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Kathleen Turner is back onscreen this week with "The Perfect Family." Surprisingly, it's the first time the actress has tackled a lead role since the 1994 John Water's comedy, "Serial Mom."
In the new comedy-drama, Turner, 57, plays Eileen Cleary, a devoutly religious wife and mother who has been nominated for Catholic Woman of the Year in her small town parish. Problem is, she may not get the prized title if the church finds out that her unwed, pregnant daughter (Emily Deschanel) is actually a lesbian, her son (Jason Ritter) has just left his wife and kids for the local manicurist, and that her marriage to a recovering alcoholic husband (Michael McGrady) is on the rocks.
The outspoken actress – she's pro-gay marriage and on the board of People for the American Way (a progressive advocacy group she describes as, "protectors of the first amendment and watchdogs of the religious right") – phoned in to chat (in that unmistakable, husky voice) about balancing doctrine with real life, her passion for the theater, and staging a timely play in Washington to coincide with the upcoming Presidential election.
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There are a lot of really big themes in "The Perfect Family," was that part of the attraction of getting involved?
Oh yes, right from the very beginning. You think of the incredible conflict between someone who believes so totally in the [Catholic] doctrine and yet tries to live in the real world. It almost seems impossible that one can inhabit both, and as the movie unfolds it is clearly not possible. So what happens is the character has to reassess, has to change, has to learn. And that is absolutely the number one requirement of any character that I would be interested in doing – they have to go through a process, a change.
A lot of these themes - family, religion, gay and women's rights - were mirrored in the recent Republican primaries…
They were highlighted, certainly, during the primaries. But we didn't time the release of this film in order to coincide. We were going to do it no matter whether it was an election year or not.
It's turned out advantageous though.
Well, yes. It is very reflective of what is going on in our country and that is only helpful. I don't mean just for the film, but for the people who see the film.
What do you hope audiences will take away?
Well, one of the things that comes through strongest to me is the sense of compassion, the real love this family has for each other. You can't deny that type of love. And that is very, very important to me, the affirmation of that. And I would hope tolerance – to whatever degree – would be something that we can convey to audiences.
In the film your character tells her son, "Who cares if you are happy. You need to do the right thing." Do you think many people wrestle with a similar belief?
If they're strongly religious I imagine it is a real difficulty for them. If they are not – the son is not devout – I think that it just doesn't make sense to them. It is interesting to me to examine and explore a person whose faith or belief is so strong in an organized religion that it supersedes almost everything else. I can't say I understand it, but it was interesting exploring it.
This character and your recent role as a nun in the Broadway production of "High" were both devout Catholics. Were you raised in the religion?
Heck, no! I didn't know a darned thing about it. I had to go through all this reading before the film. I had to find out what the Catholic doctrine was about. I really was eager to learn. Happily so, thank you very much.
But it doesn't have to be Catholicism; it's the doctrine that is the key here. It's any church or any organized religion that says: this is the only way. I just think that the Catholic structure is more familiar to us. I would put Islam in there, I would put Judaism in there – any orthodox religion would fit this model. It's the issues themselves about the struggle, between following the dictates within your personal relationships.
This is one of the first big screen leading roles you have done in quite some time.
Yes, I have been so wrapped up in my stage work. That's been where my focus has been going the last few years. I got the chance to do "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and develop two new plays. I'm also taking a one-woman show called "Red Hot Patriot: the Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins" to Washington before the elections. It's excellent timing – she's a very humorous, liberal woman. And you know, that is important to me.
Some people have described you the same way.
Well I hope so. I hope so. But it takes years to develop new projects, especially for the theater. And that has been my focus for … well, I don't know where the time goes.
Is theater work more satisfying to you these days?
Yes, very much. Being on stage is something you really share with the audience and the other actors. Film-making, not only do I find it on the whole now rather formulaic – so many of the storylines or scripts that I read are so predictable or follow a set pattern or are remakes of TV shows – but the material itself is not very challenging. And the process of film where you act for 20 minutes, stop while they reset the lights for an hour or two, act for another 20 minutes (the same material) and then you sit down again while they reset the lights. Stage to me is so alive, so immediate.
Looking forward, what do you have booked following "Red Hot Patriot"?
After that I will be doing another piece of theater where I will be starring and directing. That's the next challenge. I have directed – and Lord knows I have been the lead in many pieces – but I haven't directed at the same time. So I am really excited to try that one out. I can't tell you too much about it yet because we haven't finalized contracts and all that stuff, yet.
How does your approach differ from acting to directing?
I see everything in a lot more detail now. Experience does add up. It really does. And certainly when you work as a director you are responsible for the entire production, not just one character. In a way it is the details of the sets and the lighting and costuming, and then having the actors meld to the intention of a scene. When it all comes together it is just, 'Ahh!' It's just quite thrilling. I find it is like acting all the characters at once.
"The Perfect Family" opens in limited release and on demand Friday, May 4. The DVD will be released June 26.


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Ozzie's Final Word: No Thome (and I, For One, Agree)
As has been well-chronicled, Kenny Williams allowed Ozzie Guillen to make the decision on whether or not to keep Jim Thome. After a SoxFest weekend where fans lobbied for the popular slugger and rumors of the Twins' and Rays' interest in Thome abounded, Ozzie still came to the conclusion that the Sox should move on without him.
Personally, I think it's the right call. Granted, that means we go into 2010 without Thome AND Jermaine Dye. It's also a fact that while Andruw Jones, Omar Vizquel and Mark Kotsay provide solid bench strength, there is no guarantee that they will be a championship caliber DH rotation. Despite those questions, I'm convinced it's just time for Thome to go with the Sox changing their persona to more of a speed-oriented and versatile ballclub.
Thome leaves the Sox with a legacy of class and leadership. And we certainly will never forget his dramatic 500th home run, the monumental blast against the Twins in 2008 that propelled us in the playoffs and many other on-field heroics. But after last year's disappointing season change is needed and while time will tell if it's the right call, Thome is a victim of that change.


