelry is weighted 7gms together with the dimensions are 5.5 x 2.4cm.wholesale rhinestone earring findings


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How To Root Samsung Intercept [Step-by-step Guide]
While there are several one click rooting tools available for most Android phones, none of them seem to work for a few handsets, including Samsung Intercept. Fortunately, our friends at sdx-developers have found a way to root the Intercept. Although the method isn't as straight forward as the ones available for most other phones, it has been reported to work for several users. Read on after the break to try it out for yourself and get root access on your device.
Disclaimer: Please follow this guide at your own risk. AddictiveTips will not be liable if your device gets damaged or bricked during the process.
What this method does is, it basically replaces the unrooted kernel of the phone with a rooted one. The rooted kernel includes all the stock Samsung Intercept kernel's modules along with a few additional files and settings from the Samsung Moment.
UPDATE: Some critical files required for this old method are no longer available, so it will not work anymore. However, you can still easily root the Intercept with SuperOneClick. See the updated method below for details.
Updated Method:
- Download and install the Samsung Intercept USB drivers from the link given below.
- Download the latest version of SuperOneClick from the link given below and install it on your computer.
- Enable USB debugging on your phone in Settings > Applications > Development.
- Run SuperOneClick and connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Click 'Root' and wait for the process to finish. Your phone will reboot once it's done.
There you go; enjoy!
Download SuperOneClick (Get the latest version)
Download Samsung Intercept USB Drivers for Windows
For details on this method, visit this XDA-Developers forum thread.
Old Method (Not Valid Anymore):
Here is how it's done:
Download 'Samsung Moment Update' from the link given below, and install it to your computer. Download 'LouZiffer's Samsung Updater Patch' from the link given below, and install it to your computer. Download 'Intercept Recovery' from the link given below and save it in following location, depending on your operating system.
For 32 bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Samsung Electronics\SWUpgrade\Models\Binary For 64 bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Samsung Electronics\SWUpgrade\Models\Binary
Make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you delete the file that is already there, or else you may PERMANANTLY BRICK your phone.
Download the USB drivers for your phone using the link given below, and extract them to a location on your computer. Power on your phone in download mode by holding its 'Volume Down', 'Camera' and 'End' buttons, and connect it to your computer. When prompted, choose to install the drivers manually rather than letting Windows search for them automatically, and specify the location from the previous step. Run the SWUpgrade program that you installed in step one, and follow its instructions step by step. Be patient with the reboots as it might take a long time for the device to boot during the process. On your phone's SD Card, make the following folders:
/sdx/updates /sdx/zip /sdx/backup
Download 'inxane's kernel' from the link given below and place it in the SD Card's /sdx/zip folder. Boot your phone into recovery mode by first powering it off and then holding its 'Volume Down', 'Talk' and 'End' buttons. Select the 'Install zip from SD Card' option from recovery. Reboot your phone once it has installed the zip.
And that's it – you now have a rooted Samsung Intercept. If anything goes wrong, start over and make sure you follow the steps in the EXACT order, or you can head over to the corresponding threads to contact the community for assistance in case anything goes wrong.
This method was originally posted on SDX-Developer a few months ago. The kernel file's link got dead in the meantime and those at XDA-Developers started a thread on it with working download links to the missing files, and some refinements to the method.
Download Samsung Moment Update
Download LouZiffer's Samsung Updater Patch
Download Samsung Intercept Recovery (Not available anymore)
Download inxane's Kernel


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I truly enjoyed these two books and Cheree has been really nice giving us free copies of her books.
FIVE pairs of Cheree's books are up for grabs so you get more chances of winning.
Winners will be announced on February 28 and will be given Smashwords coupons via email.
If you can't see the rafflecopter form, click the READ MORE link for it to show up.


