text:
Medium Power Amplifiers
AML announces the immediate availability of medium power broadband amplifiers model AML0126P3001 and AML0126P3002. Operating in the frequency range of 100 MHz to 26.5 GHz, these amplifiers offer gain of 30 dB minimum and typical noise figure below 5 dB (above 500 MHz). Output P1dB is +19 dBm minimum/+22 dBm typical for P3001 and +25 dBm minimum/+27 dBm typical for P3002. Amplifiers operate from a single +12 to +15 V DC supply with nominal DC current of 400 mA for P3001 and 700 mA for P3002. Operating temperature range of -54° to +85°C is available as an option.
AML Communications Inc.,
Camarillo, CA (805) 388-1345,
RS No. 216
RF Power Amplifier
The model RF40015 is an RF power amplifier designed for defense applications in which broadband frequency coverage of 20 to 305 MHz and RF output power of at least 100 W in Class AB operation is desired in a compact, rugged package. The model RF40015 combines the latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) RF power transistors with the company's advanced design and fabrication techniques to deliver high RF power density in a module measuring only 5.5" x 4.5" x 1.6" and weighing less than 2 lb. It has extremely fast blanking speed of less than 5 µs for excellent noise performance and low standby power consumption, as well as efficiency of at least 30 percent and the ability to deliver its full RF power output into VSWR of 2.5:1.
BC Systems Inc.,
Setauket, NY (631) 751-9370,
RS No. 217
Voltage-controlled Oscillators
Crystek's CVCO55CC-3345-3955 voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) operates from 3345 to 3955 MHz with a control voltage range of 2.5 to 23.5 V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and offers excellent linearity. Output power is typically +3.5 dBm. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the model CVCO55CC-3345-3955 is packaged in the industry-standard 0.5" x 0.5" SMD package. Input voltage is 10 V, with a maximum current consumption of 50 mA. Pulling and pushing are minimized to 5 and 3 MHz/V, respectively. Second harmonic suppression is -15 dBc typical.
Crystek Corp.,
Fort Myers, FL (239) 561-3311,
RS No. 218
MMIC Power Amplifier
The HMC755LP4E is a high gain, high linearity GaAs InGaP HBT MMIC power amplifier that is rated from 2.3 to 2.8 GHz and provides up to 31 dB of gain. This high efficiency amplifier operates from a single +5 V supply, and achieves 28 percent power added efficiency (PAE) at +33 dBm of saturated output power. Three power control pins can be used to reduce the RF output power of the PA, or for full power down of the amplifier to conserve DC power. The integrated output power detector pin (VDET) is internally coupled and provides excellent measurement accuracy while requiring only a single external decoupling capacitor. With an OFDM output power of +25 dBm (64 QAM, 54 Mbps), the HMC755LP4E achieves an error vector magnitude (EVM) of only 2.5 percent, making it ideal for WiMAX and LTE/4G applications. This high performance amplifier is packaged in a compact 4 x 4 mm QFN SMT package, requires a minimum of external matching components, and is rated for operation from -40° to +85°C.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343,
RS No. 220
Compact X-band Power Amplifiers
MITEQ has introduced a new line of low profile, lightweight and small volume high power X-band amplifiers. The new PA family offers a unique combination of features and performance in an extremely small footprint. The high speed pulsed DC feature and 12 V supply allows for extremely efficient operation suitable for high temperature, portable or airborne applications. Numerous models cover 8.5 to 10.5 GHz, in various sub-bands up to 1 GHz wide, with power levels of 8 to 12 W. The AMF-5B-08500960-25-40P-PLS delivers 10 W of peak power, with negligible droop, for pulses over 100 usec, and with proper heat sinking CW.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 436-7400,
RS No. 221
MOSFET Power Modules
These new linear MOSFET power modules (part numbers: APTMLxxx…) are used to provide a wide range of solutions in any linear, high-power density application where conventional switch-mode operation is either not allowed or not possible. They are ideal for circuits in which power devices must operate with high voltage and high current simultaneously, in near DC conditions. These MOSFET power modules are specifically designed to meet a wider guaranteed Forward Safe Operating Area, ensuring improved system reliability, with the minimum number of devices (to achieve given power levels). With their positive temperature coefficient thermistor included, these new linear MOSFETs from Microsemi are more stable and much less prone to thermal runaway. The included series shunt resistors allow current to be precisely controlled. This allows the modules to be easily used in parallel with an equal power dissipation balance.
Richardson Electronics,
LaFox, IL (800) 737-6937,
RS No. 247
4 W 340 to 470 MHz SSPA
Stealth Microwave introduces the SM034047-34MQ2, a MOSFET amplifier designed for military and commercial applications to include COFDM video and C2 links in UAVs and in portable battery powered transmitters. The unit operates from 340 to 470 MHz with a P1dB of +4 W. Small-signal gain is 11 dB with a flatness of 0.8 dB across the band. Standard features include high speed on/off for TDD switching and a lightweight housing designed to meet most MIL-STD-810G testing methods. In module form, the unit measures 3.375" x 1.9" x 0.49".
Stealth Microwave, a division of Micronetics Inc.,
Ewing, NJ (609) 538-8586,
RS No. 223
GaN Product
TriQuint Semiconductor has expanded its revolutionary wideband, high power RF transistor family with the new T1G6003028-SP, a 25 W (P1dB) GaN device operating from 20 MHz to 6 GHz. This PowerBand™ discrete GaN on SiC HEMT product delivers high-efficiency, high-power performance across an exceptionally wide bandwidth. The T1G6003028-SP is ideal for commercial applications such as WiMAX and professional radio systems, as well as wideband defense communications systems.
TriQuint Semiconductor,
Hillsboro, OR (503) 615-9000,
RS No. 239
40 and 50 GHz SMPM Terminations
Just announced are two high frequency SMPM push-on terminations from Aeroflex/Inmet. The TMP-400F (DC to 40 GHz) and the TMP-500F (DC to 50 GHz) are designed to mate with GPPO and SMPM male connectors. These terminations complement Aeroflex/Inmet's existing blind mate 8541-MPF SMPM DC blocking terminations. The new terminations are ideal for use in 40 Gbs optical transmission systems as well as in test and measurement applications.
Ann Arbor, MI (734) 426-5553,
RS No. 224
Bandpass Filter
AKON's model number A65-MH131 band- pass filter covers the 3.1 to 3.5 GHz frequency range with only 0.4 dB (maximum) insertion loss, 1.35:1 maximum VSWR, passband rejection > 20 dBc from DC to 2.9 GHz, +43 dBm CW power handling, all packaged within 2.98" x 1.22" x 0.82". AKON is a manufacturer of RF/microwave components and subsystems for military, space and commercial applications. AKON's compact filters are available in all topologies for low pass, high pass, bandpass and band reject requirements. Customer specified filters are available per individual customer requirements.
AKON Inc.,
San Jose, CA (408) 432-8039,
RS No. 225
Microwave Horn Antennas
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation has a family of broadband RF and microwave horn antennas offering coverage up to 50 GHz. These antennas are specifically designed to compensate for the losses that typically occur in test systems as frequency increases and can be used in shielded rooms or in free space.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA(215) 723-8181,
RS No. 254
EMI Filters
Models FMCE-0328, FMCE-0528, FMCE-0828 and FMCE-1528 are FMCE filters designed to work with Crane's Interpoint brand 28 V input, 1.5 to 120 W DC/DC converters and are backward compatible and fully interoperable with Interpoint brand FMH, FMC, FMD and FME filters. They have been designed to provide exceptional attenuation performance with a minimal loss of power in the filter as well as to make sure that heat generated in the filter is efficiently dissipated by the device to minimize stress on components, ensuring optimal product life.
Crane Aerospace & Electronics,
Electronics Group, Redmond, WA,
RS No. 226
High Frequency Coaxial Attenuator
The 42WXX is a high performance precision SMA coaxial fixed attenuator. This product expands EMC's current offering of SMA coaxial products out to 18 GHz. In EMC tradition, this product is offered in commercial or high reliability versions for all applications. EMC can offer a standard test plan or up-screen product for custom requirements. EMC coaxial attenuators are manufactured with a stainless steel body and standard SMA male/female interface. This product is offered in values from 0 to 10 dB in one dB increments and up to a maximum frequency range of 18 GHz. The rugged construction of this device ensures reliability and continuous performance in the most demanding environments.
EMC Technology/Florida RF Labs,
Stuart, FL (772) 600-1360,
RS No. 227
Wideband Attenuator
The new 50P-1857 is a programmable attenuator that offers solid-state reliability and superior broadband performance. With an operating frequency range of 200 to 6000 MHz, it is ideal for today's wideband variable attenuator requirements including VHF/UHF, LTE and WiMAX testing applications. This 50 ohm device has a dynamic range of 0 to 95 dB in 1 dB steps and is guaranteed monotonic across its entire bandwidth. SMA female connectors are standard on the input and output.
JFW Industries, Indianapolis,
RS No. 228
The 10DPS-6082/8400-S is a diplexer that is designed with a low band of 6082 to 6482 MHz and a high band of 7900 to 8400 MHz. The diplexer features a 1.2 dB maximum insertion loss with a 1.5:1 VSWR. The isolation is specified as 50 dB from the band edges. The physical size is 3.7" x 1.15" x 0.750" excluding SMA-female connectors. The unit also contains flange mounting.
Lorch Microwave,
Salisbury, MD (410) 860-5100,
RS No. 229
Medium Power Attenuators
Microlab announced the addition of a new range of medium power attenuators with guaranteed low PIM of less than -150 dBm when measured with two 20 W test tones. These products are available in attenuation values from 4.8 to 30 dB to meet the exacting needs of the wireless market across the whole 698 to 2700 MHz band. The AY series is designed for powers from 30 to 45 W depending on the attenuation value, and is available with either N or 7-16 mm DIN, male to female connectors. Units have been designed using mechanically stable connections and achieve an input VSWR better than 1.20:1 across the whole frequency band for all values except the 4.8 dB, which is less than 1.30:1.
Parsippany, NJ (973) 386-9696,
RS No. 230
Limiter Protection Circuits
Mini-Circuits' new VLM-73+ extends a popular line of SMA connectorized high power limiter protection circuits to 7 GHz. Ideally suited for protecting low noise receivers from exposure to unwanted high level signals, the VLM-73+ has only 0.3 dB typical insertion loss in the linear region, yet reacts almost instantaneously (2 nSec typical response time and 10 nSec recovery time) to signals up to 1 W input power by limiting the output power to less than +15 dbm across the frequency band. Housed in Mini-Circuits' patented uni-body construction, the VLM series is a tough unit for the most rugged receiver applications.
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500,
RS No. 231
Coaxial Attenuator
The model 766-20 is a 20 dB bidirectional coaxial attenuator that operates from DC to 4 GHz and can handle full RF input power at either connector without damage. Attenuation deviation of the Model 766-20 is ±0.25 dB to 3 GHz and ±0.5 dB to 4 GHz. It handles 20 W average and 1 kW peak input power, and maintains a VSWR of less than 1.15:1. The compact unit is heavily heat-sinked, uses Type-N connectors, measures 3.07" long and x 1.52" diameter, and weighs 5.6 oz. The model 766-20 coaxial attenuator is available from Narda for immediate delivery.
Narda Microwave-East,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 231-1700,
RS No. 222
SP4T RF Switch