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SAO PAULO, Brazil — If it wasn't for the TotalFlex logo on the new Gol subcompacts leaving a sprawling Volkswagen plant, the shiny cars would be indistinguishable from millions already on the road across Latin America.
But these Gols and other models produced by Fiat SpA and General Motors Corp. have modified engines that, given the rising price of oil, are making Brazilians smile at the gas pumps. They run on gasoline, alcohol or any combination of the two and now represent nearly 20 percent of the new cars sold in Brazil.
With alcohol — also called ethanol — cleaner and selling at half the price of gas in South America's largest country, Brazilians who have bought 200,000 "flex-fuel" cars since their launch last year say deciding which fuel to use is a no-brainer.
"Alcohol, all the time," said office manager Roseli Santana as she filled up her 2004 subcompact GM Montana pickup at a Shell station in Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city and home to 5 million cars. "I was using 52 reals ($17) of gas every week, now I'm paying 30 reals ($10) for the same amount, except it's alcohol."
Export goal
Brazil hopes to export flex-fuel cars and technology around the world, and auto industry executives say interest from abroad is increasing. So far, Volkswagen has hosted delegations from Australia, China, England, India, Japan and South Africa.
"They want to know how it works," said Joao Alvarez Jr., the top engineering executive for Volkswagen's Brasil's flex-fuel car lineup, which has the biggest market share. "Gasoline is going to run out someday, everyone knows that."
Engine and assembly line changes to make flex-fuel cars aren't complicated, though the cars come outfitted with a tiny gas-only tank under the hood smaller than a windshield wiper fluid reservoir. It's used to start the car on cold days just for a moment before automatically switching back to alcohol or whatever is in the main tank.
But mass exports of flex-fuel cars aren't likely in the near future, because no other country has an alcohol fuel production and distribution system as advanced as Brazil's. Virtually all the country's service stations offer alcohol.
1970s origin
The idea for non-gas powered cars goes back to the 1970s fuel crisis, when Brazil's economy nose-dived, prompting the country's military dictatorship to launch a campaign to wean the country from expensive, imported oil.
Government subsidies helped fund the design and manufacture of alcohol-only cars. They also supported a vast industry near Sao Paulo to cultivate sugarcane and refine it into alcohol, and an alcohol distribution network that spans a country nearly the size of the continental United States.
Millions of Brazilians switched to the alcohol-only cars in the 1980s, but a 1989 shortage of alcohol left enraged motorists unable to fill up and drive their cars. Falling gas prices in the 1990s added to the end of the country's affair with alcohol-only cars. Last year's sales of alcohol-only cars represented only 3.5 percent of new vehicle sales.
But flex-fuel cars sales took off after the vehicles made it to show rooms last September, totaling 50,000 through the end of 2003. An additional 150,000 were sold from January through June, the latest period for which figures are available.
Infrastructure abroad needed
Other nations like the United States are promoting a fuel mix consisting of 85 percent alcohol and 15 percent gas, but experts say it will take years — if not decades — for true flex-fuel cars to be sold outside Brazil.
"The problem with these flex-fuel vehicles is they need to meet with an established infrastructure," said Cristoph Berg, a commodities analyst with F.O. Licht in Germany. "In the case of Brazil, the fuel was there first."
Some American cars can run on the alcohol-gasoline mix, known as E85, but it's hard to find at the pumps. Most of the efforts of carmakers in the United States on alternatives to gas has been focused on making and marketing hybrid cars with gas and electric engines.
Flex-fuel cars will grab an increasing share of the Brazilian auto market even if gas prices fall because buyers get a viable fuel choice they never had before, said Joao Leite, owner of the Autoinforme Web site focusing on Brazil's auto industry .
"If gas and alcohol are the same price, I'm still going to go for the flex because you never know what will happen in a year or two," he said. "You can't lose with a flex car."
Natural gas version
Other big automakers, like Ford Motor Co., plan to start selling Brazilian flex-fuel cars this year. And GM recently upped the ante on fuel choice for Brazilians, offering a flex-fuel car that also runs on natural gas, widely available at the pumps in Brazil's biggest cities.
Brazilian drivers for years have hired mechanics to install natural gas conversion kits on their cars. But GM's compact Astra is the first to come with natural gas as a factory-installed option, with an extra tank for the fuel in the trunk.
After buying her flex-fuel pickup in January for $8,300, Santana experimented with mixes of alcohol and gas before settling on pure alcohol. The vehicle's performance is the same on both types of fuel, she says, though it gets slightly fewer miles to the gallon with alcohol. So far, she's saved about $200 on fuel.
Three of Santana's friends bought flex-fuel cars after she told them she will never go back to a gasoline-powered car, and will only buy gas for her pickup if the price drops significantly.
"I was a little worried about using the alcohol, but there's really no difference," Santana said. "If it ends up costing the same price, maybe I'll just mix the two."
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Life Time Fitness increased revenue by 11.1 percent in second quarter 2011 and is expected to hit $1 billion in revenue by the end of this year as the company accelerates its growth, according to financials released by the company Thursday.
Life Time's second quarter revenue of $256.7 million was an 11.1 percent increase from the $231.1 million it had in the same period last year. Net income for the quarter was $24.9 million compared to net income of $21.9 million in second quarter 2010.
For the six months ended June 30, 2011, revenue grew 10.3 percent to $497.3 million from $450.9 million during the same period last year. Net income for the first six months of 2011 was $45.8 million compared with $39.7 million for the first six months of 2010.
Along with the increased revenues, Life Time had higher memberships and the company lowered its debt, leading Bahram Akradi, chairman, president and CEO at Life Time, Chanhassen, MN, to state in a call with analysts on Thursday that the company will now focus on accelerating growth.
"We will deliver this growth in several ways, including growing units and square footage and providing more programming and options that furthers our healthy way of life company objectives," Akradi said. With a combination of these and other growth initiatives, Akradi expects that Life Time will deliver low double-digit growth in 2012.
The accelerated growth will come partially through dues growth in existing centers and growth of the 19 businesses that the company operates within its centers, Mike Robinson, CFO, said in the call. However, unit growth, both new builds and conversions, also will drive this. Life Time currently has three centers, representing just over 4 percent square footage growth, under construction for 2012. The company is targeting 6 percent plus square footage growth for the year with the difference coming from acquisitions planned for completion in the next year.
Akradi would not offer specifics on acquisition possibilities, but he said that the long gestation time on the company's out-of-the-ground big box facilities is long, so the company is looking for facilities that fit the logistics and strategic plans of Life Time as acquisition candidates.
During the call with analysts, Akradi made special note of the lower attrition numbers for the company. Attrition for the second quarter was 8.1 percent compared to 8.4 percent in second quarter 2010. The trailing 12-month attrition was 35.8 percent, falling below the company's goal to reduce attrition below 36 percent.
"I am very pleased with these results," Akradi said. "They indicate that the strategies we deployed over the last few years have been clearly successful. The quality of our places, our people and our programs define Life Time as a healthy way of life company and establishes its own category."
Life Time is on its way to accomplishing the 2011 objectives laid out at the beginning of the year, Akradi said. The company is nearly at its desired leverage ratio of debt to EBITDA of two to one. On June 30, Life Time renewed its revolver credit facility, extending the maturity date to June 30, 2016, and increasing the amount to $660 million from $470 million.
"In fact, we have commitments from banks totaling nearly $900 million," Akradi said. "This speaks volumes about the strength of our balance sheet and cash flow."
The company has an accordion feature on the revolver credit facility that would allow it to potentially increase the facility by an additional $240 million. The structure of the facility is more flexible in certain areas including acquisitions, dispositions, acquiring new debt, debt retirement, dividends and share repurchases, Robinson said.
"We are very pleased with the terms and feel this facility will be the foundation of our capital structure for the next several years," he said.
Total debt decreased $8 million in the second quarter, according to Robinson. As of June 30, Life Time had $402 million outstanding, including letters of credit on its $660 million revolver. That leaves approximately $269 million in cash and revolver availability.
On April 4, Life Time retired in full 10 mortgage loans totaling $69.6 million, using its revolver and cash flow from operations to fund the retirement.
As of June 30, Life Time had 92 open centers compared to 88 on June 30, 2010. With the 10 mortgages being released, Life Time now owns 51 unencumbered centers with a net book value of approximately $1.2 billion.
Memberships grew 5.1 percent to 664,307 at June 30, 2011, from 631,862 at June 30, 2010. Membership dues revenue grew 9.2 percent for the quarter, which outpaced membership growth of 5.1 percent.
"Our goal is to have continued dues growth in excess of membership growth," Robinson said. "One element of our growth strategy is to prudently take price and improve our membership mix to drive higher dues per center. These results prove we are doing that. Our powerful dues stream accounts for 65 percent of our revenue."
With the higher dues growth, the company also increased in-center revenue by 17.3 percent for the quarter by increasing its products and services, driving members to use these services through its LT Bucks affinity program and continually enhancing its connectivity initiatives, Robinson said.
"Our focus is to drive more member involvement, which we expect will improve member retention and customer satisfaction," Robinson said.
Life Time's stock closed on Thursday at $43.29, up from its close of $40.06 the day prior. It is down from its year high of $44.23 on Feb. 11.


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By Jillian Martin, Editorial Assistant
On January 24, President Barack Obama made his annual State of the Union address. In it, he touched on important issues that will come up in the next few months as he campaigns against the Republican candidate.
While discussing his plan for economic growth, this year's top priority, he said, "You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country. That means women should earn equal pay for equal work." This statement, short as it is, is important.
While women may have the right to vote, and sexual discrimination when hiring and at the workplace is illegal, women in the U.S. continue to earn less than men for equal work (approximately 78 cents to every one dollar. And let's not forget about women of color, who are paid even less. The National Women's Organization reports "African American women earn only 61 cents and Latinas just 52 cents [compared to every one dollar men earn for equal work]."
Since the beginning of his term, the President has been dedicated to this issue of pay equity. In fact, in 2009, the first bill that Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act. When Lilly Ledbetter neared retirement, she learned that her male co-workers were paid more for equal work. The case went to the Supreme Court where the Court ruled that the statue of limitations had passed—she should have filed the suit within 180 days of the first sign of pay discrimination. The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, which amends Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, says the suit can be filed 180 days after the most recent paycheck that shows discrimination, thereby making it much easier for women to file for claims in cases of pay inequity.
Obama's support of the Lilly Ledbetter Act three years ago was critical to its transition from an idea to a legally enforceable mandate. And this year, Obama is making it clear that he is still committed to pay equity. Two days after his State of the Union Address, Obama uploaded a video to YouTube explaining why he signed the Lilly Leadbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act into law and why he supports the Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 182/H.R. 12), which some have called the "next step" toward equality and 'closing the wage gap.' This bill passed the House in January, but still needs to pass the Senate before it becomes a law. The act looks to remedy pay discrimination based on sex.
If it were to pass, the Paycheck Fairness Act would work to end the discrimination of pay between women and men by implementing specific regulations and creating more opportunities for women to be paid equally, and to protest when they are not. Some of these regulations include requiring education, training, and work experience as determinants in or reasons for a change in pay or position. Additionally, employees would be legally allowed to discuss their wages with co-workers, if they so wished, which would enlighten someone if he or she was being underpaid. Women would be given the chance to participate in negotiation training, where they would develop skills to negotiate their salary. On a broad scale, the bill would bring a great change to the workforce practices in place today.
While it is heartening that the Paycheck Fairness Act has been reinstated for debate in Congress since our blog entry: "Congress Votes Down Paycheck Fairness Act" in November 2010, there is still a long way to go before this bill becomes law. As young women, this law may not seem relevant to you yet, but it is. Over the course of your lifetime, it could mean millions of dollars more in your pocket.
As the 2012 Presidential election approaches, we hope to see this wage gap issue and other women's rights issues discussed among the candidates.
For more on the Paycheck Fairness Act and Obama's policy on equal rights, visit the following websites: the National Organization for Women, the American Association for University Women, and The President's Record on Equal Rights.


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It's Never Too Late: Call Us for Help with Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
At Evergreen Recovery Centers (formerly Evergreen Manor), we facilitate treatment for those affected by drugs and alcohol. No matter your level of addiction, we can make a difference in your life. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment—for all affected. Whether you are addicted, or want to better understand the addiction patterns of your loved one, our staff of professionals can help you.
With over forty years of experience, we have the tools to create a safe environment full of integrity and respect. Each member of our team wants each of our patients to succeed.
We offer a number of diverse services in the Puget Sound region, including:
- Medically supervised acute detox programs
- Assessments, deferred prosecution, and DUI programs
- Intensive outpatient programs (including daycare for single parents)
- Mental health counseling for co-occurring disorders
- Patient navigation (for persons struggling with barriers to treatment)
- Early intervention (including Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) and SBIRT)
- Drug screening
- Residential and outpatient services for pregnant and parenting women
- Residential inpatient for men only
- Therapeutic day care programs for young children of patients
- ADIS (Alcohol and Drug Information School)
Our programs are individualized to address your unique needs. We will meet with you to determine those needs. Contact us today to learn more.


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Bachata Nightz plus Dance Lesson with Kathy Reyes
Thu, Feb 6 at 8:30pm
- Doors at 8:00 pm / Dance Lesson at 8:30 pm with Kathy Reyes / Performance at 9:30 pm
- Tickets are $10 Advance / $15 Day of Show / $10 Students
Bachata Nightz happens the first Thursday of the month. It is led by award-winning Bachata contest master Kathy Reyes, who also teaches dance at Ashkenaz. Bachata is a form of Latin dance/music that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is now danced all over the world. Reyes teaches the dance lesson at 8:30 p.m., followed by performance and dancing to recorded music spun by DJ MIGZ.
Currently the defending Los Angeles Bachata Champion (winning first place at the L.A. Bachata Festival), Kathy Reyes is known for her unique style and interpretation of music. She discovered her talent and passion for Latin dancing in college in Los Angeles, and over the past 10 years has taken various prizes individually and in dance troupes. She leads groups and teaches here, in Los Angeles and San Diego. Teaching allows her to share her philosophy of dance: "Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart takes one to a whole different level."