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World's most complex fusion power plant 50 pc built
New Delhi, Dec 6 : The world's most complex machine, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) -- a project in which India is a scientific partner to prove that fusion power can be produced on a commercial scale -- is now 50 per cent built, it was announced on Wednesday.Carbon-free and environmentally sustainable fusion is the same energy source from the sun that gives the earth its light and warmth.
ITER, the most complex science project in human history, will use hydrogen fusion, controlled by superconducting magnets, to produce massive heat energy.
In the commercial machines that will follow, this heat will drive turbines to produce electricity.
Scientists say a pineapple-sized amount of hydrogen offers as much fusion energy as 10,000 tonnes of fossil fuel coal.
The ITER facility is being built in southern France by a scientific partnership of 35 countries.
ITER's specialised components, roughly 10 million parts in total, are being manufactured in industrial facilities all over the world.
They are subsequently shipped to the ITER worksite, where they must be assembled, piece-by-piece, into the final machine.
Each of the seven ITER members -- the European Union, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US -- is fabricating a significant portion of the machine. This adds to ITER's complexity.
In a message on December 1 to top-level officials in ITER member-governments, the project reported it had completed 50 per cent of the "total construction work scope through First Plasma".
First Plasma, scheduled for December 2025, will be the first stage of operation for ITER as a functional machine.
"The stakes are very high for ITER," writes ITER Director-General Bernard Bigot.
"When we prove that fusion is a viable energy source, it will eventually replace burning fossil fuels, which are non-renewable and non-sustainable. Fusion will be complementary with wind, solar, and other renewable energies."
"Our design has taken advantage of the best expertise of every member's scientific and industrial base. No country could do this alone. We are all learning from each other, for the world's mutual benefit."
The ITER 50 per cent milestone is getting significant attention.
The concept of the project was conceived at the 1985 Geneva Summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
When the ITER Agreement was signed in 2006, it was supported by leaders like French President Jacques Chirac, US President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
More than 80 per cent of the cost of the ITER, about $22 billion, is contributed in the form of components manufactured by the partners.
Many of these massive components of the ITER machine must be precisely fitted, for example, 17-meter-high magnets with less than a millimetre of tolerance.
Each component must be ready on time to fit into the master schedule for machine assembly.
The European Union is paying 45 per cent of the cost; China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US each contribute 9 per cent equally.
All members share in ITER's technology; they receive equal access to the intellectual property and innovation that comes from building the ITER.
When will commercial fusion plants be ready?
ITER scientists predict that fusion plants will start to come on line as soon as 2040.
The exact timing, according to fusion experts, will depend on the level of public urgency and political will that translates to financial investment.
The ITER will produce 500 megawatts of thermal power.
This size of the plant is suitable for studying "burning" or largely self-heating plasma, a state of matter that has never been produced in a controlled environment on earth.
In "burning" plasma, most of the plasma heating comes from the fusion reaction itself. Studying the fusion science and technology at ITER's scale will enable optimization of the plants that follow.
A commercial fusion plant will be designed with a slightly larger plasma chamber, for 10-15 times more electrical power.
A 2,000-megawatt fusion electricity plant, for example, would supply two million homes.
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World's most complex fusion power plant 50 pc built
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Need a last minute after party clean up or a one off spring clean?
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"Let Love Rule" is the message Closeup wants to share to all youngsters during Valentine 2013 to encourage people to confidently express their love to partners.
Thy, Cuong and Phuc are amongst thousands of youngsters that joined the "Let Love Rule" contest at Closeup Vietnam Facebook. All three want to do something special for their girlfriends but feel like they always face invisible barriers that prevent them from making it happen. With the inspiration and support from Closeup, they created the most romantic and touching proposal ever.
The guys invited their girlfriends to the cinema to see what appears to be just a normal day out. The girls innocently came along without knowing they're in for the biggest surprise in their lives. After the trailer at the beginning of the movie, the girls are shocked seeing their boyfriends confessing love on the big screen with their favorite song. With their sincerity and music talents, Thy, Cuong, Phuc made their girlfriend feel touched and happy.
Ambient advertisement created by Lowe, Vietnam for Close Up, within the category: Health.
Executive Creative Director: Christopher Catchpole
Creative Director: Vanessa Hurst
Director of planning: Indraneel Guha
Planning: Tobias Briffa
Accounts: Vy Truong


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There's a super romance brewing in Metropolis!
After months of "flirty foreshadowing," Superman and Wonder Woman have finally locked lips, officially becoming the (super)power couple of every comic lovers' fantasy.
According to USA Today, the romantic canoodling is featured in the latest issue of DC Comics' "Justice League," in which the Man of Steel and Wonder Woman are said to find solace in each other after an emotionally fraught battle with the super villain, Graves.
Though this may sound like a perfect recipe for a one-time, heat-of-the-moment tryst, "Justice League" writer Geoff Johns told Entertainment Weekly that this super romance is the real deal.
"This is the new status quo," Johns said, adding that the relationship will have a big impact on all the characters in the series.
(Story continues below)
In fact, to further prove the superheroes' commitment to their new romantic partnership, DC Comics has teamed up with Match.com to reveal the retired dating profiles of Superman and his Amazonian girlfriend.
Sorry all, the hot superheros are both officially off the market.
For those who haven't been following the latest developments in the DC Universe, tongues may be wagging as to Superman's fidelity: What happened to Lois Lane?
According to Geekosystem, Superman's mortal lover is no longer in the picture:
DC recently rebooted their entire comic universe. Dubbed "The New 52," every modern franchise has been restarted, starting with issue #1. In Superman's new reality, Clark Kent and Lois Lane aren't married. She has a new boyfriend now… His name is Jonathan.
And while some may still be shocked at the idea of Superman and Wonder Woman together, this actually isn't the first time they've been romantically involved. In the series "The Dark Knight Strikes Again," for example, Superman and Wonder Woman have a daughter named Lara (aka Supergirl) together, according to Yahoo! News.
Nonetheless, "Justice League" artist Jim Lee says he hopes this new iteration of the super couple will get people talking.
"Hopefully this will raise a lot of eyebrows," Lee told Entertainment Weekly. "We welcome the watercooler chatter."
Justice League issue #12 is available in comic shops and digitally on Wednesday. The suggestive cover of that issue is shown here:


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Happiness Hacks
100% Scientific! Curiously Effective!
Highly effective hacks from totally true facts!By Alex Palmer Read by Stephanie Spicer Nonfiction / Personal Growth / Psychology / Self-Help`strong> English, Unabridged 4h 31m Sell Sheet Also available on
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Could you be happier at work... in love... in life? You may not need a total overhaul—just a few good Happiness Hacks! Here are hundreds of shortcuts to brighten your day and boost your mood—and the science behind how they work. Discover why... • 57°F (13.9°C) is the happiest temperature • Selfies give you a jolt of joy • Renters have a surprising edge over homeowners • 17-minute breaks are the most productive • Intimacy is better than sex • It's more satisfying to work a full 40-hour week • Date night is the key to a happy marriage • Just 10 minutes of exercise can cheer you up! Whether you're seeking better health, stronger friendships, or that elusive "happy place," these stunningly simple tips are proven to help. You can hack your way to happiness!