The PE42440 SP4T (single pole four throw) RF switch is designed on Peregrine's green UltraCMOS™ silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) process technology and features excellent broadband RF performance from 50 MHz up to 3 GHz. The HaRP™-enhanced switch has best-in-class linearity, making it ideal for general purpose TRx switching in cellular and 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands; antenna tuning; and filter bank tuning/switching in a wide range of applications, including cellular radios and radio modules; antenna tuning of UHF bands through 3 GHz; RFID antenna tuning; 2.4 GHz ISM; Femtocells and other industrial applications.
Peregrine Semiconductor Corp.,
San Diego, CA (858) 731-9400,
RS No. 232
Directional Coupler
Pulsar model CS20-51-435/1 is a new 20 dB coupler covering the frequency range of 6 to 40 GHz with 1.2 dB insertion loss. Directivity is greater than 10 dB and flatness is ± 0.4 dB from 8 to 20 GHz and ±1.0 dB 6 to 40 GHz. The VSWR is 1.70:1 maximum and the unit can handle 20 W into a 1.20:1 load. Connectors are 2.92 mm female.
Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
Clifton, NJ (973) 779-6262,
RS No. 233
VHF LC Triplexer
Reactel part number 3TP-86/198-11 is a VHF LC triplexer. This unit exhibits low loss and high isolation as it splits the VHF band into 30 to 88, 100 to 172 and 225 to 400 MHz channels. This unit has a high power option and can be outfitted with most any RF connector you desire. Please contact the factory for this or any other filter requirement that you have.
Reactel Inc.,
Gaithersburg, MD (301) 519-3660,
RS No. 234
Coaxial to Waveguide Adapters
RLC Electronics now offers coaxial to waveguide adapters in a variety of configurations for specific applications. Option A are broadband adapters whose excellent electrical specs are maintained over the entire adapter bandwidth, while option B offers enhanced performance over a specific band of the adapters' bandwidth. Computer design and the latest in RF techniques coupled with precision assembly ensure optimal electrical performance in the recommended frequency ranges.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334,
RS No. 235
Base Station Duplexer
Trilithic Inc. has released a new base station duplexer for the LTE Band 13. Utilizing high "Q" cavities and a pseudo elliptic response, this duplexer provides low insertion loss and high isolation in a compact size. The maximum insertion loss in the passband is 1.25 dB while providing a minimum of 100 dB of isolation between the TX to RX ports. It also provides 80 dB minimum isolation out to 2800 MHz. This unit can handle up to 100 W CW across a temperature range of 0 to +70°C. Standard delivery: five to six weeks.
Trilithic Inc.,
Indianapolis, IN (317) 895-3600,
RS No. 237
100 MHz Power Circulator
A new high power circulator suitable for FM broadcast, scientific and medical applications is now available. The unit provides 10 MHz bandwidth in the 85 to 110 MHz spectrum. Specifications are 20 dB minimum isolation, 0.3 dB maximum loss and 1.25 maximum VSWR. Operating power is 1 kW average and 25 kW peak. The 8-1/2" hex x 2" thick unit operates over a 15° to 50°C temperature range. DIN 7/16 are standard. Other units are available at higher frequencies.
UTE Microwave,
Ashbury Park, NJ (732) 922-1009,
RS No. 238
Single-chip ISM Band Transceivers
RFMD announced the introduction of the ML2730, a single-chip fully integrated Frequency Shift Keyed (FSK) transceiver with integrated power amplifier (PA) and low noise amplifier (LNA). The ML2730 expands RFMD's portfolio of ISM band single-chip transceivers, covering 900 MHz, 2.4 and 5.8 GHz. The ML2730 is optimized for a variety of wireless media applications (audio, video and data) operating in the 2.400 to 2.485 GHz unlicensed ISM band. The high data rate capability of the ML2730 supports streaming applications like wireless audio and wireless video. The ML2730 is also suitable for a variety of radio controlled applications. By integrating the PA and LNA on a single chip, the ML2730 enables customers to develop robust wireless links with improved sensitivity and output power while reducing both costs and board size.
RF Micro Devices Inc.,
Greensboro, NC (336) 664-1233,
RS No. 250
Assembly or Process Challenge
SemiGen is a modern outsource for die packaging, hybrid assembly, and automated PCB manufacturing and test. The company gives you the edge you need to reduce production costs and meet demanding deadlines. Serving the military electronics, commercial device and medical instrumentation markets, its production line is capable of handling any requirement, from prototype to production.
SemiGen Inc.,
Londonderry, NH(603) 425-1144,
RS No. 240
Design and Simulation Software
ACS has recently released a new version of the LINC2 Pro RF and microwave design and simulation software suite. LINC2 V2.72 release I includes many new enhancements and upgrades. The latest version of LINC2 Pro ships with new RF tools software that includes nonlinear amplifier analysis. The software provides schematic capture for entering schematics manually or schematics can be created automatically by a number of circuit synthesis modules. The LINC2 Pro RF and microwave circuit design and analysis software suite combines circuit synthesis, simulation, optimization and statistical yield analysis into a single integrated design environment at an affordable cost.
Applied Computational Sciences (ACS),
Escondido, CA (760) 612-6988,
RS No. 241
Combining CAD Speed with 3D Flexibility
WASP-NET® combines unparalleled efficiency now with unlimited flexibility; WASP-NET version 8.0 features convenient 3D data file import and 3D structure editors, by which users can create arbitrary, user-defined geometries. WASP-NET's unique hybrid MM/FE/MoM/FD CAD engine yields EM CAD precision in seconds for general 3D microwave components and antennas, including arbitrarily shaped waveguide and coaxial components, combline/interdigital and dielectric resonator filters, feed systems, corrugated horn antennas, shaped reflector antennas, large slot arrays, dielectric loaded antennas, lenses, radomes, etc.
Microwave Innovation Group (MiG)
GmbH & Co. KG,
Bremen, Germany +49 421 223 7966 0,
RS No. 242
Surface-mount Synthesizer
The UPN-7500 is a surface-mount synthesizer that operates in a frequency range from 5500 to 7500 MHz. The unit is designed to withstand up to 9.26 Grms random vibration and 30 G's peak pulse of shock, tested in accordance with MIL-STD-202G. The UPN-7500 features 5 MHz step size, < 200 µSec settling time (any frequency step), 125 MHz external reference, +3 dBm output power and low phase noise (<-90 dBc/Hz at 100 KHz). The units feature low power consumption (115 mA, typical), extended operating temperature range (-45° to +85°C), small, SMT package (0.9" x 0.9" x 0.21"), and manufactured to IPC-A-610 standards.
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV (775) 345-2411,
RS No. 243
Microwave Frequency Synthesizers
The QuickSyn® series of microwave synthesizers, designed and manufactured by Phase Matrix's Frequency Synthesis group, delivers instrument-grade performance, increased functionality, and efficient power consumption at a reduced size and low cost. The synthesizers employ a revolutionary phase-refining technology that provides a unique combination of fast-switching speed and low phase noise characteristics.
Phase Matrix Inc.,
San Jose, CA (408) 428-1000,
RS No. 244
Integrated Synthesizers
The SKY73134 is a wideband integer-N frequency synthesizer with an approximate 6 GHz locking range. This extremely small 5 x 5 mm device includes four differential VCOs which, by applying internal VCO frequency division, continuously cover the output frequency from 0.375 to 5.6 GHz. The integrated phase noise from 100 Hz to 100 kHz measures less than 0.6 degree RMS at 960 MHz frequency. In addition, the phase noises at 100 kHz, 1 MHz and 3 MHz frequency offsets are -115 dBc/Hz, -143 dBc/Hz and -150 dBc/Hz, respectively, making the SKY73134 an ideal solution for GSM/EDGE, CDMA/WCDMA and LTE base station transceivers. The SKY73134 is controlled by a bi-directional read/write serial to parallel interface that allows flexible device configurations that may be locked with an external VCO or external PLL, or be used as a divider chain only.
Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
Woburn, MA (781) 376-3000,
RS No. 245
Fixed Frequency Synthesizer
Model SFS1770A-LF is an RoHS compliant fixed frequency synthesizer in L-band. The SFS1770A-LF is a single frequency synthesizer that operates at 1770 MHz. This synthesizer features a typical phase noise of -95 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and typical sideband spurs of -70 dBc. The SFS1770A-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 6 dBm with a VCO voltage supply of 5 VDC while drawing 35 mA (typical) and a phase-locked loop voltage of 3 VDC while drawing 9 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40° to 85°C. This fixed frequency synthesizer features typical second harmonic suppression of -15 dBc and comes in Z-Comm's industry standard PLL-V12N package measuring 0.60" x 0.60" x 0.13".
Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700,
RS No. 246
Subsystems or Systems
Amplifier Systems LCD Controller
The LCD touch screen display and microprocessor is a powerful tool that can be added to any Empower system. The LCD controller allows easy, intuitive access to all the monitoring and control functions of the amplifier, both locally on the screen and remotely via RS422, RS232 or Ethernet. The controller extends the capability of the amplifier to control; T/R switches, sub-octave filters, system interlocks and other miscellaneous internal and external features.
Empower RF Systems Inc.,
Inglewood, CA (310) 412-8100,
RS No. 248
OFDM Compatible Transceiver
The MiniTrans 2401 is a 2.45 GHz radio modem, basing on the patented dual mode radio architecture, for data rates up to 25 MBit/s and higher and for a point to point data transfer with digital input and digital output. A spread spectrum transmission is standard with the integrated noise generator (~ 10 MHz) or an external signal source, leading to a secure, rugged and tap-proof link. Except for the lower price-range, the module is readily comparable with OFDM systems. Applications for UWB are possible.
Heuermann HF-Technik GmbH,
Stolberg, Germany +49 2402/9749764,
RS No. 249
Ground Data Terminal Antenna System
The GDT-2100 is a military-grade, lightweight portable tracking antenna system for ground-based Ku-band data link transmit and receive communication. This standard COTS system is used by mobile ground forces to exchange imagery and data from UAV's utilizing CDL or other Ku-band data links. The GDT-2100 also supports data link relay, and UAV command and control missions. This ruggedized, portable system offers reliable field-proven performance, at a low cost.
TECOM Industries Inc.,
Thousand Oaks, CA (805) 267-0100,
RS No. 251
Test Equipment
Portable Positional Simulator
Aeroflex introduced the GPSG-1000, the first truly portable GPS and Galileo positional simulator. The GPSG-1000 is lightweight, easy to use, configurable and inexpensive. It fills a gap in the market by providing a low-cost 12-channel test set that creates three-dimensional simulations for under $20,000. With the advent of GPS signal modernization, many GPS simulators on the market today are now obsolete. The GPSG-1000 supports civil and military avionics field and bench maintenance technicians, production test technicians, and system integrators with a modern simulator for L1, C/A code and L1C, L2C, L5 GPS modernization signals, as well as new Galileo E1, E5, E6 services. It can be configured with single channel, 6-channel, or 12-channel simulation. Typical tests include acquisition sensitivity, tracking sensitivity, time-to-first-fix for cold/warm/hot starts, time-to-second-fix, positional accuracy, RAIM failure tolerance, and subsystem stimulation for 3D flight execution.
Wichita, KS (800) 835-2352,
RS No. 252
Noise Source
Micronetics SMN7108 noise source is ideal for dithering for high speed A/D conversion for high dynamic range input signals. This small surface-mount noise source packs the power needed for dithering without external amplification. This noise source is extremely stable over temperature making it ideal for military SIGINT and ELINT DSP circuit cards.
Micronetics Inc. Noise and Test Division,
Hudson, NH (603) 883-2900,
RS No. 253