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in my opinion Jim's acting was very well done, no wonder he went on to do other things after this.
Too bad we all couldn't keep the looks of youth and the wisdom
of age.
Alas, it is not so and the body grows older.
I just rode back from Port today and I am
very tired, but I had a good swim while I was there.
Didn't take my scuba stuff, too hard to haul on my bicycle
The lake seemed almost as warm as the air.
One great big bath tub, unless you put you're feet down,
then it was cooler


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Tigers Not Chosen For NCAA FCS Playoffs
TOWSON, Md. – Although Towson University finished the regular season with four consecutive victories and earned a share of the Colonial Athletic Association championship, the Tigers were not selected to play in the NCAA FCS playoffs. The NCAA announced its 20-team field on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers, who finished the season with a 7-4 record and went 6-2 in the CAA, assembled in their locker room to watch the NCAA selection show. They sat in stunned silence when they learned that Towson was not selected.
"I can't think of any time when I've been more disappointed," said Towson Coach Rob Ambrose. "These players deserve better than this and they earned the right to play in the NCAA post-season again.
"These guys are champions," Ambrose added. "We don't need some people sitting in an NCAA Board Room to validate us. The goal should be to have the best 20 teams competing for the championship."
The Tigers, who shared the CAA title with New Hampshire (8-3, 6-2), Villanova (8-3, 6-2) and Richmond (8-3, 6-2), were seeking their second straight appearance in the NCAA FCS playoffs. UNH and Villanova were selected to advance to the post-season while Towson and Richmond were overlooked.
In the final four weeks of the season, Towson posted convincing wins over Villanova (49-35) and New Hampshire (64-35). When Towson handed UNH a decisive 64-35 in the regular season finale on Saturday, it seemed like the Tigers had played their way into the NCAA FCS playoff field.
Over the last two seasons, Towson has posted a 13-3 record in CAA games and has won seven of eight CAA road games.
The Tigers also played the third-toughest schedule in FCS football, a slate that included losses to a pair of NCAA FBS teams that are having very good seasons, Louisiana State and Kent State.
Towson loses 14 seniors from this year's team, including wide receiver Erron Banks (Bound Brook H.S./Bound Brook, N.J.), defensive end Frank Beltre (Randolph H.S./Randolph, N.J.), wide receiver Alex Blake (Friendly H.S./Fort Washington, Md.), linebacker Brian Boateng (Gaithersburg H.S./Burtonsville, Md.), running back Dominique Booker (Hermitage H.S./Richmond, Va.), defensive end Ben Chroniger (DeMatha H.S./Crofton, Md.), safety Jordan Dangerfield (Royal Palm Beach H.S./Royal Palm Beach, Fla.), quarterback Grant Enders (Old Mill H.S./Millersville, Md.), tight end Cory Kirby (Kent Island H.S./Chester, Md.), defensive tackle Matt Morgan (Horseheads H.S./Horseheads, N.Y.), linebacker Nick Ranko (Foxborough H.S./Foxborough, Mass.), wide receiver Tom Ryan (Father Judge H.S./Philadelphia, Pa.), wide receiver Gerrard Sheppard (McDonogh H.S./Owings Mills, Md.) and defensive end Romale Tucker (Ballou H.S./Washington, D.C.).
Beltre and Dangerfield were All-American performers while Enders was a two-year starter at quarterback. He posted an impressive 16-6 record as the Towson signal-caller.
"These players will always be special to this program," said Ambrose. "They changed the culture around here and brought respect to this football program."
TIGER TALES: In their season-ending four-game winning streak, the Tigers outscored their opponents by a 188-107 margin … In the last four contests, Towson averaged 525.5 yards of total offense per game while allowing 332.2 yards per game … Towson led the CAA in total defense, allowing 313.2 yards per contest.
In their four-game winning streak, the Tigers had a plus-five turnover ratio … Towson turned the ball over only once in the final four games of the year … Towson's four-game winning streak is their longest winning streak since 2006 when the Tigers opened the season with four wins in a row.
– TowsonTigers.com –


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Money issues can limit a survivor's ability to move past abuse. Sara Shoener, Research Director at the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice and our guest blogger, works to educate survivors on ways to recover financially from domestic violence. Today she shares her perspective on how abuse, money and freedom intersect.
Please tell us about the work that you do.
I am the Research Director for the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice, which is a national organization dedicated to enhancing advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. We bring together experts to provide training to advocates and attorneys, to organize communities and to offer leadership on addressing the critical issues domestic violence survivors are currently facing across the country.
Right now we are focusing on our Consumer Rights for Domestic Violence Survivors Initiative, where we are working with a group of inspiring consumer rights, anti-poverty, and domestic violence attorneys and advocates to develop some really ground-breaking projects, training, and written resources that focus on domestic violence survivors' physical and economic security.
How do domestic violence and finances intersect?
Economic hardship and domestic violence exacerbate one another. Research shows that women living in poverty experience domestic violence at twice the rates of those who do not. Domestic violence increases financial insecurity, and in turn, poverty heightens one's vulnerability to domestic violence. Batterers' acts of sabotage and control can create economic instability that last long after the abuse has ended.
Domestic violence has been linked to a range of negative economic outcomes such as housing instability, fewer days of employment, job loss and difficulty finding employment. Correspondingly, poverty limits one's options for achieving long-term safety.
Domestic violence survivors often rank material factors such as income, housing, transportation, and childcare as their biggest considerations when assessing their safety plans. Given the relationship between finances and domestic violence, it's not surprising that research has often reported income to be one of (if not the) biggest predictors of domestic violence.
What does economic abuse look like?
It can look like a lot of things, but is generally thought of as batterers' tactics to control their partners or ex-partners by restricting or sabotaging their access to material resources. Something we hear about a lot is abusers putting survivors' names on bills or taking credit cards out in survivors' names to drive them into debt and ruin their credit.
Employment sabotage, such as hiding a survivor's car keys on the day of a job interview or stalking her or him at work, is also economic abuse. Batterers use institutions survivors often navigate to bolster their economic abuse, too. For example, an abuser might use the custody court system to require the mother of his children not to move out of the area, arguing that if she leaves he will not be able to see his children as easily.
Survivors who have received orders like this have been forced to give up economic opportunities in other places such as better jobs, affordable education, and rent sharing with family members. Other batterers continually file protection orders against their partners and ex-partners in order to force them to miss school or work to be present in court.
Domestic violence can create economic damage that endures long after an abusive relationship is over, too. Survivors often face damage to their credit reports, social networks, bodies, mental wellbeing and professional reputations that generate persistent economic loss. These negative economic impacts restrict survivor's options and as increase their vulnerability to future harm.
What interested you in this work?
The short answer is that I recently spent many months on a research project where I had the opportunity to meet domestic violence survivors from different communities and interview them about their experiences seeking safety through institutions such as the court system, public housing and law enforcement.
What I heard from all types of people in all types of places was that they didn't have the economic stability necessary to end the abuse they were experiencing. Sometimes that included huge ongoing expenses such as affording rent on one's own. Other costs were more of a one-shot-deal, such as having to take time off work to go to court for a protection order.
The beginning of the longer answer is that the domestic violence survivors I have met are some of the strongest, smartest, kindest and most resilient people I will ever be lucky enough to know. Yet, they often face institutional barriers to safety rooted in social factors such as race, class and gender. Because of that, I find this work especially important and meaningful.
Please complete this sentence. I see DV ___________.
I see domestic violence as the outcome of economic, social, and political inequality.
About Our Contributor
Sara Shoener is the Research Director at the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice. She has been advocating for and conducting research on effective approaches to reduce violence against women for over 10 years. Sara's love of qualitative research stems from the opportunity it grants to listen to and learn from women's narratives. As a result, she has conducted numerous focus groups, surveys, needs assessments, program evaluations and in-depth interviews related to anti-violence projects. A Truman Scholar and American Association of University Women Dissertation Fellow, Ms. Shoener is a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, where she also obtained her MPH.


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FARGO - Before you go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house, make sure you pack for the trip. Or rather, pack for the unexpected things that could happen on the way.
As the temperatures continue to drop, snow blows and winter travel can become dangerous, experts urge drivers to take precautions, not just behind the wheel, but even before getting in the car.
If you haven't already, the time has come to check and pack your winter survival kit.
If you don't know the drill, the idea is pretty simple - load a container with the essentials you would need if you get caught in your vehicle for a number of hours.
There haven't been a lot of advancements in the world of winter survival kits. The essentials remain:
• Small shovel and window scraper
• Gloves, hats and blankets
• Flashlights with fresh batteries and warning flares or triangles
• Shop rags or paper towels
• Drinking water and nonperishable snack bars
• A source of heat, such as a multiple wick candle
• Warm clothes and winter boots
• Jumper cables
• A rope
• Something to read or an activity book to stay busy
• Sand, cat litter or traction mats
One newer item authorities urge travelers to bring is a phone charger.
Sgt. Jesse R. Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol says that even if you leave home with a fully juiced phone, if you find yourself in trouble and calling to get help, your battery will drain if you don't keep it charged.
A trooper for 19 years, he says sleeping bags or warm blankets are the most important thing people neglect to pack.
"I see so many people underprepared, underdressed for the weather. They rationalize, 'Oh, it's just a quick trip to Fargo-Moorhead,' but I see a lot of people stranded and not have the proper warm clothing."
Lt. Michael Roark of the North Dakota Highway Patrol says warm layers is one thing he's sure to keep in all of his cars.
"I make sure there's a blanket, heavy duty gloves, hat and even coveralls in my vehicle," he says.
He adds that jumper cables are another thing people often overlook.
Grabow says to remember you're not just packing to keep yourself safe and warm, but also everyone in the car. He recalls a family that got stranded on a rural road and it took hours for emergency crews to reach them.
"You may have to adjust accordingly depending on the size of the group you're traveling with," Grabow says.