text:
From inside the book
25 pages matching North Korean in this book
Where's the rest of this book?
Results 1-3 of 25
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Editorials On File
Israeli Commandoes Rescue 103 from ProPalestinian Hijackers
Carter Attacks Lone Ranger Approach to International Policy
4 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
abortion Africa Amendment American Amin Angola August bill cadets campaign Canada Canadian capital punishment cent China City committee Communist Congress constitutional convention death penalty decision Democratic desegregation Dole E. B. White economic election employes federal Ford's foreign policy freedom Gerald Ford Hays Henry Kissinger hijackers House industry Iran Israeli issue Jimmy Carter July July 23 June Justice Kelley Kissinger leaders legislation liberal major Medicaid ment military million Mondale murder nations Nixon nomination North Korean nuclear officials Olympic pardon party platform political President Ford presidential Prime Minister problems Reagan Republican Ronald Reagan ruling running mate schools Schweiker Secretary Senate Sikes sion South swine flu terrorists Third World tion tional trial U.S. Supreme Court Uganda United veto vote Watergate week White Xerox

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Serbia point guard Nikola Radicevic led all scorers with 24 points and, most importantly, kept his cool at the free-throw line in the last minute
By Jared Grellet
Serbia have gone within a win of guaranteeing a spot in the Quarter-Finals at the Samsung U18 European Championship, defeating Italy 78-74 in the final Second Round game in Vilnius on Monday night.
Playing catch-up basketball through the first half, Italy opted to go with a shorter line up in the third quarter.
It was detrimental at first, as Serbia surged ahead on their inside shooting, running out to a 17-point lead going into the last 10 minutes.
However, Italian coach Andrea Capobianco persevered with a shortened five and it began to pay dividends as back-up playmaker Tommaso Laquintana lead his team back with 12 points in six minutes, to have Italy within a point with three minutes remaining.
Laquintana's fourth quarter haul helped him finish the night with 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
However, Italy could not put the finishing touches on their comeback, as Nikola Radicevic provided Serbia's last 10 points to assure they kept their noses in front.
Radicevic ended with a game-high 24 points whilst Nikola Jankovic chipped in with 14.
Luka Andusic and Nikola Cvorovic both had 10 points off the bench.
On Tuesday, Serbia and Italy will both try and inflict their opponents with their first losses as they take on Spain and Lithuania respectively.


text:
Cataracts: The complete guide--from diagnosis to recovery--for patients and families
Dr. Shulman answers the questions most patients ask about cataracts, using non-technical language and a supportive tone, including what a cataract is, how it forms, what the various types of surgery entail and when each is appropriate, and what to expect in the recovery stages. The book covers new advances in diagnosis and treatments. Illustrations.
Please visit Help Page for Questions
regarding ISBN / ISBN-10 / ISBN10, ISBN-13 / ISBN13, EAN / EAN-13, and Amazon
Home | ISBN Directory | Affiliate
Program | Contact
Copyright © 2003-2014 AllDiscountBooks.net All rights reserved.


text:
William Lazonick is professor of economics at University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is also visiting professor at University of Ljubljana, professeur associé at Institut Mines-Télécom in Paris, and professorial research associate, SOAS, University of London. He is co-founder and president of the Academic-Industry Research Network, a 501(c)(3) research organization. Previously, he was on the faculties of Harvard University, Columbia University, INSEAD, and University of Tokyo. His book Sustainable Prosperity in the New Economy? Business Organization and High-Tech Employment in the United States (Upjohn Institute 2009) won the 2010 Schumpeter Prize. His article "Profits Without Prosperity: Stock Buybacks Manipulate the Market and Leave Most Americans Worse Off," earned the HBR McKinsey Award for outstanding article in Harvard Business Review in 2014. His most recent papers include "Stock Buybacks: From Retain-and-Reinvest to Downsize-and-Distribute"; "Innovative Enterprise or Sweatshop Economics? In Search of Foundations of Economic Analysis"; "U.S. Pharma's Business Model: Why It Is Broken and How It Can Be Fixed" (see submissions #1 and #2 to the UN High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines); and "The Mismeasure of Mammon: The Uses and Abuses of Executive Pay Data."." His recent research has been funded by the Institute for New Economic Thinking, Ford Foundation, and European Commission. Lazonick has a BCom from University of Toronto, MSc in economics from London School of Economics, a PhD in economics from Harvard University, and an honorary doctorate from Uppsala University. In December 2016 Lazonick will receive an honorary doctorate from University of Ljubljana.
William Lazonick
By this expert
The Value-Extracting CEO: How Executive Stock-Based Pay Undermines Investment in Productive Capabilities
The business corporation is the central economic institution in a modern economy. A company's senior executives, with the advice and support of the board of directors, are responsible for the allocation of corporate resources to investments in productive capabilities. Senior executives also advise the board on the extent to which, given the need to invest in productive capabilities, the company can afford to make cash distributions to shareholders. Motivating corporate resource-allocation decisions are the modes of remuneration that incentivize and reward the top executives of these companies. A sound analysis of the operation and performance of a modern economy requires an understanding of not only how much these executives are paid but also the ways in which the prevailing system of executive pay influences their decisions to allocate corporate resources.
The Mismeasure of Mammon: Uses and Abuses of Executive Pay Data
Report to the Institute for New Economic Thinking on the statistical measurement and policy implications of the compensation of the highest- paid U.S. corporate executives
What we learn about inequality from Carl Icahn's $2 billion Apple "no brainer"
The company's focus on stock buybacks to increase shareholder value is a reminder of why so much of the value created daily by millions of workers ends up in the hands of the billionaires
We Stopped Pfizer's Tax Dodge, Now Let's End the Buybacks
Industrial journalist Ken Jacobson and economist William Lazonick (both of the Academic-Industry Research Network), call for an end to stock market manipulation through buybacks.
Featuring this expert
Three Things to Know to Hold Wells Fargo Accountable
Justice requires that the media, policy makers, and the public understand why corporations engage in misconduct and fraud
General Equilibrium Theory: Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing?
Does general equilibrium theory sufficiently enhance our understanding of the economic process to make the entire exercise worthwhile, if we consider that other forms of thinking may have been 'crowded out' as a result of its being the 'dominant discourse'? What, in the end, have we really learned from it?
How MBA Programs Drive Inequality
Business school students are taught to extract resources instead of creating value.
How Superstar Companies Like Apple Are Killing America's High-Tech Future
Few would argue that America's fortunes rise and fall on its ability to generate technological innovations — to put bold ideas to work and then bring them to market.


text:
286 Main StreetCanaan Village, ME 04924ph: email@example.com
Taking a hot bath or rejuvenating shower with our rich, sensual, fragrant soap is a glorious way to pamper yourself. Bathing is one of our most ancient rituals. Light a candle, grab your favorite bar of The 1886 House Soap Co. Handmade Soap, add some water and in no time you will feel renewed. Use this simple pleasure as an act of loving kindness to yourself.
Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.
e-mail: email@example.com
phone - (207) 474-9959
Copyright 2013 The 1886 House All rights reserved.
Web Hosting by Yahoo!