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Anyone who wants to investigate just how London 2012 ticket sales were set up and run (or other mysteries of the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games) will have their chance: Blighty's National Archives has agreed to house and publish all the digital records arising from the Games. Unfortunately, in many cases outsiders will have to wait 15 years to have a look.
There had been some grumbling before the Games opened over the sale and resale of tickets by the competition's coordinators. The committee was forced to pull its ticket trading website offline in January after it was hampered by glitches. The site was partially reanimated later that month.
The National Archives - the government's official records vault - has now persuaded the British Olympic Association (BOA), the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to hand over about 5TB of internal correspondence, emails, bid materials and other data detailing London's Games.
The files, which would run for roughly 50km if they were printed out, will be transferred to The National Archives' digital repository next year, but they'll stay closed for up to 15 years.
While The National Archives get the data on the bid process, planning and delivery of the Olympics, the British Film Institute National Archive will get audio and video material of the Games.
"We are proud to preserve the record from the third London games, as we did for 1908 and 1948," Oliver Morley, chief exec and Keeper of The National Archives, said in a canned statement.
"We're thrilled that, for the first time, we will be able to show the whole picture of how the games were delivered - from organising committee to government - with an innovative digital Olympic archive for future historians, researchers and host cities to draw inspiration from."
The archives will also gather up social networking messages and websites related to the Games, including london2012.com and getaheadofthegames.com, which will be available once they've been slotted into the UK Government Web Archive. ®


text: Ashton Cigar Bar is Philadelphia's premier whiskey, cigar and cocktail bar. Featuring a beautiful, contemporary design and a warm, comfortable atmosphere, Ashton Cigar Bar is located in the heart of Philadelphia's Center City district. With a luxurious selection of 200 premium cigars enshrined in a pristine all-glass walk-in humidor, Ashton Cigar Bar has something to please both the cigar connoisseur and novice. Our selection of over 400 whiskeys is renowned as the best whiskey list in Philadelphia. Our epic whiskey collection focuses on Single Malt Scotch, Blended Scotch, Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, North American Whiskey, World Whiskey and White Whiskey, including numerous rare and limited vintages. In addition to whiskey and cigars, Ashton Cigar Bar is also known as one of Philly's best cocktail bars. Our specialty cocktail menu showcases famous classic cocktails, along with some signature cocktails of our own. All of our cocktails are carefully crafted and perfectly poured combining fresh local ingredients with the finest spirits. In summary, Ashton Cigar Bar is a sanctuary for lovers of fine cigars, craft cocktails, whiskey and other fine spirits. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff and custom-engineered air purification system will guarantee you enjoy the utmost in service, pleasure and satisfaction. Click here to discover more about Ashton Cigar Bar!


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What's New
Muralista Font by Los Andes
About: This typeface is inspired by 60s and 70s Chilean murals and posters artwork. On the walls, big and heavy letterforms were presented pictorially for political propaganda. Muralista is a low contrast condensed typeface, similar to classic forms of the early nineteenth century humanist grotesque. The sinuous, rounded and asymmetric terminations remind us the artist's brush strokes. This typeface is ideal for editorial sentences and logo designs. Designed by Jorge Cisterna.
Tags: 1960s, 1970s, Font, Groovy, Sans Serif


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TAMPA, Fla. -- Only Movie 43 received worse reviews than the Yankees' offseason.
OK, perhaps that's a stretch. But by and large, from fans in particular and also many members of the media, the Yankees' winter has been more excoriated than extolled.
"The amount of success we've had for a long time, we're judged at a higher standard,'' general manager Brian Cashman said without complaint Saturday, just days before spring training is to begin. "So no, it [the reaction] doesn't surprise me.''
The Yankees are entering a spring training like none in recent memory. They're not being discussed as an also-ran, but they're not a favorite in the AL East, either.
Strange-sounding -- given the past 40 years -- words such as "cheap'' and "cost-conscious'' have liberally made the rounds.
Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner doesn't object to the latter -- he himself has spoken in the last year about the desire to bring the payroll to $189 million by 2014 so the franchise can avoid paying a steep luxury-tax penalty.
But Steinbrenner does take umbrage with the first charge.
"There was nothing cheap about Kuroda's contract or Pettitte's contract,'' Steinbrenner said this past week. "I mean, I don't know. Sometimes I have to scratch my head.''
For all of the Yankees' perceived inactivity during the offseason, they did sign three top free agents, as Steinbrenner and Cashman are happy to point out. It just so happens that they were three of their own, all on one-year deals.
They brought back Hiroki Kuroda for $15 million, Andy Pettitte for $12 million and Mariano Rivera for $10 million. Later, they signed Kevin Youkilis ($12 million) and Travis Hafner ($2 million).
The payroll will be in the range of $208 million, according to Baseball Prospectus, down just a notch from last season, when it was just over $209 million, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts.
"I think we had some good signings and I think we did our fair share in the offseason,'' said Steinbrenner, adding that the team still is looking for a righthanded-hitting outfielder before the start of the regular season. "Similar payroll to last year shows we want to win. So that [criticism] was a little disappointing. But as far as the acquisitions themselves, whatever criticism there was, that doesn't bother me because I know they were the right moves.''
So why the pessimism?
The ALCS sweep at the hands of the Tigers, a series in which the Yankees looked worn down, obviously kick-started it.
Soon came the Pirates swooping in and signing catcher Russell Martin, a player whom Yankees personnel people didn't want to lose. Later came the winter meetings in Nashville, when the Yankees weren't linked to any of the top free agents on the market, even through rumors.
Another player they wanted to keep, Eric Chavez, signed with the Diamondbacks. It was a foregone conclusion that they were never going to make a run at Nick Swisher, who signed a four-year, $56-million deal with the Indians.
Organizational insiders have said the Yankees' failure to pursue some of the top free agents had more to do with a weak crop than cutting payroll.
There's plenty of truth to that. Even before the collective-bargaining agreement inspired them to try to get to $189 million, the Yankees had doubts about the ability of two of this year's headline free agents, Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke, to handle New York.
At the same time, there's little doubt that if not for the push toward $189 million, the Yankees would have held on to Martin and, at the very least, seemed more engaged in the free-agent market.
Throw in a roster that's a year older and the two offseason bombshells surrounding Alex Rodriguez -- hip surgery announced in December that very well could cost him the season and the recent one alleging another link to performance-enhancing drugs -- and in the eyes of many fans, 2013 looks like a year with nothing but storm clouds in the forecast.
It's probably not that dire. The Yankees' starting rotation and bullpen should be among the best in the American League.
As for the offense, Cashman is fond of saying he likes "big, hairy monsters'' who can hit the ball out of the ballpark. Fans who criticized the team for overdependence on the long ball and who were desirous of more "small ball'' likely will get their wish. As of now, the outfield features more speed than pop with the likes of Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki.
"We won't be as big and hairy as I'd like on the offensive side,'' Cashman said.
Roster additions, of course, still can come throughout spring training, and who knows which players could become available before the July trade deadline?
But for the owner and GM, the bottom line with the offseason critiques is this: The questions being posed about this year's team are similar to those that were asked in 2011 and again last year. The Yankees won 97 games in 2011 and 95 last season.
"There might be less pressure on our players because the focus and expectations are higher elsewhere and it will be a challenge for those teams to deal with it,'' Cashman said of having underdog status. "And I'm sure it will motivate some of our players who might say, 'Don't forget about us. We're still dangerous as hell.' ''


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Home> Lift & Jack Pads> Lift Pads> Tecalemit> E4G 112 Tecalemit 2 Post Lift Pads x2
Replacement Rubber Pad suitable for some Tecalemit 2 Post Lifts
Part Number: E4G 112 x2
Please double check the size and make sure these fit your lift before ordering.
This price is for TWO (2) Pads
We will try and send this item within 1 working day of receiving your order. We stock a large range of lift pads to fit most lifts just phone us with your requirements.
Any pads not in stock can usually be obtained in a couple of days.
Delivery available extra.
VAT will be added at the checkout.
Replacement Rubber Pad suitable for some Tecalemit 2 Post Lifts
Ø = 160mm - Overall diameter
a = 153mm - Plate Size
d = 10mm
e = 28mm
See the technical diagram in the product images
Weight of a single Pad 0.26Kg
Part Number: E4G112 x2
Please double check the size and make sure these fit your lift before ordering.
This price is for TWO (2) Pads
Before placing your order, you will need to confirm the delivery charge.
For delivery within the UK please phone us with your UK POSTCODE so we can obtain the cheapest rate for delivery to your address.
For Overseas/Export orders please phone us for the best freight cost.
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Nina Rajarani MBE
Nina Rajarani has served on the Faculty Committee and has been the Faculty Secretary since its inception in 1999. She is also a committee member. She was integrally involved in the writing of the original Bharatanatyam outline syllabus and its specifications. She is also amongst the first batch of Bharatanatyam examiners appointed by the ISTD in 2001.
Nina trained at London's Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan under her guru Prakash Yadagudde during which time she also trained with Chitra Visweswaran (of Chennai, India), during her visits to London. Since 1988 she has received training regularly in Chennai under Shanta and VP Dhananjayan. Nina's dance style today is unique in its assimilation of the best qualities from each of the different traditions followed by the gurus with whom she has trained.
Nina has also received Karnatic music vocal training under Sivasakti Sivanesan at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, and under Karpagam Balasubramanian in Chennai.
Nina has earned herself an admirable reputation as a committed teacher with over twenty years of teaching experience. Her school SRISHTI – Nina Rajarani Dance School has been established at the Harrow Arts Centre, Middlesex, England since 1991, and her students pride themselves upon the high standard of dancing they aim to achieve.
As a performer as well as with her company SRISHTI – Nina Rajarani Dance Creations, Nina has toured extensively within the UK, in several European countries, in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Canada and the US.
In September 2006, Nina won the Place Prize, Europe's largest choreographic competition sponsored by Bloomberg. Her piece QUICK! won the competition with rave comments from the judges and press. QUICK! has continued to tour both nationally and internationally with performance requests still forthcoming.
Over the years, Nina and her husband, vocalist and composer Yadavan, have together created several outstanding new dance works, providing a strong artistic team for the company, performing extensively and delighting audiences worldwide.
Nina Rajarani was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the Queen's 2009 Birthday Honours, in recognition of her services to South Asian dance. The award, which recognises many years' work developing and raising the profile of South Asian dance, was presented at an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace in December 2009. The Queen's Birthday Honours are awarded each year, paying tribute to outstanding achievement and service across the community.
Tel: 020 8420 1076
Email: email@example.com
Website: http://www.srishti.co.uk


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Did you enjoy Grimm's Wesen-butt-kicking return?
[Warning: The following contains spoilers from Grimm's "Face Off" episode. Proceed at your own risk.]
VIDEO: Grimm returns with more shirtless rage and morphing madness!
In the Grimm spring premiere on Friday, not only did Nick (David Giuntoli) mete out serious punishment on Renard (Sasha Roiz), but the captain himself got quite physical with Juliette (Bitsie Tulloch) and Adalind (Claire Coffee). The only thing that could improve all this activity? More shirtless rage, of course! And like good bottle imps, we at TVGuide.com are here to grant your wish.
Check out this exclusive first look at the extended scene between Renard and Adalind that ended up on the cutting-room floor. You'll see what passes for pillow talk among Hexenbiests, which isn't as sexy as you may think:
If you haven't guessed from that clip already, the cast members on Grimm are really good sports. And here's Exhibit B.
Are you psyched that Grimm is back? Was it all that you hoped and dreamed?
Grimm airs Fridays at 9/8c on NBC.


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Now showing items 1-3 of 3
Provider specialty and atrial fibrillation treatment strategies in United States community practice: findings from the ORBIT-AF registry.
(J Am Heart Assoc, 2013-07-18)
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to increase; however, there are limited data describing the division of care among practitioners in the community and whether care differs depending on provider ...
Early adoption of dabigatran and its dosing in US patients with atrial fibrillation: results from the outcomes registry for better informed treatment of atrial fibrillation.
(J Am Heart Assoc, 2013-11-25)
BACKGROUND: Dabigatran is a novel oral anticoagulant approved for thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation. Adoption patterns of this new agent in community practice are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied patterns ...
The ORBIT bleeding score: a simple bedside score to assess bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation.
(Eur Heart J, 2015-12-07)
BACKGROUND: Therapeutic decisions in atrial fibrillation (AF) are often influenced by assessment of bleeding risk. However, existing bleeding risk scores have limitations. OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop and validate a ...


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BA Handbook Scholarships
The Dance Program offers three scholarships in the amount of $300 each annually to returning dance majors:
Mina Garman Award*
For excellence in choreography
Carol Ann Hawes Award*
For excellence in Performance
Hildegard Spreen Award*
For excellence in Academic Achievement (must have completed 30 units of study)
* Scholarships are awarded in the spring to returning sophomore, junior, or senior dance majors.
Further information and applications are available on the Dance Scholarship page.
SJSU Financial Aid is also available.


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Earlier today, a totally-not-half-cocked Miami Heat fan defaced a mural commemorating the team's recent NBA championships. Setting aside the painting's relatively poor execution, this absolutely-well-adjusted fan unwittingly tapped into a millennia-old tradition of vandalism known as damnatio memoriae.
The Romans performed damnatio memoriae in the wake of powerful men's falls from grace. Caligula, Domitian, even Nero (to an extent) suffered damnatio, which was meant to be an erasure from the historical record. And yet.
Classical scholars are divided on what a damnatio memoriae entails. Literally translated, "a condemnation of memory," a damnatio has recently been interpreted as a "remembering to forget:" in other words, this asshole should be remembered as an asshole, so let's leave a gaping hole where his stupid, asshole face should be. Here are some examples of ancient damnatio memoriae:
Remember Vitellius? Yes, that Vitellius! It seems that, in his infinite stupidity and lack of historical perspective, he had coinage struck with his own visage on it. Well, if you get your ass ... um ... assassinated in ancient Rome, your currency counts for shit! Here we see that Vitellius' face (left, recto) has been scraped to near-unrecognizeability. Still, though, we all know who should be there.
Here's a fun one. This is a portrait of the Imperial family of Severans. Clockwise from top left: Julia Domna (a very bad lady), Emperor Severus himself, Caracalla (who took over for Severus), and who's that? That was Geta! Caracalla's older brother and presumptive heir to Severus. But guess what? Julia Domna conspired with Caracalla to have Geta poisoned and expunged from the historical record. Yet, he's still there, lurking in the background. In fact, we can still (sort of) read his name on inscriptions found in Rome:
GETAE reads the top line there. Trust me. What is the effect of all of this? Well, at face (lol) value, damnatio memoriae is meant to tarnish the recent legacy of political enemies. Geta didn't necessarily do anything wrong, he just fell on the wrong side of Julia Domna's plans for Rome. In Vitellius' case, he was probably a bit more deserving of a damnatio, seeing as he carried out civil war and the executions of many wealthy Romans. At another level, and perhaps paradoxically, damnatio memoriae helps solidify a person's memory in history. "Let's not fully forget this guy," goes the thinking, "lest we promote someone like him in the future."
This is my favorite damnatio, and we'll end here. This is what's left of a bust of Domitian. You can see that the defacer has taken care to cut the head into quadrants. We dug this thing out of the ground near Rome's Fiumicino airport and reassembled it. It's still clearly Domitian, but we're missing the final quarter of the portrait.


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American Lindsey Vonn won her first major ski gold medal today, but still pines for the days when she was paid for victories in livestock.
Vonn provisionally won the super-G at the World Championships at Val D'Isere, France, beating local favorite Marie Marchand-Arvier in a strong technical lower section.
Lindsey Vonn spared a thought for her cow Olympia and her husband Thomas after seizing the gold medal in the world championship super-G on Tuesday, the American's first title at a major event. Vonn was given the cow for winning a World Cup downhill at Val D'Isere in December 2005.
The plus side here: A very attractive female athlete who is actually good. The minus: She won't shut up about the cow.
"I like Val d'Isere and that's where my cow's from," she said. "I hope I can make a little more history here."
Vonn is trying to become the first woman to win five medals at the same championships, and if she succeeds, she won't have to care for those annoying Von Trapp children anymore.
Vonn Wins First Major Gold Medal [Universal Sports]
Cow And Husband In Vonn's Thoughts After Gold Run [Universal Sports]