text:
Talk to a trucking carrier whose CSA scores are good and you'll likely find that even if it isn't a family-run company — as in blood relatives — it is a family-type of organization in that management knows most if not all its drivers by name. A company in which dispatchers and upper management, alike, actually talk to drivers and care about their special needs, such as getting home to take a spouse to a cancer specialist or getting a driver home to see his mom who lives on the other side of the country.
It's certainly true in the case of the two Canadian trucking firms who won the Truckload Carriers Association's most recent safe carrier awards.
It's also true of the safer bus companies because let's face it, good safety culture is good safety culture, whether it's at a trucking operation or a motor coach company.
And before you turn the page, let me point out that trucking might take a page or two out of Martz Trailways' playbook.
Martz Trailways' director of Safety, Michael Jordan, gave a talk last month at the National Transportation Safety Board's hearing on truck and bus safety, and he told The Trucker later that two things that set his Wilkes-Barre, Pa., company apart are a safety focus from the top down and constant, ongoing driver training.
I know. I know. You career drivers already know how to drive. I get it. But smooth your feathers down and hear me out, or hear Jordan out.
"This is a privately-held company that's been in the same family for over 100 years," he said. "We're part of the Martz Group and the 11th largest in the U.S. We know 95 percent of our drivers by their first names; we make that a point, and we're available to them. None of our drivers ever hears 'what are you calling me with this nonsense for?'
"If it's important to them it's important to us. We're proud of our drivers. They're the face of Martz. They're proud of wearing their safety awards on their uniforms. …"
Martz' culture of safety begins with Frank Henry, chairman of the board of the Martz Group, and "permeates throughout the entire organization, from Pennsylvania to Florida," said Jordan.
"Safety is a matter of individual behavior and we constantly train," he said. "We never stop training; we train our drivers and everyone within the organization. Safety has to be a continuous, ongoing program. It's not 'now we've trained you and that's that.'"
The moment a driver is hired "all of us on the management side meet with them in the classroom and say 'here are our phone numbers; you can call us. Our doors are always open.'
"I just spoke to a New York City driver this morning who was concerned about his Hours of Service. He had a misunderstanding about the rules and now he's squared away. We get back with them [drivers] in about one business day or sooner."
Remedial training is used to correct any violation of safety policy with a minimum of four hours training or more, depending upon the seriousness of the infraction. And, Jordan said, the policy is applied the same way across the board. "It's not arbitrary," he said, stressing that all drivers are treated the same.
Drivers spend a minimum of 186 hours in training but if a recruit needs more time, they give it to them. "We don't have a problem with the fact that everyone learns at their own pace," Jordan noted, adding that there's also 50 hours of actual on-road driver training. The other part of the teaching is done in a simulator that goes to the students via a state-of-the-art motor coach with an audio-visual system and a flat screen TV in its bulkhead.
Jordan likes to remind drivers and the public that "our cargo loads and unloads itself."
And because of that, Martz spends an added $12,000 per coach to install passenger seatbelts and has been doing so since 2009.
Drivers also are trained in customer service, since they're the ones who are in the public eye. "This makes us unique," Jordan said. "One of the things we always say to them is that as part of the safety culture 'you're not transporting 55 people, you're transporting 55 families. They're all loved by their families. Treat them as if they're honored guests coming into your home.
"In short, a motor coach driver has to be customer-driven. They're the face and pride of our company and we convey that to them constantly."
Martz backs up the talk by providing cash awards twice a year to drivers with no safety violations. The ones with 10 or more years of safe driving get a larger bonus and an extra paid day of vacation twice a year.
Find more news and analysis from The Trucker, and share your thoughts, on Facebook.
Dorothy Cox of The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at email@example.com.


text:
In trading on Friday, shares of Fidelity National Information Services Inc (NYSE: FIS) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $31.30, changing hands as low as $31.20 per share. Fidelity National Information Services Inc shares are currently trading down about 1.4% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of FIS shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed below their 200 day moving average »
Looking at the chart above, FIS's low point in its 52 week range is $22.53 per share, with $34.85 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $31.27.
Special Offer: Manage the risks of the markets better with a free 30 day trial to the Multi-Asset Class Risk Management Portfolio.
According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, FIS makes up 1.79% of the Guggenheim Mid-Cap Core ETF (AMEX: CZA)which is trading lower by about 0.1% on the day Friday.
See what other ETFs contain FIS »


text:
Recent DkIT graduate sets up Social Media Business in one of the worlds fastest growing markets
Sharon Fox, founder of The Socializers, a social media and computer training company, says social media know-how is vital for modern business
"However many people and companies are not using Social Media to its full potential, as an interactive, free flowing medium.
"Just having a Facebook page is not enough ", says Sharon " the whole idea is that people continually interact with each other. People can learn about new friends and businesses can learn what the clients really want from their product or service and supply it as required."
However immediate monitoring and constant interaction is crucial to make Facebook work really effectively.
"RTE's Ryan Tubrity has 15,000 followers on Twitter. When he received a nasty comment recently, he was on the case and in control. He simply modified his Twitter account so that only comments that he approves of can now be posted and made public. " Monitoring, modifying, innovative interaction and being creative when writing blogs is crucial in using Social Media effectively ", says Sharon.
With her BSc in Computer Applications and Support Sharon creates Facebook pages and also provides training to help people deal with any technical problems that may arise. She works with individuals and organisations including The Westenra Hotel in Monaghan, Iontas In Castleblayney, The Workhouse in Carrickmacross, Ballybay Development Association.
Sharon sees her return to education as a mature student as a bonus, she appreciates the value of learning and introducing people to new technology "I really enjoy giving the training workshops and teaching people about computers, the power of the Internet and Social Media and its ability to increase personal profiles and business profits."
For more information contact Sharon 086 721 7771.


text:
Octobers iPhone Wallpaper, Teal
So sorry! This color is out of stock.
Success!KEEP EXPLORING or CHECK OUT
This item has been
This item has been
added to your cart
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are octobers!
to use...
To make this image your phone wallpaper or lockscreen, simply CLICK HERE for the image, and save the image to your photos. Then follow your phone's instructions to save the "photo" as your phone wallpaper and/or lockscreen. Enjoy!
**Note: you do NOT need to add this product to your cart & checkout**
Artwork ©Lindsay Sherbondy.


text:
Classical Management Approaches Continuing Management Themes The study of management begins with the classical approaches
1) Scientific Managmenet
2) Administrative Management
3) Bureaucratic Organization
All 3 approaches assume that people at work act in a manner that is driven by ecenomic concerns. Behavioural Management Approaches 1920's emphasis on human side
Workplace includes: Hawthorne Studies, Maslows Theory of Human Needs, Douglas McGregor and Chris Argyris
Make sure people are social and self actualizing
Search for personal fulfillment and respond to group pressures Quantitative Management Approaches Modern Management Approaches •Modern approaches to management are established by the classical, human resource, and quantitative schools of thought.
•People are complex and variable and have needs that change over time
•They have a range of talents that can be continually developed
•Key foundations include the systems view of organizations and contingency thinking The Hawthorne Studies and Human Relations Maslow's Theory of Human Needs McGregor's Theory of Human Needs Global Awareness Quality and Performance Excellence Twenty First Century Leadership Learning Organizations Bureaucratic Organization Administrative Principles Scientific Management Argyris's Theory of Adult Personality Management Science Organizations as Systems Contingency Thinking •Lessons from the Hawthorne Studies: •Social and human concerns are keys to productivity. •Hawthorne effect — people who are singled out for special attention perform as expected. •Maslow identified 5 levels of human needs:
- physiological, safety, social, esteem and self actialization •Deficit Principle:
•A satisfied need is not a motivator of behavior •Progression Principle:
•A need becomes a motivator once the preceding lower-level need is satisfied. Theory X and Y Theory X Most managers feel their workers believe in theory x which is that they dislike work, lack ambition, are irresponsible are resistant to change, and prefer to be led rather than to lead. Theory X managers create situations where workers become dependent and reluctant. Theory Y Theory y suggests that Willing to work Capable of self control Willing to accept responsibility Imaginative and creative Capable of self-direction Theory Y managers create situations where workers respond with initiative and high performance. •Management practices should accommodate the mature personality by:
•Increasing task responsibility
•Increasing task variety
•Using participative decision making •Classical management principles and practices inhibit worker maturation and are inconsistent with the mature adult personality. •Central to notions of empowerment and self-management. •Employee attitudes, interpersonal relations, and group processes. 1927 •Some things satisfied some workers but not others •The Hawthorne effect is the tendency of persons singled out for special attention to perform as expected •Factors that accounted for increased productivity:
•Group Atmosphere
•Participative Supervision •Designed to minimize the "psychological factors" of previous experiment. System: is a collection of interrelated parts working together for a purpose. A subsystem is a smaller component of a larger system Open System: interacts with its environment and transforms resource input into outputs. •Chester Barnard
•His idea was organizations are co-operative systems that will achieve great things by integrating the work of individuals to achieve a common purpose •Tries to match managerial responses with problems and opportunities unique to different situations. •There isn't "one best way" to deal with situations •The contingency thinking helps manager deal with different situations in
different ways •Contingency thinking recognizes what structure to use for one organization may not always work well for another organization "The principal object of management should be to secure maximum prosperity for the employer, coupled with the maximum prosperity for the employee" –Frederick W. Taylor Look at the best way to perform a task through high efficiency •Taylor believed the because workers were doing their job 'their way', they would digress and sacrifice efficiency 4 principles in creating maximum efficiency:
1. Create a 'science'
2. Employ best suited individuals
3. Train workers and provide positive incentive to co-operate
4. Support workers and their operations and plans •Focus on the manager and basic managerial functions
•Henri Fayol viewed management as something that can be taught and honed Described management as something which consisted of five plans of action
1)Foresight- future plan of action
2)Organizing- resources for the plan
3)Commanding- lead, select, and evaluate
4)Co-ordinating- ensure no problem
5)Controlling- ensure plan succeeds Focuses on the guideline for structuring with formalization of rules Weber envisioned companies should run on a non social aspect The Ideal Bureaucracy Management & Ownership is Seperate Divison of Labor Positions Organized in Hierachy Selection Based on Technical Qualification Managers Subject to Rule & Procedures Decisons Recorded in Writing The numerous themes have helped create the trends in managment as organizations begin the 21st century
The society we work and live in is ever-changing which has affected the way organizations run. Wanted to know how quantitative techniques could imporve managerial decsion making It was beleived that numerical techniques can assist in problem solving In todays society, this is done through computer technology and software programs A learning organization continuously learns and adapts to new circumstances which can cause many organizations to be sucessful Peter Senge identifies the following as the core ingredients to a succesfull learning organization:
1) Mental Models
2) Personal Mastery
3) Systems Thinking
4) Shared Vision
5) Team Learning Organizations that met this criteria are known to offer work settings that help employees improve their abiliy to learn. In today's society it is essential for organizations to get accustom to new situations to be successful In the 21st century leadership is considered a special responsibility and a primary key to personal and organizational performance 21st century managers will have to push to meet expectations such as:
1) Global Strategist
2) Master of Technology
3) Inspiring Leader
4) Model of Ethical Behavior Managers and employees must be well educated and must be open to be educated throughout their careers • Managers and workers in progressive organizations are quality
conscious • Quality provides competitive advantage • Total quality management (TQM) is a comprehensive approach to build quality into all aspects of operations
• Quality must be maintained at each point of the value chain: Sequence of activities that transform materials into finished products •William Ouchi • Pressure for quality and performance excellence is created by a highly competitive global economy
• Continuing efforts of businesses around the globe to transform themselves into world-class operations Prominent in the theory Z management approach are such things as:
1) Long-term employment
2) Slower promotions and more lateral job movements
3) Attention to career planning and development
4) Consensus decision making
5) Emphasis on teamwork and employee involvement Use of staff specialists to help managers apply techniques such as:
- Mathematical Forecasting
- Linear Programming
- Queuing Theory
- Network models
- Stimulation
Good judgment and appreciation for human factors must accompany use of quantitative analysis.
Software and hardware developments have expanded potential quantitative applications to managerial problems. Management - Past to Present
Present Remotely
Send the link below via email or IMCopy
Present to your audienceStart remote presentation
- Invited audience members will follow you as you navigate and present
- People invited to a presentation do not need a Prezi account
- This link expires 10 minutes after you close the presentation
- A maximum of 30 users can follow your presentation
- Learn more about this feature in our knowledge base article
Management - Past to Present
Business Leadership
Nicole Bermanon 27 February 2013
Comments (0)
Please log in to add your comment.