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Re: communication (22/03/18 07:26:09)
as of games.. and some other @childhood stuff - i have some theory that what "extras" one misses in childhood (things that others have, and u dont but want them; not necessarily material), will pursue whole hir life later, and might never feel getting enough. At least some of them become like holy grails. "U could not play with that back then but now, whoa, u can and will!"
So actively making such things accessible @child-age may lessen the strive later. (Or, may make it 10x).
Will see how that develops in practice..
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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – Whether known as Mon-TAY or Mon-TEE, running back Montee Ball made quite a name for himself during his record-setting career at Wisconsin.
Apparently he's got some work to do to become a household name in the NFL, though.
The Denver Broncos' second-round draft pick was a virtual unknown to at least one of his new teammates, veteran tight end Jacob Tamme, who said following the draft, "I really know nothing about him. Look forward to meeting him. He's from Wisconsin, right?"
An NCAA record 83 touchdowns just didn't ring a bell with Tamme, who confessed he doesn't keep up with the college game except for Kentucky, his alma mater.
On a conference call with Executive Vice President John Elway earlier this week, a season ticket holder identified as Mike from Lakewood told the Broncos boss that he loved the selection of "Monty Hall."
OK, let's make a deal then.
First off, Ball wants to be called Mon-TAY, not Mon-TEE, as he was known for a while in Madison. And it shouldn't be long before everyone – from Mike in suburban Lakewood to Jacob at Broncos headquarters – knows plenty about the bruising back who can both carry defenders across the goal line and outrace them around the edge.
At 5-foot-10 and 217 pounds, Ball is the bigger back coach John Fox so desperately needed in Denver's playoff loss to Baltimore in January when Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno were out with injuries and the Broncos couldn't pick up the first down to run out the clock.
After the draft, Elway pointed to a picture outside his office of running back Terrell Davis, whom he teamed with to lead Denver to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, and flashed that famous toothy grin.
"That's who he reminds me of," Elway said. "Terrell Davis."
For good reason, too – Ball has been a Broncos fan since he was 7 and patterned himself after T.D. while piling up all those TDs.
"When we were watching Montee, the one thing that stood out about his running style is that it's a lot like Terrell Davis, and so that got us very excited, and we hope that Montee has an even longer career than Terrell had," Elway said.
The big issue with Ball is the wear and tear he had as the Badgers' featured back the last two years. He carried a school record 356 times last season to go with 307 carries his junior year. Counting catches, he had 697 touches the last two seasons and 983 for his four-year career in Madison.
He was also heavily used in high school with 995 career carries at Timberland High School in Wentzville, Mo.
That's a positive, not a problem, Elway insists.
"He's a guy that is durable," Elway said. "He carried the ball 600 times the last two years, he had 55 touchdowns the last two years. He's got great short-area quickness, he has a knack to find the holes, he can run inside between the tackles and he can also run outside. Plus, he's extremely productive and has also proven to be durable and has not missed any games the last couple of years.
"We think we found a gem in Montee and I have high expectations for him."
The Broncos felt better about Ball's durability than that of Alabama's Eddie Lacy, who was selected by Green Bay three spots after Ball. Many draft analysts had Lacy as the top-rated back in the draft.
"We liked both these backs, we had them very similar on the board," said Matt Russell, the Broncos' director of player personnel. "The issue with Eddie Lacy at Alabama was that we were worried about a toe injury that he had, which is probably what caused him to slip.
"We just were worried about Eddie Lacy's medical (report) and how long he could play, and we felt like we got a career back in Montee Ball."
Coach John Fox, whose Carolina teams always featured big, one-cut backs like Jonathan Stewart and Stephen Davis who found the lane and didn't dance, loved watching film of Ball's 77 TD runs for the Badgers.
"He's got skins on the wall at a high level of competition in college and when you look at running backs, I don't look at too many of the gymnastics, as I call them – height, weight, speed, all that stuff – it's a special skill being able to run the ball," Fox said.
"Whether it was Emmitt Smith, who ran a 4.7 coming out, you know you just don't put a lot of stock in those kinds of things other than the production, and he's been very productive and really on all three downs. He's not just a first- and second-down power back."
His junior year, Ball tied Barry Sanders' NCAA single-season record with 39 touchdowns, while leading the country with 1,923 yards rushing. He rushed for 1,830 yards last year and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top back.
No. 1 on Ball's to-do list, however, is protecting Peyton Manning, and he said he got plenty of practice honing his pass-protection skills blocking for quarterback Russell Wilson his junior year.
He'll get to practice with Manning for the first time May 20 when the veterans return for a three-day camp.
Growing up a Broncos fan, Ball was wide-eyed when he put on his uniform for the first time before taking the field Friday at the start of Denver's three-day rookie camp.
"I was like a little kid, as soon as I put the jersey on, the shorts, the cleats, I wanted to take all sorts of pictures and send them to my friends," Ball said. "But it's all about business."
Notes: Ball is wearing No. 38. Davis' old No. 30, belongs to S David Bruton. Ball's number in college, 28, belongs to S Quinton Carter. … The Broncos signed two fifth-round draft choices – DE Quanterus Smith and WR Tavarres King – on Friday, one day after signing T Vinston Painter, a sixth-round pick. … Air Force grad Ben Garland, who was on the practice squad last season, has moved from defensive tackle to offensive guard. "We're just trying to give him the best opportunity we can to help him make our football team," Fox said.
– By Arnie Stapleton, AP Sports Writer
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Eau de Cologne Impériale
160th Anniversary Edition
By Lison de Caunes
Indisponible -
In 1853, Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain composed Eau de Cologne Impériale for Her Majesty Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. It came in a bottle decorated with a myriad of bees hand-gilded with fine gold. Charmed by this creation, the Empress bestowed upon him the coveted title of Parfumeur Breveté de Sa Majesté, Royal Perfumer.
To celebrate the 160th anniversary of Eau de Cologne Impériale in sumptuous style, Guerlain decided to highlight a spectacular and age-old artisanal skill: straw marquetry. This traditional French decorative technique highly appreciated during the Art Deco movement is now perpetuated and modernised by Lison de Caunes. Patiently and passionately, this Maître d'art transforms individual pieces of straw into a radiant case, the most refined and imaginative. Decorated with the shining Guerlain star, it holds the monumental one-litre version of Eau de Cologne Impériale.
Only 32 numbered pieces are available worldwide.
Created in 1853 by Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain, Eau de Cologne Impériale was the very first Eau de Cologne by Guerlain. Specially composed for the Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, it earned its creator the title of "Perfumer to His Majesty". The Empress enjoyed the exclusive use of this fragrance before giving her authorisation for it to be sold.
On its label, it bears the symbol of the Empire with the coat of arms chosen by Napoleon: the eagle, the imperial crown and the sceptre.
It is said that Empress Eugénie also used the Eau de Cologne Impériale to treat her migraines.
Granddaughter of Art Deco interior decorator André Groult and appointed Maître d'art in 1998, Lison de Caunes has been working the delicate straw marquetry for more than 20 years. She makes this spectacular ancestral craft more brilliant than ever. She hand shapes rye straw, cutting out, applying and pasting on each whisp, with patience and meticulousness, for a shimmering golden finish.


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One of the most distinguished television journalists in Chicago is Diann Burns, now the Anchor for the news on CBS2 Chicago. It was relatively early in her broadcast career in Chicago in 1987 that Diann was assigned to
cover our the 150th Birthday Cake that we created for the City of Chicago.
Check out the very early Eli's retail box that Diann is holding.


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Is the founder and CEO of Mindvalley, where he leads an amazing team of 100+ individuals who focus on building disruptive systems that push humanity forward.
Vishen puts it this way: "Our goal is to help spread enlightened ideas to 1 billion people by 2050, ideas that you won't get from traditional education systems. Collectively, we've been growing like crazy and now employ brilliant minds from 30+ different countries, all of whom work in our playpen for adults aka Mindvalley HQ, billed by Inc Magazine readers as one of the World's Coolest Offices in 2012."
John has appeared on almost every major TV program such Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360 and The Ellen Degeneres Show, and was featured in the blockbuster movie and book 'The Secret' and in the special documentary 'Quest for Success' with the Dali Lama and Sir Richard Branson.
Today, John researches, writes and lectures extensively around the world on the neuroscience of success and achieving maximum performance.
After spending twelve years at Harvard University, Shawn Achor has become one of the world's leading experts on the connection between happiness and success.
Shawn's research on happiness made the cover of Harvard Business Review, his TED talk is one of the most popular of all time with over 10 million views, and his lecture airing on PBS has been seen by millions.
His Happiness Advantage training is the largest and most successful positive psychology corporate training program to date in the world. Shawn is the author of New York Times best-selling books The Happiness Advantage (2010) and Before Happiness (2013), as well as Ripple's Effect and The Orange Frog.
Shawn was published in the top psychology journal last year for the work he did at UBS in partnership with Yale University to create a more effective stress training. And he recently did a two-hour interview with Oprah at her house discussing happiness research and perception of success.
T. Harv Eker is the author of the best-selling books, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind and SpeedWealth.
He has also developed several highly-acclaimed courses such as The Millionaire Mind Intensive, Life Directions, Wizard Training and Train the Trainer. He is also the producer and trainer of the world-famous Enlightened Warrior Training.
Eker's high-energy, 'cut-to-the-chase' style keeps his audience spellbound. T. Harv Eker's motto is "talk is cheap" and his unique ability is getting people to take "action" in the real world to produce real success.
He has already touched the lives of over 1.5 million people, helping them move closer to their goal of true financial freedom.
Carol literally wakes up people's souls to living so they realize their greatness. She has a gift for identifying blocks and patterns that are keeping a person stuck and uses her evolving intuitive gifts and clearing techniques to reconnect people with their spirit truth and life purpose.
In Carol's own words she shares, "The healing technologies I am working with make traditional therapy look like a covered wagon. People are ready and eager to heal their personal pain and generational issues, and we have been blessed with the knowledge and tools now to make that possible."
Lynne McTaggart is a best-selling author, researcher and lecturer whose work has rightly been described as "a bridge between science and spirituality.
She is also an accomplished broadcaster, who has appeared on many national TV and radio shows, including Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra shows.
For the past 20 years she has been researching medicine and its shortcomings, and quantum physics and what this means for you and the world we live in. The results have been three best selling books:
- The Field
- The Intention Experiment
- What Doctors Don't Tell You
Heralded as "The Rock Star of Personal Empowerment" Margaret M. Lynch has x-ray vision for seeing the fears and limiting beliefs that keep success minded people limited in their money and personal power.
An accomplished Success Coach, author and top Emotional Freedom Technique ("Tapping") expert , Margaret delivers high-impact transformation that clears the inner blocks to wealth and success and creates the "on-fire enthusiasm and charisma" that is key to skyrocketing wealth.
Sonia is the CEO/President of Lead Out Loud Inc, a leading-edge transformational company helping people around the globe achieve boundless success in all areas of their lives.
She is a top-rated professional speaker and has shared the stage with some of the most renowned personal development experts of our time.
She has inspired millions around the world, sharing her breakthrough strategies on how to overcome adversity, achieve financial abundance and extraordinary success; in fact, her inspirational video messages on Youtube have been viewed by well over 4 million people to date.
Dr. Lipton's visionary scientific approach to life and spirit transforms lives at the deepest levels.
His profound understanding of cell biology highlighted the mechanisms by which the mind controls bodily functions, and implied the existence of an immortal spirit.
He applied this science to his personal biology, and discovered that his physical well-being improved, and the quality and character of his daily life was greatly enhanced.
Dr. Bruce Lipton is a stem cell biologist, best selling author of The Biology of Belief and recipient of the 2009 Goi Peace Award.
Joe is a certified hypnotherapist, a certified metaphysical practitioner, a certified Chi Kung healer, a certified Reiki Master, and an ordained minister. He also holds a doctorate degree in Metaphysical Science and another doctorate degree in Marketing.
Dr. Joe Vitale is the author of multiple best selling books. Some of them include The Attractor Factor, Life's Missing Instruction Manual, The Key, Faith, Attract Money Now and his latest is a sequel to his bestseller, Zero Limits.
He's also recorded many Nightingale-Conant audio programs, to name a few, The Awakening Course, The Missing Secret, The Secret to Attracting Money, The Abundance Paradigm, The Ultimate Law of Attraction Library and his latest release is called, The Zero Point.
Joe has also been in several movies, including the blockbuster The Secret. He's been on the following TV shows: Larry King Live, Donny Deutsch's "The Big Idea," CNN, CNBC, CBS, ABC, Fox News: Fox & Friends and Extra TV. He's also been featured in The New York Times and Newsweek.
Creator of HeartPath retreat series and founder of COR Coach Training Academy. Award-winning humanitarian and advocate for women and children.
In 2006, Mindie was selected for the prestigious Global Health Fellowship based on my previous work with women and children in Africa. I spent six months working on HIV and AIDS prevention initiatives in Kenya and Uganda.
Mindie sums it up like this: "Giving back is a huge part of my life, both personally and professionally. 5-10% of proceeds go directly to awesome charities such as Kiva.org."
Dana is the founder and CEO of The Mind Aware, an organization that delivers expert personal and professional development through audios, books, live trainings, joint venture relationships, and radio interviews.
She is the host of her own radio show, syndicated in top markets across America. On The Mind Aware Show, Dana interviews celebrity experts on positive mindset and cutting edge marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. The Mind Aware Show is one of the fastest growing shows on The Expert Radio Network.
Dana Wilde is also the author of Train Your Brain: How to Build a Million Dollar Business in Record Time. This book teaches people that before you take action you must have the right mindset for success.
Like his famous father, Jairek Robbins is a man on a mission, focused on developing creative solutions for accelerating results.
Jairek explains it like this: "My goal is to assist people in the process of rapidly achieving their goals so they are able to live the life of their dreams. My hope is that they will eventually pay-it-forward and help those that they care about the most do the same."
Sean has appeared on everything from The Oprah Show to Youtube videos with millions of views. The Biography Channel did an hour feature on his life called, "Three Foot Giant."
Predicted by doctors that he would not to survive past birth because of a rare bone disorder, Sean defied the odds. And despite his challenges, Sean has taken a stand for a quality of life that has reached millions of people around the world, including Sir Richard Branson, President Clinton, and his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Sean's message has been heard at live events in over 15 countries and 47 states over the past 16 years. his latest book, "Get Off Your But" has swept the US and has been released in over a half dozen languages around the world.
Together they've written over 30 books, trained thousands of coaches, appeared on Oprah, and hosted seminars around the globe.
In their own words they explain their success like this:
"For over 30 years, we have loved, lived, and learned together. We're our own best customers for the practices you'll find [in our books, seminars and appearances.]
Our relationship is a living laboratory for conscious loving, and we've personally tested everything you'll find here (in the bedroom, over breakfast, and in the boardroom).
We've written over 30 books, trained thousands of coaches, appeared on Oprah, and hosted seminars around the globe. We've broken through the muck of limiting beliefs - and explored the boundless creativity, intimacy, and ease on the other side."
IKE is the founder of AVAIYA Media. He is the creator of a plethora of positive philosophical films including, A Course in Miracles The Movie, Leap! A Quantum Awakening & The Tao of Quantum Physics.
He has also created powerful films such as MPower: Empowering Women in Business and Beyond , Forward: The Network Marketing Movie & The Gratitude Effect.
Lewis is the founder of 'The School of Greatness Academy' and was named 1 of the "50 Most Influential People in Blogging."
Most recently Howes was recognized by Empact100 and President Obama at a White House ceremony as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country under 30.
Lewis Howes, a former professional football player, two sport All-American, world record holding athlete and current USA Men's National Team athlete for the Olympic sport Team Handball, has graced lists such as Details Magazine.
Lewis says it best: "It's been a powerful journey for me - building up a multi-million dollar online media company, speaking all over the world, helping multiple authors reach the New York Times bestsellers list, advising for billion dollar brands, receiving media praise from places like Details Magazine being one of '5 Internet Gurus Who Can Make You Rich' and much more."
Most famously known as the "Mom from ET"... Dee is much more than that. Through her books, seminars, podcasts and personal appearances, Dee shares an important message to the world: Love yourself beyond anyone or anything else. Love yourself so much that you can't do anything that doesn't make you love yourself more.
As a much sought after speaker, Dee has spoken at numerous national and international venues including the Love and Harmony Forum in Japan, The Dillon Lecture Series, Unity Temple, The Kansas Film Commission, and this spring has been invited to introduce this valuable work to the people of China.
Dee has appeared on every major news and talk show and has been featured on E! True Hollywood Stories, Oprah and The O'Reilly Factor.
Alexi is on a mission to make personal development mainstream by synthesizing big ideas into fun, bite sized nuggets of goodness that spread throughout the world and create a ripple effect of positivity and love.
She does this through speaking + facilitating workshops around the globe, dishing insights from her personal quest for truth in her books + blogs, inspiring viewers as host of History Channel's OPERATION BUILD and knocking people's socks off with her energetic new YouTube Series.
She also facilitates global leadership training programs around the world through her non profit E.P.I.C. (Everyday People Initiating Change) that give people the tools they need to implement global giveback initiatives to communities in need. She shoot straight from the heart and take no prisoners...because as Alexi puts it "your life is too important to not be lived fully."
To millions of people across the globe, the name Bob Proctor is synonymous with success. Long before his role in the movie The Secret sent him into the realm of superstardom, he was already a legendary figure in the world of personal development.
His insights, inspiration, ideas, systems, and strategies are the dimes on which countless lives have spun - the sparks that have ignited career transformations, personal epiphanies, inner awakenings, and the creation of million-dollar fortunes the world over.
As a speaker, author, consultant, coach, and mentor, Bob Proctor works with business entities and individuals around the world, instilling within them not only the mental foundations of success and the motivation to achieve, but also the actionable strategies that will empower them to grow, improve, and thrive in today's ever-changing world.
"One of the best movies to come along in years. I've implemented only a few of the techniques described in this movie and already my life feels more elegant and rich with possibility. I recommend it highly to all my friends and truth be told... anyone I come in contact with - its really that good! Thanks Guys!"- Kim Friesen
"If you liked The Secret, you're gonna love The Abundance Factor. The story is engaging, the experts are all incredibly insightful and throughout the movie each one taught me something new and useful about my own abundance journey. It's a very eye-opening movie to say the least. Great job Riley!"- Barry Stuart
"Wow, Wow and Wow! I've seen a lot of success movies, but The Abundance Factor is a whole new level of cool - it held me spellbound from the opening scene to the closing credits. If you want to really find the missing puzzle piece to success... then you owe it to yourself to watch this incredible movie!"- James Johnson
"I watched your movie twice and forwarded it to friends. It is very inspiring and I have no doubt that it will awaken the consciousness of many. I admire your sense of purpose to do something other than what your teacher told you!!! LOL"Annie Tulk
"Just wanted to let you know that I watched your abundance movie and really loved the insights. I'm from Adelaide in Australia so you are reaching out across the world. Cheers!"Carol
"What I enjoyed most about the video was the realness. It wasn't who you interviewed, but how you were able capture the realness in them. You have a true talent and I am grateful that you shared it. Thank you for being the "on" button. I now believe that I am worth it."Tina
"Thank you so much for putting together an outstanding video and sharing it with the world! I loved it! I've sent many family and friends the link to your movie and told them all it is even better than The Secret! I feel like I've gained so much from the speakers."Renee Shott
"Thank you for all the time and effort put into creating such an inspirational piece of work.
"I hope this email message gets to you. I just spent the last hour and 45 minutes watching your beautiful movie and I want you to know how GRATEFUL I am that you have created this for the world. I am full of JOY that you will reach so many people with this important message."Cat
"Hi! Riley, thank you for sharing and give me the opportunity to enjoy your amazing film. With all my respect, Thank you! "Victoria
"I've seen the movie. Fantastic. I've listened to Dana Wilde today. Fantastic Glad I ordered this powerful information. Life changing may be another word. Looking forward to listening to the rest of the information."Anonymous
"I've watched your movie three times! Thank you for not listening to your career counsellor! (Lol) What you have presented to the world is uplifting, empowering and it has reached the right people at the right time. Great information! I notice something new each time I've watched it. Sending you love and light!"Kim
"thanks too much. I get it.i am seeing it .I get a lot of benefits .Thank you again. "Ali, Iraq
"I did watch your movie, and I LOVED it!!"Sonya
"FABULOUS movie!! Thank you for all the great information from all the great motivational gurus of our time. Keep making movies, Riley, especially motivational and inspirational ones like this one."Carolynne (in beautiful Alberta, Canada)
"i love your The Abundance Factor movie! i was really inspired and touched by it! THANK YOU!"henry de ocampo
"The Abundance Factor was AMAZING and it has literally changed my life!!!"Anonymous
"I just want you to know that i am SO PROUD of YOU for changing SO Many Lives including Myself!!:))"Carolyn Stapleton, Kamloops, BC
"Wow, I just finished watching the movie for the first time. I would really like to watch it again! I was in tears several times. I took lots of notes, but not enough!"Annette
"Thank you, Riley, for such a powerful and lovely message, demonstrating that our uniqueness is a key element in our abundance and future of love and gratitude."Manny Perez
"This was amazing!! Thank you for sharing your story and sharing this beautiful documentary with us. I enjoyed it very much and have shared it with all of my friends and family (well at least the ones that speak English ;) Sending you abundant blessings on your Journey."Marce
"Thank you ?? thank you ?? thank you for making this film. I enjoyed every moment of it and recommended it to all my friends who are English speaking."Isabelle Bober, GL�CKSWERKSTATT, Germany
"Bravo, Riley!! Wow, I'd love to see this movie make it on to every school curriculum! How about screenings at places like Boys & Girls Clubs of America!!"Kathleen Souza
"Thank you so much for your invitation to watch the abundance factor. You have put in a lot of hard work in making this movie and it is shown as well as your gratitude to the universe. Your determination and positiveness is very much appreciated. Your film was a good reminder of what we can achieve and attaining the abundance we all want."Sheena
"OMG !! Thanks so much I watched the video a few days ago and it was truly a blessings !! Keep up the good work dude !! Gods blessings to you and your crew THANKS !! <3 ABUNDANCE FACTOR !! Woot woot"Anonymous
"I've found this video really inspiring. I have felt that I have no purpose in my life. I now know I have a purpose to be the best me I can be."Joanna
The Abundance Factor Takes You On An Unprecedented Journey into The Minds of The Worlds Most Knowledgeable Experts on the Subject of Abundance and Prosperity.