text:
More Letters to the Editor
Published 10:00 pm, Sunday, November 11, 2007
Proposition 1 failed because in an off-year elections, only determined voters show up and they were determined to kill it despite being from opposite points of view. Freeway proponents who HATE transit want more "free"-ways but they are the most costly option given capacity plus they rely on imported oil from "allies" that seem anything but. And those who care about the environment didn't want sales tax money, which is a disproportionate burden to lower income people, used to fund more highway lanes meaning more pollution and sprawl.
That it must take several years longer to come up with a new plan is a ridiculous threat. What about all the millions spent on transportation studies? Didn't Seattle mobilize in months for WWII helping conquer two empires in less time than this horrific current war?
Don't start over; just whittle down the plan to a more manageable situation. Sound Transit waiting ten years to admit they never intended to stop at First Hill plus all the financial miscalculations make people naturally skeptical. Build a train to UW but why bypass Eastlake and bore a tunnel all the way? Lost transit riders at the most cost.
Latest videos
- Tackling the opioid crisis in Florida Fox35 Orlando
- US Congress unveils $1.3tn spending budget Euronews
- Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg To Reportedly Address Data Harvesting Scandal GeoBeats
- Search for suspect in Baldwin Park Fox35 Orlando
- Battling the Opioid Crisis Fox4
- Students Participate In An Alternative To Walkouts And 'Walk Up' Instead GeoBeats
- US, UK, France, Germany Hold Russia Responsible For Nerve Agent Attack In Joint Statement GeoBeats
- Florida high school students discuss demand for change in gun laws: 'This is life or death' FoxLA
- Shock in Vienna after series of stabbings Euronews
- Stormy Daniels Willing to Return $130,000 from Trump's Team Wibbitz
- American-Made Hennessey Venom F5 Supercar Unveiled at GIMS Ruptly TV
- Father Who Lost His Daughter in the Parkland Shooting Speaks About the NRA NowThis News
- BCSO: Shootouts ensue as man barricades self in home rigged with propane tanks San Antonio Express-News
- ER Opioid Overdose Visits Up 30 Percent Associated Press
- Trump Says Obama Wanted To 'Discredit' Him So 'Crooked' Hillary Would Win GeoBeats
- Nor'easter Pounds Outer Banks Storyful
- California's Marijuana Market is Expected To Be Bigger Than Beer WLKY
- Comey Takes A Jab At Trump, Tweets 'Lordy, This Time There Will Be A Tape' GeoBeats
- UN spokesman: Syria's Ghouta truce has broken down, fighting rages on Euronews
- Report: Kelly Is Not In Favor Of Granting Kushner A Security Clearance Waiver GeoBeats
New freeway lanes are over. Instead, build multi-level parking garages at interchanges where huge tandem buses stop every five minutes heading to large employment and shopping centers. Electrified HOV lanes become exclusive bus lanes and drivers will save money parking near their home with gas bills and parking rates. Downtowns can build nicer buildings for people, not cars.
We really already have the infrastructure in place although in desperate need of repair. Let's better utilize what we have so we can continue to rely on it for our region's economy and future.
David G. Wright
I am a Northwest screenwriter who creates television series and films that feature powerful women, including Latina and African-American women, some of them even older than 29. The Hollywood producers I work with are excited about diversity, and we find that the some forward-thinking networks are thrilled to offer complex portrayals with which audiences identify. Imagine the surprise to discover that Seattle's KOMO-TV does not treat its audience with the same respect. Melanie McFarland's Nov. 1 piece on April Zepeda's civil lawsuit against Fisher Communications Inc. demonstrates how important it is that age and race discrimination be identified and dispelled locally as well as nationally.
KOMO acquired KUNS, with an intention to broadcast Univision to the lucrative Hispanic market. At the same time it fired its Latina reporter, Zepeda, just days after her 40th birthday and, interestingly, days following her agreement to serve as AFTRA shop steward. With the removal of this accomplished broadcast journalist, KOMO has lost its connection with the local Latina community and the opportunity to explore how multicultural approaches might affect news programming. How disturbing that the same station that wishes to expand with the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States is willing to ignore the potential of an Emmy-winning Latina woman in her prime.
Women in the media are more than representations of the culture: As we age and become more powerful, we may indeed be the forces critically necessary for societal change. The removal of Zepeda, and in general, the absence of mature women from television and film is a way to silence our voices, and thus keep experienced women from view, so both corporate costs and the influence of their authority are contained.
Sonya Lea
You printed my letter Nov. 7 and now Eric Pilon is questioning the factualness of certain items. All of my statements are true and verifiable.
Pilon states unequivocally that the Alan Greenspan did not say the war was about oil and the war was not about oil. Thank God for having the capability of tape to substantiate the statement by Greenspan. He was interviewed on, I believe, CNBC or one of the other news channels. He stated, "The war in Iraq is largely about oil." This is on tape, and stated within the past 90 days. It also is mentioned in Greenspan's recent book, " Age of Turbulence."
Without a doubt, the deceit of misstating the facts about the weapons of mass destruction is truly fraudulent. Without a doubt, I still say if deceit of this magnitude were committed in the private or public sector in the business world, the perpetrators would be heavily fined by the SEC at a minimum and probably sentenced to incarceration.
The price of oil in year 2001 is easily verifiable. One final item that is important: I voted both in 2000 and 2004 for George W Bush, but truly feel we have been totally deceived at such a huge cost that future generations will be penalized. Paying $3-plus for gas is a huge tax that without a doubt is because of the instability caused by this irresponsible war. Nothing to say about the U.S. dollar having lost 80 percent of its purchasing power against the Euro and approximately 50 percent against the British pound.
George M. White
Lake Forest Park
On Nov. 9, the P-I published a letter from Eric Pilon wherein he makes the following claim: "Besides the fact that at least one of (Nov. 8 letter writer George) White's claims is provably false ("Greenspan said the war was about oil!" No, he didn't; this has been debunked repeatedly), his construction of an argument would get him kicked out of any debate worth its salt: take minimal facts, add maximum demagoguery, stir in some dissention: Voila!"
In spite of Pilon's wishful thinking, the letter he was denigrating as "provably false" is far more accurate than his. Greenspan wrote, " I am saddened that it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge what everyone knows: the Iraq war is largely about oil."
You need to check the facts prior to telling lies. But, then, to a Republican, a lie is OK.
Brian D. Gregory
I am a former Washington resident living in Oklahoma City. I would be very disappointed to see the Sonics leave their 40-year home, but am also very disappointed at how Seattle and its media and politicians have chosen to vilify David Stern and now Clay Bennett when they have been very straightforward with you. This is not rocket science. Stern told you several years ago that the KeyArena was the worst lease agreement in the NBA and that the facility was inadequate.
When Bennett bought the team, he told you more than a year ago that a new facility would be required or he would move the team and that public funding would be needed to help build a new arena. I am sure that everyone feels that you have spent enough to help fund the Mariners and the Seahawks. Fine. But you have known for over a year that the Sonics would leave without a new arena. The city and state have said no. That is your choice.
Stern and Bennett are not villains stealing your team. You have chosen not to do what is needed to keep the team while blaming the NBA, Bennett and Oklahoma City for your own intransigence. The people of Oklahoma City voted several years ago to build the Ford Center and filled it with 20,000 screaming fans for the visiting, temporary Hornets.
The answer to keeping the Sonics is the same as it was 18 months ago. Help build a new arena. If the Sonics leave, it's your own fault and you were given fair warning.
Carl Rose
Oklahoma City, Okla.
"Accountability" seems to be the theme of the election results. In Shoreline, two of the council members who secretly met to terminate the previous city manager were both ousted. Maggi Fimia and Bob Ransom were well known, experienced politicians who ignored the intention of Open Public Meetings Act. They were the only ones from the "Gang of Four," as the Tacoma News Tribune called them, who were up for re-election and the voters decided it was time for change.
Doris McConnell and Terry Scott are new to politics, yet the voter's opted to give them a try over keeping Fimia and Ransom and their backroom shenanigans.
The lesson? While openness can be a painful process, the public has a right to -- and, as important, an expectation of -- transparency.
Two other violators of Shoreline's public trust, Janet Way, and Cindy Ryu, are up for re-election in two years. We'll see how long the Voter's memories are. It's expensive for the private community to hold public officials accountable, but critical to keeping the Public in the Open Public Meetings Act.
Kevin Grossman
A plaintiff in the Shoreline Open Public Meetings Act lawsuit
Here is a thought: Rather than the city of Seattle sprucing up a few blocks of Third Avenue, how about just cleaning up the city in general? Our city, except for few pockets that the City deems to maintain (such as where more well-heeled constituents are generally), looks like h-e-double toothpicks.
If it isn't garbage, it's rundown infrastructure. If it isn't that, it is blackberry forests. If it isn't that, it is wildly overgrown wastelands. And if it isn't that, it is just this totally old and worn-out look that now characterizes the city, masses of vegetation gone wild, rust and busted concrete.
Rather than spending $27 million on little sharrows and sweet little programs to promote retro-transit solutions, the city could have spent the same money and mowed the lawns it owns, cleaned out all the rubbish under and near all its bridges and arterials, painted its bridges, painted or replaced light standards, landscaped the medians and other streetscapes, for example.
But, no, it does these corny little initiatives, like all of a sudden, "Oh gee, we have to do something about Third Avenue!" Well, duh, gee let's see, how many decades has it taken them to take that up? About two?
Of course, also, what is that ultimately about? Not about any new policy about making the city look better. It is because business doesn't like it. That's why the sudden move to improve will not spread to any other part of the city, that's why it will be limited in scope, limited in duration and why it will be years before they clean up any other area. There is no will on the part of the city to expend any large amount of the public's money fixing up anything, except that it be connected to some special interest, usually a minority interest, and/or a business interest.
I am so tired of going to surrounding towns -- Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Renton -- and seeing how they maintain their cities, with a clear interest in the aesthetics along with the functionality of their public areas, and coming back to Seattle and seeing this pig pile.
The recent redevelopment that the city of Shoreline did along Aurora is a prime example -- it is beautiful! It has aesthetic appeal, functionality is there, and the streetscape is superb. Really attractive light standards, art, pedestrian and bike paths that are beautifully landscaped, but hit 145th and Aurora and you're back in Seattle, with the same worn-out, unkempt, gray, dull streets and common areas, that haven't seen much more than a nickel's worth of thought or expense put in them for tens of years.
Oh someday the city will get around it, but it will come on the heels of this great "revelation," and it will be the typical city ploy -- "we need all this levy money because things have gotten behind, through no fault of our own," and it will be this great emergency, and they'll tell us how it is so urgent that they be given millions of dollars to do this now pressing job.
Of course, there is will be no mention that if they had taken care of things through the years, and if they had planned better, and not run off doing every pet capital project that came down the pike, like a trolley to nowhere, then there wouldn't be a need for emergency solutions to what amounts to every day problems.
Try deferring maintenance on your car, house, apartment, even your clothes for example. They have to be repaired, cleaned, upgraded, and replaced all the time (unless you want to live like Miss Havisham), so how is it that the public's assets don't go through the same processes? They don't go through those processes because we have a spendthrift city government that doesn't give a rip about what the city as a whole looks like! They'd rather sit in their offices behind closed doors, dole out the money to their special constituencies, and plot their next campaign to stay in office or hold down their cushy departmental jobs.
Every citizen should let the Seattle City Council know, let SDOT, the Department of Neighborhoods, Public Utilities, Parks, everyone of them, that what has happened to Seattle in terms of maintenance is unacceptable, not just on a few blocks of Third Avenue, but across the city. And that protest should include a demand that the city makes this a priority, and funds that priority post haste. We're supposed to be the largest city in the whole darn state, with the highest per-capita tax income of every city, town around, and yet our town looks like a ramshackle mess. The state of the city is unacceptable, and particularly for the city that likes to think it is so world class. Acres of blackberries, broken concrete, rusted metal, detritus and dirt is neither sexy nor world class! Wake-up everyone!
Elizabeth Campbell
The first thing the Legislature should do with I-960 is put an advisory vote to the people to ask to raise taxes to finance all the special advisory votes to the people to ask to raise taxes.
Rose M. Laffoon
I write to second Gerald Anderson's letter regarding dangers inherent in street bicycle riding. I too am a long time motorcyclist with well over 100,000 miles of travel on motorcycles including commuting to work in all kinds of weather: darkness, rain, snow, etc.
For years I rode bicycles in the street as well and I have learned from experience that riding bicycles with cars is the vastly more dangerous of the two. As Anderson says, you must drive for everyone around you and it is possible to do that on a motorcycle. On a bicycle you are limited to doing what you can and hoping for the best. In evaluating those risks I decided that "hope for the best" was not a factor I wished to include in my personal safety formula and I no longer ride my bicycle among cars.
Ralph Turman