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LEGEND OF THE HIGHLAND DRAGON may be purchased here.
Isabel Cooper
LEGEND OF THE HIGHLAND DRAGON is an entertaining paranormal romance with action, intrigue, and unique characters. Mina is a great heroine, who keeps her head about her in dangerous situations. A woman ahead of her time, Mina has struggled to make it in a male-dominated profession and has raised herself above the status of her birth.
Born into a poor, working class family, Mina is strong, intelligent and aware of her social position in Victorian London. Stephen is a true gentleman, who allows Mina to contribute to his endeavors, which is a different attitude to take from most gentleman. Stephen and Mina have a true partnership, but they most overcome Stephen's heritage and class differences to be together. All in all, LEGEND OF THE HIGHLAND DRAGON is an enjoyable read, which I highly recommend.
NOTE: I received this book in return for an impartial review.


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Hi all... Grew up in Greenbrier County, WV and went caving quite often during high school. I'm much older now, and I'd like to get back into it... "Back in the day" I did a lot of through trips in Bone-Norman. I'd like to do the same trip again with some old friends, but I have a little bit of apprehension. The last time I did the trip was 13 years ago and even then, my memory was a little spotty. I missed a marking and took an unwanted side trip for about an hour.
I just signed up to join the NSS and I'm hoping to get a copy of the map from the 2012 convention book... Anyone know if the map is any good or even legible?


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Top Ranking Banks in Latin America
After a decade of unusual success, the LatAm banking sector has slowed its growth
The year 2011 closed with disturbing news. Banco Santander decided to sell its subsidiary in Colombia, which finally Chile's Corp Group bought for US$1.225 million. At the time, the chairman of Santander, Emilio Botin, said the measure was taken to "strengthen the balance sheet" of the crestfallen Spanish giants. As he explained, "Our market share in commercial banking in Colombia is far from the 10% which we aspired to get in the markets where we operate." …
LatAm Hedge Fund Experts Weigh In
On the Current Political and Economic Context
Though 2011 and 2012 have been strong years for LatAm hedge funds, particularly relative to other regions, the political and Workings macroeconomic context in which local managers are investing has been fraught with complicated developments. For instance, the slowdown in China has affected commodities markets, the lifeblood of many of the region …
Investors Ditch Brazil For Mexico, Colombia
Gramercy Adds to Latin America Private Equity Investment Team
IFC Invests $100M in Energy for Caribbean, Latin America
2013 Oil & Gas Industry Perspectives Brazil
Brazil is heralded as the largest and most significant new oil and gas prospect of the last few decades. However, there is still a long way to go to realize the promise of a new non-OPEC stable source of supply in the top 5 world oil producers by 2020. Progress toward this ambitious target has been slow in the last year, as project development, execution and political risks have taken their toll …
Brazil Real Drops on Speculation Credit Rating May Be Lowered
First meetings on Guyana-Brazil infrastructure project begins
Paraná green lights process to start Paranaguá port infrastructure works in Brazil
Brazil Seeks Recipe to Attract Investors at Lower Cost
Brazil May Be Next Health-Care Frontier for Global Investors
Troubled Brazil fund Laep to sell 40 mln new shares-filing
BTG Pactual shuts macro hedge fund to new money
Argentina Is Replaying Another Inflationary Collapse
Mining investment in Argentina grows 72% despite risky business climate
Fernandez Angers Investors While Ducking Argentine Austerity
Foreign direct investment in Colombia seen down in 2013
Top LatAm selector on working Chile's red tape
Banchile builds with Fidessa's sell-side trading platform and connectivity network
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Constructing $96M Oil Terminal
Peru announces major upgrade to Lima's water infrastructure
Peru's Private Pension Funds Want Higher External Investment Limit
Qatar "looks favorably upon" investment-friendly Peru
Peru's Private Pension Funds Want Higher External Investment Limit
Velarde Says Peru May Allow Pension Funds to Invest More Abroa
Venezuela to Create New Parallel Exchange Rate, Ramirez Says
Venezuela will establish a new parallel exchange rate as it seeks to crack down on a black market in which the dollar is worth about four times more than the official rate, Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said.
Filed under: Argentina, Banking, Brazil, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Banking, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Economic Crisis, Energy, FOREX, Fund Industry, Health Care, Hedge Fund, Infrastructure, Investment, Latin America, Mining, Peru, Risk Management, Sea Ports, Venezuela, Water


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Updated 3:31 p.m.
• I.M.F. Hit by Sophisticated Cyberattack – The attack had been going on for several months.
• Lodsys sues another ten companies including Adidas, Best Buy, Best Western and Black & Decker
Original post
• Attacks on Sony, others show it's open hacking season – No one is immune. Also Why we secretly love LulzSec and LulzSec Hackers Get Personal, Dump 26,000 Porn Site Usernames And Passwords
• Apple poised to build nearly 400K next-gen MacBook Airs this month – The next version of the Air is expected to use Sandy Bridge, Core i5 and i7 processors from Intel.
• Apple sued by iCloud Communications over iCloud trademark – The smaller company has filed suit against Apple in Arizona.
• Apple Recalls "Extremely Small" Number of Verizon iPads Over Duplicate ID Numbers – Ooops.
• Apple slams Amazon's Android e-store as 'inferior' – As part of Apple's trademark suit over the term "app store". Apple also cited Android security issues.
• Google App Store Now Offering Way to Cheat WSJ Paywall – It will be interesting to see how long this stays in the Chrome App Store.
• At Video Game Convention, a Crowded Field of Winners – The NYTimes rounds up the news from E3.
• Spotify Signs Universal Music, May Really Get to U.S., After All – This could remove roadblocks that have kept Spotify from launching here.
• Business Cards Go Paperless, or Almost – QR codes and phone apps are killing off paper business cards. (About time!)
• How to Delete an Account from Any Website – Well, not any website, but at least from the ones on this list from PC Mag.
• KinectShop: The Next Generation Of Shopping [Exclusive Video] – Virtual shopping lets you use gestures with your Kinect-enabled Xbox 360 to search, examine and select goods.


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Tens of thousands of Egyptians poured into Tahrir Square Wednesday to celebrate - and carry forward - their revolution of one year ago.
For many, being on Tahrir Square once again has brought the memories of last year's revolution flooding back.
Doctor and former protester Rabie el Khouly brought his wife and children.
"My family as a whole, my son Mohamed, the youngest one, was sleeping here in Tahrir, until last February 11, Mohamed was sleeping here in the square and chanting for the fall of Hosni Mubarak," said el Khouly.
But for some, like union worker Magdi Etman, there is more to be done.
"Our revolution is incomplete and has not yet reaped its fruits, and all sincere people in the country should protect the revolution's path so it carries on the right track so we can truly liberate our country," said Etman.
Alongside the celebrations are calls for the ruling military council to step down. The council is trying to placate its opponents, releasing prisoners, honoring victims of the uprising, and partially lifting the much-hated emergency laws.
For presidential hopeful and former Arab League chief Amr Moussa, the partial repeal falls short.
"Nothing is enough. It's a step, but nothing is enough until the total abolition of the law, the emergency law," said Moussa.
All the same, Moussa - mobbed by fans as he strode through the square - is optimistic.
"We are moving in the right direction. I am very happy about that. I am here to salute the revolution and to consolidate with all Egyptians standing here on this occasion, very serious, important and patriotic occasion," said Moussa.
Not only were the crowds celebrating the changes in Egypt, they also cheered on fellow revolutionaries in Syria and Yemen.
At least for the day, some of Egypt's more pressing problems seemed to recede.
Union worker Etman concedes the unrest has caused a drop in tourism and investment, but argues the core of the economy remains strong.
"We have the Suez Canal, we have our factories, our manpower - those respectful people [pointing to the crowds] who care about the country," said Etman.
The people he refers to have carried Egypt this far, Etman says, and he hopes they will not stop now.
|Join the conversation on our social journalism site - Middle East Voices. Follow our Middle East reports on Twitter and discuss them on our Facebook page.


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Actress Sienna Miller is pocketing £100,000 from News Corp. to settle her claims that its News of the World celebrity tabloid illegally hacked her voicemail for scoops.
Miller, known as well for her messy break-up with actor Jude Law as for her starring roles in Alfie and The Edge of Love, sued the publisher after it published 11 stories in 2005 and 2006 based on phone messages it had hired private eyes to access.
According to the Telegraph, Miller had been holding out for the company to explain just how far it had breached her privacy and to apologize in open court, both of which it has now agreed to do.
U.S. & World
"Her primary concern is not how much money is awarded by way of compensation but to know exactly what the extent was of the hacking," her lawyer Hugh Tomlinson, the BBC reported.
Under the terms of the settlement, the defendant will also share relevant information from emails and reporters' notes, Bloomberg reported, and will cover her legal costs.
Just last month, the Rupert Murdoch-headed media giant finally admitted that it had illegally hacked Miller's phone, paving the way for the deal.
Miller was among a slew of prominent Brits who sued after the phone-hacking scandal first broke—among them her stepmother, Law, a member of Parliament and a handful of sports figures.
Many of their cases are still pending. Celebrity publicist Max Clifford, who settled his claims out of court years ago, suggested that Miller's deal could help the remaining plaintiffs to settle, too, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
News Corp. said for its part that it was glad to have resolved Miller's claims and hoped to put the other suits to bed soon, too.
The British tabloid first came under scrutiny in 2006 with the arrest of the newspaper's editor and a private eye he'd allegedly hired to intercept royal aides' voicemail. In the years following, investigations by the British press and law enforcement found the hacking even more widespread.