text:
Category: Relaxation
LELO smart wand
|30 August, 2012
|Posted by Sheri under Relaxation
I have to admit, I laughed when I opened the email containing a review request for the LELO Smart Wand all over body massager. Usually "all over body massager" is code for…you know…vibrator…. And I'm not about to start reviewing vibrators.
But then I watched the how to use it YouTube video (and I was quite apprehensive of what I might be about to see before I hit play) and found that it actually is a massager. I think.
How to use the LELO smart wand
So I said yes. I could use a massage, so sure, send it my way. I googled LELO smart wand, and found you can buy them from sex shops. Hmm… What was I getting myself in to?
I seriously thought a vibrator was going to turn up at my door step. When the LELO did arrive, the box was quite large. I didn't know it was the LELO that the package contained. Discreet packaging you see. Which is good, because if a delivery man thinks that kegel exercisers are "personal massagers," (you can read that story here) then what would he think of an all over body massager? I didn't really want to re-live that embarrassment again. Phew.
I opened the box.
"Oh, that's definitely not a vibrator!" I told Aaron rather excitedly. It was way too big for that sort of thing. If I ordered a vibrator for actual um… vibrate-y things, I would be like "Oh heck no! You're not coming near me with that thing!"
So yeah, all over body massager it actually is. I'm pretty sure.
I checked all of the instructions for good measure. There was no "do not insert…" warning, but I'm still going to go with that's not what it's for.
It just so happend that I could use a shoulder massage, so after charging it up, I turned it on and went to work. With the 8 different vibration settings, I could start the massage slow and pick it up from there. Oh boy did it undo some knots.
It's easy to reach your own shoulders because of the curved design. Oh, and did I mention it's water proof? Yeah, you can take that bad boy in the bath with you. Relaxing bath, with a shoulder massage? Yes please. Can you tell that shoulder massages are my favourite? It's also relaxing on my legs, feet, and lower back.
So just why is it shaped rather like a penis? I'm not sure. But because it is, I feel like I have to hide it away so anyone who comes over doesn't see it. Even though it's not used for any coital purposes. And I certainly can't let any friends have a back massage with it because it does look like a vibrator. Despite it's large size. I think they might be rather frightened if I pulled it out and said "hey, try this out."
Hannah thinks it's the best toy ever, and loves to turn it on and run around the house with it. Which looks rather funny/alarming/weird/horrible/cringeworthy due to it's phallic appearance. I really hope that she doesn't go in my room, grab it, and run around with it when we have people over. Sigh. Hopefully she doesn't know where I hide it.
Maybe people do use it for um…you know… Maybe they don't. I don't know. All I know is that I use it as a shoulder/leg/foot/back massager, and it is very good at that.
-8 different settings
-Curve makes it easy to reach your own back and shoulders
-Comes in different colours (Mine is purple, my favourite!)
-Completely waterproof
-1 year warranty
-Discreet packaging
-Phallic appearance (although maybe some people like feeling like they are getting a back massage from a penis?)
-A bit pricey
- I really hope my Grandma isn't reading this
To Buy a LELO smart wand, click here
*I received a free LELO smart wand for review purposes.


text:
Italy's Bicycle, Motorcycle and Accessories Association (ANCMA) changed its name to Confindustria ANCMA at the organization's annual general assembly, held in July.
"Starting today, we will no longer be called simply ANCMA but Confindustria ANCMA to underscore the fact that we are a primary component of the system that represents Italian industry," President Guidalberto Guidi said after a unanimous meeting had approved the change.
The Italian two-wheeler market makes up one-third of all registrations in the European Union (as high as 60 percent for scooters). Approximately 422,000 two-wheelers were registered there in 2005. Registrations during the first six months of 2006 were up 8.38 percent compared to the same period last year.
In 2005, Italian motorcycle companies produced 695,000 vehicles - more than half of the European Union's entire production of two-wheelers.
Copyright 2006 Powersports Business


text:
Not revealed in the version made public, includes the products covered by the agreement between the two companies, nor does it reveal the financial details of the arrangement. Hardware and software patents that Apple was prepared to give ground to HTC on included only those that would not in anyway allow HTC to create products that tread on the "Distinctive Apple User Experience."
Anti-cloning agreements have also been covered meaning that HTC is free to use the specified Apple patents, provided that they don't culminate in a user experience that too closely imitates Apple's. This is very similar to the existing arrangement that Apple has in place with Microsoft for aspects of its Windows 8 UI design elements that draw from Apple's patents. While directions are expressed as to how HTC is to pay Apple, conspicuous by its absence are any details on how Apple might pay HTC. This leaves open the possibility that Apple is not paying HTC the use of any of its patents.
Samsung aims to scour the details of the agreement between Apple and HTC to see if there are any grounds for averting a sales embargo on its products following its record $1.049 billion court loss to Apple. Samsung was successful in petitioning Judge Paul S. Grewal to force Apple to hand over the unredacted agreement to Samsung's lawyers for review. Judge Lucy Koh, who presided over Samsung's court loss, subsequently also ruled that the Apple and HTC deal could also be made public, however, only under the condition that the terms of the financial settlement remain undisclosed. [via AllThingsD]
Apple-HTC Settlement (Redacted)


text:
Bears WR
Brandon Marshall will slot nicely into that No. 1 receiver spot, but after that, Chicago doesn't really know its main options. Johnny Knox may end up missing the entire season after undergoing back surgery over the offseason. That most likely leaves Earl Bennett, who the Bears just extended, to fight for that No. 2 spot at receiver. However, if he doesn't impress, Devin Hester, Eric Weems, and Alshon Jeffrey, a stud at South Carolina who Chicago took in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, could move in and end up getting time either on the outside or in the slot.
Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, Jordan Shipley and Andrew Hawkins will fight for the two receiving spots behind A.J. Green, who's coming off an impressive rookie season. Drafted two rounds earlier, Sanu might have the advantage over fifth-round pick Jones entering camp. Hawkins is a second-year receiver, who pulled in 23 receptions from Andy Dalton last season. Shipley is recovering from a torn ACL and works best out of the slot. His chances of becoming a No. 2 receiver on the outside are slim-to-none, but he could end up fitting in nicely as a receiver on the inside.
Willis McGahee is the clear-cut No. 1 running back for the Broncos entering 2012. However, his backup is still a question. Knowshon Moreno was a 2009 first-round pick, who missed the final nine games of last season after tearing his ACL. With three disappointing Moreno years in the books, Denver selected Ronnie Hillman in the third round of this year's draft. Hillman is a small, shifty runner who elicits comparisons to Darren Sproles. In his two years on the field at San Diego State, the 5-foot-9 back totaled 3,243 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. If Moreno's comeback is delayed, Hillman should take over the No. 2 running spot by default. If not, he could still end up winning the spot from Moreno on merit.
Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker have the No. 1 and No. 2 spots to themselves in 2012 after strong 2011 campaigns, but the third spot is relatively open. Denver signed Andre Caldwell away from the Bengals this offseason, which might give him an edge. Brandon Stokley was a Bronco a few years ago, and, most important, he was a Colt before that. His best seasons came with Peyton Manning behind center, including his career-best 2004 in which he was one of three Colt receivers to rack up more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Matt Willis hasn't played much in his time in the NFL, but showed last season that he can be a big-play threat (three receptions for more than 20 yards in only 18 total catches). Assuming Manning is healthy and not rusty from a year off, whoever lands the No. 3 WR job could be in line for regular production.
Neither Joel Dreessen (Texans) nor Jacob Tamme (Colts) was in Denver last year, but both could be legitimate contributors to this year's club. Dreessen is dangerous in the red zone, as he totaled six touchdowns on only 28 catches in 2011. Tamme played with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and had his best season in 2010 with a career-high 67 receptions and four touchdowns. Dreessen and Tamme both possess different skill sets and could be used in different situations. It's possible that Denver often goes with a two tight-end set and uses Dreessen and Tamme together. In a one tight-end set, however, Tamme might have the advantage going into training camp if only because he already has that established chemistry with Manning.
Colt McCoy is entering his third year in the league. Brandon Weeden is the rookie. Usually that means Weeden takes the back seat and learns from McCoy, except in this case, the rookie is three years older than the incumbent. Weeden knows life as an athlete outside of college; he was a minor league baseball player for five years. The rookie from Oklahoma State now has a chance to displace McCoy as the Browns starting quarterback. The real question here is not if Weeden will start, but when will he take over. Weeden might not start in Week 1, but when you take a 28-year-old in the first round, you better hope he is nearly NFL-ready. Once Weeden starts to grasp NFL life, the job will be his - the only thing the Browns need to figure out is how long that will take.
Josh Cribbs had a career year as a receiver in 2011, but he might not see a heavy load of plays considering he is also the kickoff and punt returner. That would leave the No. 3 receiver spot to either second-year receiver Jordan Norwood or the rookie from Miami, Travis Benjamin. Both receivers are undersized but quick and could fit nicely into the slot role. The Browns also have to pick a quarterback. Once Cleveland actually establishes its starter, it might have a better idea of which of receiver will work best as the third WR.
LeGarrette Blount isn't a Pro Bowler, but he's put up respectable numbers his first two seasons in the league. Yet, despite that, and having more pressing needs, the Buccaneers traded up to pick Doug Martin out of Boise State in the first round of this year's draft. The two backs complement each other well. Blount is a burley 6-0, 247-pound monster, while Martin is a shifty, 5-9 back better at going around defenders than through them. Tampa has yet to announce a plan for its running-back tandem, though a thunder-and-lightning platoon looks likely.
A year after trading for Kevin Kolb and then handing him a contract with $20 million guaranteed, the Cardinals are wondering if they didn't have the right guy on their team all along: John Skelton. While neither quarterback blew away the competition last year, Kolb's 9:8 touchdown-interception ratio was an improvement on Skelton's 11:14 ratio. Kolb seemed to own the better numbers in most other passing categories, as well. However, Skelton had the stat that mattered most to coach Ken Whisenhunt: 5-2 as a starter. Skelton will have a chance to win the starting job entering 2012, so Arizona isn't being stubborn about that Kolb deal, which already looks like one they might regret.
Chris Wells finally had his breakout season in his third year in the league with Arizona. The Cardinal running back ran for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns, both career highs, in only 14 games in 2011. Arizona, however, is high on Ryan Williams, its 2011 second-round pick. Williams missed the entirety of his rookie season after rupturing the patellar tendon in his right knee in preseason. If Wells shows up looking more like he did in his first two years in the league, Williams has a chance to take the starting spot from him. If not, Wells probably begins the season at No. 1 on the depth chart with Williams getting a chance to exhibit his skills in more of a third-down role.
After Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald there is a serious logjam at receiver in Arizona. The rookie Michael Floyd, whom the Cardinals took with the 13th overall pick in April's draft, is the favorite to earn the spot as the No. 2 receiver. Floyd works well on the outside and has the speed, size and hands to fit well into that role. After Floyd, Early Doucet and Andre Roberts will fight for the role in the slot. Doucet played 16 games for the first time in his career last years after missing 22 games in his first three NFL seasons. Roberts, who is two years younger than Doucet, had slightly worse numbers than his injury-riddled teammate in 2011, but could stand to make a bigger leap in 2012, as last year was really the first time in his career that he managed to get consistent playing time throughout the season. Both Doucet and Roberts fit better into the slot than Floyd, who figures to work better on the outside; so it seems as if that third-receiver spot will come down to those two.
Joseph Addai now in New England, Donald Brown and Delone Carter will compete to be the lead back for the Colts. This might be Brown's best chance to start since joining the Colts in 2009. Although he only carried the ball 134 times last season, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns. And Carter's 5-9, 225, frame might make him a better option as a third-down and short-yardage back. This spot should be Brown's, but Carter will have the opportunity to win the job in training camp.
The Dolphins enter camp with a three-way battle for the starting quarterback job. Matt Moore looks like nothing more than backup, though the Dolphins actually played well with him at the helm down the stretch last season, winning six of their final nine games. David Garrard has been a Pro Bowler, but sat out last season after he was released by the Jaguars. Then there's Ryan Tannehill, the eighth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Newly hired offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was Tannehill's coach at Texas A&M, so perhaps that gives him an advantage. Most likely, the Dolphins will sit Tannehill for the 2012 season and let him learn from Moore and Garrard. It won't be surprising, though, if Tannehill gets a chance to start if/when both Moore and Garrard struggle during the season.
Reggie Bush is the starter, but the No. 2 spot, which has more potential fantasy value than most backup jobs because of the ongoing health concerns of Bush, is up for grabs. Daniel Thomas saw 165 carries last season as a rookie but failed to score. He reportedly added muscle mass this offseason, mainly in his upper body, hoping that extra strength will carry into the regular season. He will compete with Lamar Miller and Steve Slaton, two runners with completely different pedigrees. Slaton was a superb rookie with the Texans in 2008, totaling 1,282 rushing yards, 50 receptions and 10 touchdowns. Miller, a rookie out of Miami, could actually be used as a receiver in the slot. If he has a strong training camp, the No. 2 spot on the depth chart might be his to lose.
Yes, Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, Legedu Naanee or Clyde Gates is going to be a No. 1 receiver for an NFL team in 2012. You can thank the Brandon Marshall trade for that one. Bess' 51 receptions and Hartline's 549 yards lead all returning Dolphin receivers. Gates is coming off a rookie season in which the only thing he seemed to receive was no playing time. Meanwhile, Miami signed Naanee, Cam Newton's No. 2 receiver last season, away from Carolina. He has shown the ability to be a deep threat at times, but probably isn't going to do much more than that, and for someone with that style of play, only four career touchdowns isn't promising. Whoever becomes the No. 1 target doesn't figure to have much fantasy value, especially considering the quarterback situation in Miami.
Frank Gore's injury history makes the backup job in San Francisco worth paying attention to. Free-agent acquisition Brandon Jacobs has the best chance for fantasy value as he could be used as the goal-line back even if Gore stays healthy. Second-year back Kendall Hunter likely is next in line, though at this point he looks like the change-of-pace back. Second-round pick LaMichael James had a hugely productive college career at Oregon, but his opportunities might be limited to the return game. Third-year player Anthony Dixon is also in the mix. Jacobs looks like the safe pick for Gore's backup entering camp.
When the Giants took David Wilson in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft after releasing Brandon Jacobs, it seemed like Wilson would most likely be the immediate backup to starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw. However, coach Tom Coughlin has a propensity to ease his rookies into the NFL, as opposed to simply giving them big roles right off the bat. While Wilson is probably the favorite to win the second spot on the depth chart, Da'Rel Scott or Danny Ware could end up giving him a run for his money with a good preseason.
The Giants are suddenly looking a little thin at receiver. Mario Manningham left for San Francisco, and Hakeem Nicks broke his foot in an offseason workout. Nicks is questionable for training camp, but if his injury lingers, whoever wins the third spot becomes Eli Manning's No. 2 target to start the season. Domenik Hixon has the most experience of the contenders, but he's had injury problems of his own in his short career. Because of that, Ramses Barden, Jerrel Jernigan or Rueben Randle might be able to move into the third spot. Jernigan did nothing in his rookie season, but some still project him as a potential slot receiver. Meanwhile Randle, the Giants' second-round pick in 2012, is considered to be an NFL-ready receiver. Watch the battle in training camp because the position could emerge with decent fantasy value depending on Nicks' health.
The Jags renovated their receiving corps in the offseason, drafting Oklahoma State Cowboy Justin Blackmon with the fifth overall pick and signing free agents Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans. Robinson and Blackmon will probably be Nos. 1 and 2 on the depth chart, which leaves the third spot open to competition for the new guy, Evans, and the incumbent, Mike Thomas. Evans is coming off a four-reception year in nine games, so he doesn't seem to be a large threat to Thomas, the leading returner receiver who already has a rapport with quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
This isn't a battle in the traditional sense, as Mark Sanchez is the starter, but Tim Tebow could take snaps away from Sanchez at the goal line and in the wildcat. That could impact Sanchez's fantasy value. The Jets initial plan is to play Tebow 20 snaps a game in the wildcat. That's a significant loss for Sanchez. Watch Tebow's use in training camp, and adjust Sanchez accordingly.
With LaDainian Tomlinson gone, Joe McKnight seems next in line to inherit the No. 2 running back spot behind Shonn Greene. McKnight has little competition for the job. Bilal Powell barely saw the field in his 2011 rookie season, and Terrance Ganaway, New York's 2012 sixth-round pick out of Baylor, will have to fight to make the roster.
The fight to start at running back in Detroit might just be decided by who is left standing come Week 1 of the regular season. The battle of injury-ridden backs pits Jahvid Best against Mikel Leshoure, both of whom are expected to be healthy after seeing their seasons end last year to injury. After a strong start last year in six games before his injury, Best holds the advantage entering training camp. But he's no lock, and Leshoure might be able to steal some carries, or the job, if he proves healthy and effective.
The battle for the No. 2 receiver role could have sizable fantasy value in one of the NFL's strongest passing attacks. Nate Burleson has been a consistent, possession receiver and is coming off a season of respectable numbers (73 receptions, 757 yards). Titus Young is probably the better big-play threat. On top of that, he has what his name implies � youth � while Burleson is a brittle veteran of 10 years. It wouldn't be surprising if Matthew Stafford prefers the young receiver with upside.
James Starks is already the guaranteed starting running back, but considering he only had 133 carries last year in a platoon with Ryan Grant, he doesn't have a strong a hold on that starting spot. With Grant gone, Brandon Saine and Alex Green will be waiting in the wings to fill that hole. Not a traditional lead back, Starks will need to be spelled and that means more time for Saine or Green. Similarly-sized with comparable quickness, Green may actually hold the advantage over Saine because he is more of a receiving weapon out of the backfield. However, this battle remains wide open heading into training camp.
As Cam Newton looks to build on his impressive rookie campaign, he must figure out who exactly he'll throw to, other than Steve Smith. David Gettis and Brandon LaFell are young, tall receivers who are big-play threats, especially LaFell, who averaged 17 yards a catch in 2011. With the departure of Legedu Naanee, whichever of these two does not in the No. 2 spot will still see the field plenty. Fourth-round pick Joe Adams likely will figure into the competition as well.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis' departure leaves a hole to fill in the Patrios backfield, though the the team has suggested it might lean toward role-specific jobs for each of its running backs. In any event, Danny Woodhead, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and Joseph Addai figure to be in the mix, unless someone separates himself. Woodhead likely will continue his change-of-pace role. Addai has twice rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season, though he's battled injuries the last couple years. Ridley played 16 games last season to Vereen's five. If the Patriots lean on one back, that probably favors Addai, who has the most experience. But the job figures to be a committee. However, the runner who wins the goal-line work could have fantasy value � Green-Ellis had 11 touchdowns last season.
The Raiders might miss Michael Bush more than they thought. Mike Goodson, Taiwan Jones and Lonyae Miller combined for 16 carries in 2011, all coming from Jones. Goodson didn't see the field last year after being hampered by nagging injuries the whole season, but he was a legitimate contributor in Carolina in 2010. Miller, a 2011 undrafted free agent, spent his rookie season in Dallas and also didn't see the field. This backup spot could cause some serious issues in Oakland as starter Darren McFadden has shown a propensity to get hurt, missing 19 games in his first four NFL seasons. That means the winner of this competition could end up seeing more time as a starter than the average backup. Goodson is the favorite heading into camp, but he's far from certain.
Injuries dominated the Rams' wideout ranks last season. The good news is the depth-chart hierarchy is up for grabs, especially with the departure of Brandon Lloyd to New England. The Rams drafted Brian Quick in the second round, and he'll get a shot at one of the top two receiver spots. Danny Amendola missed most of least season with an injury, but he figures to be in the starting conversation, as does Brandon Gibson, the leading returning WR. Steve Smith, Danario Alexander, Greg Salas and fourth-round pick Chris Givens are also in the mix. The Rams should be improved offensively in 2012, as it can't get much worse than last season, and Sam Bradford has passing skills. So, however the receiving log jam shakes out, there could be fantasy value here.
The Redskins signed Pierre Garcon as the No. 1 receiver, but that leaves a fight for the No. 2 spot. Santana Moss is the veteran of this group, but struggled last season and is not guaranteed a starting spot heading into 2012. If he does lose that No. 2 receiver position, it could be to Josh Morgan, who spent the last four years in San Francisco. Second-year receiver Leonard Hankerson and third-year receiver Anthony Armstrong will also be given chances to win a starting role. Armstrong had only seven receptions in 14 games last year, but put together a strong rookie season, showing off his big-play ability with a 19.8 yards per catch average on 44 receptions. Hankerson is a bigger, more physical receiver, who played in only four games as a rookie, but finished on a strong note, ending his season with an eight-catch, 106-yard game at Miami.
Seattle's three-way quarterback battle could end up be a battle in name only as the team didn't sign Matt Flynn to a $19.5 million contract to hold a clipboard. But coach Pete Carroll loves competition, so Flynn will have to win the job from incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and rookie third-round pick Russell Wilson. Unless he falls flat Flynn should win the job with Jackson kept on in case of injury and Wilson in a learning role as the third quarterback.
Rashard Mendenhall tore his ACL in Week 17 last season and isn't expected back for the start of 2012. That makes Isaac Redman the starting running back. Redman has the most experience of any of the contenders to replace Mendenhall and performed well in last season's playoff game at Denver when he rushed for 121 yards on 17 carries in place of Mendenhall. Jonathan Dwyer showed promise in an October game in Tennessee (11 carries, 107 yards), but only had five carries the rest of the season. The rest of the position is filled with college stars, Wisconsin's John Clay and Florida's Chris Rainey. Both likely will add depth, unless injuries hit. Redman could get a heavy workload while Mendenhall is out.
It's the everlasting question: Do you try to build on a 9-7 season in which you just missed clinching a playoff birth or do you scrap that and build for the future. The Titans are somewhat stuck in no-man's land, trending somewhere between the realm of contender and cellar-dweller. Matt Hasselbeck actually had a solid season in 2011 (3,571 yards, 18 touchdowns), but Jake Locker was the team's first-round pick only a year ago and performed well in limited time last season (four touchdowns, zero picks). The Titans plan to take their time making a decision, waiting for one to emerge in camp.
Jerome Simpson's suspension opens the door for a receiver to climb the depth chart. After Percy Harvin, the WR depth chart looks fluid. Simpson could be overtaken if either Michael Jenkins, Devin Aromashodu or Greg Childs has a big first three games while Simpson is out. Jenkins was the team's second-leading receiver last season behind Harvin. Childs, who spent the last two seasons battling injuries at University of Arkansas, was Minnesota's fourth-round pick in April's draft. His 34-inch wingspan and 4.55 40-time at the combine showed he might be fully recovered.


text:
K+S Predicts Earnings Will Rise This Year on Demand for PotashSheenagh Matthews
K+S AG predicts earnings and sales will rise "slightly" this year as Europe's largest potash maker benefits from stable demand for the fertilizer ingredient and a recovery for the de-icing salt business.
Volumes for potash will probably hold steady this year, after 2012 was the second-best year in history for the unit, Chief Executive Officer Norbert Steiner said today in a statement. Wintry conditions at the start of this year are ensuring a recovery for the salt business, he said. The stock rose the most in more than seven months.
The potash business has done better than rivals because it's less focused on the two large consumer countries China and India, Steiner said today in the Kassel, Germany-based company's annual report. Canada's Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. and Russia's OAO Uralkali have both cut output amid faltering export volumes.
"The outlook was surprising," said Marc Gabriel, an analyst at Bankhaus Lampe KG. "Growth in earnings and sales wasn't expected." Gabriel rates the stock hold.
The stock jumped as much as 4.2 percent, the biggest intraday gain since July 30, to 37.59 euros in Frankfurt trading. It was up 3.7 percent at 37.38 euros as of 9:12 a.m. local time. The company has a market value of 7.1 billion euros ($9.2 billion).
Winter Weather
Earnings before interest and taxes and excluding some hedging transactions, called Ebit I, fell 12 percent to 183.2 million euros in the fourth quarter, in line with analyst estimates. Sales dropped 7.8 percent to 941.6 million euros, after a late start to winter weather in North America hurt demand for salt. Analysts had estimated 952.3 million euros in a Bloomberg survey.
While sales volumes for potash will probably hold steady this year, the average price will be lower than in 2012. The salt business will see "tangible recovery," the CEO said.
"We experienced a very decent start into the new business year in both of our business units," Steiner said in a video on the company's website.
K+S will propose an annual dividend payment of 1.40 euros per share, up from 1.30 euros, the company said. Analysts predicted 1.35 euros, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
To continue reading this article you must be a Bloomberg Professional Service Subscriber.
Read this article on the Terminal Request a demo to learn more
If you believe that you may have received this message in error please let us know.
- Comedian Byron Allen Buys the Weather Channel for $300 Million
- Stocks Tumble in Biggest Weekly Decline Since 2016: Markets Wrap
- Musk Takes Down the Tesla and SpaceX Facebook Pages
- World's Biggest Cryptocurrency Exchange Is Heading to Malta
- A Horror Week for the Dow Has Investors Begging for Trump Respite


text:
Restless Development Zambia alumni and staff on 18th January, 2017 made a presentation to the parliamentary committee on Youth and Sport on the subject of Youth Participation in the Decision making Process in Zambia.
The submission was made to the committee on Youth and Sport following a request by the clerk of the National Assembly.
The submitted paper provided substantial recommendations to the Members of Parliament and policy makers informed by critical evidence generated through Restless Developments' direct delivery work in schools, communities and Colleges of Education.
Among the key recommendations provided was re-establishment of National Youth Parliament, strengthening of formal youth representation, development of materials that target duty bearers and civic leaders on meaning youth participation and involvement, youth participation to go beyond the traditional civic activities such as voting, volunteering and being consulted, lastly adoption of youth quotas.
"After this oral presentation, Restless Development will be in touch with some members of parliament from this committee to strategize on how to engage them in their respective constituencies in line with having youth participation in decision making", said Desmond Maubo, Project Manager at Restless Development Zambia.
In the photo: Restless Development Staff and Alumni pose for a photo with Members of the Parliamentary Committee after making the submission on the state of youth participation in Zambia.