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Wednesday, 07 March 2012 10:35 AM
The near-failure by U.S. states to fund rising retiree health-care costs for millions of government workers threatens to produce budget crises similar to the one that pushed Stockton, California, to take a step toward bankruptcy last week.
States haven't financed almost 96 percent of the $627.4 billion they were projected to owe for future retiree benefits in 2010, according to Bloomberg Rankings data. The estimated deficit grew from about 95 percent in 2009 as governors coped with lower general-fund revenue and rising demand for services following the longest recession since the Great Depression.
"The whole country is dealing with" finding a way to finance the projected costs of retiree health care, said Chris Christie, New Jersey's Republican governor. His state owed almost $7,600 per resident for public workers' post-employment benefits other than pension payments. Alaska, Connecticut and New Jersey had the largest unfunded liabilities, ranked in proportion to population, among the 47 states examined.
"How do we deal with the cost of health care, especially the cost of health care as we get older?" Christie, 49, told reporters March 1. The first-term governor pushed for measures enacted last year that increased pension and health-care contribution rates for government workers and raised the age for retirement with full benefits to 65 from 62. The changes are forecast to cut costs by at least $10 billion over 30 years.
Widening Gap
Delays in containing such expenses just widen the funding gap, said Glen Volk, an actuary for Itasca, Illinois-based Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., a consulting firm. States also may face higher borrowing costs as well as more pressure to cut services to pay for promised retiree benefits, he said.
Most states cover such expenses on a pay-as-you-go basis, yet per capita U.S. health-care spending rising an average 5.8 percent annually for the 10 years through 2009 has made covering required payments increasingly difficult. Stockton, confronting a $417 million unfunded liability for retiree medical benefits, took a step toward Chapter 9 bankruptcy Feb. 29 when the City Council voted to enter a 60-day mediation with creditors.
"There's a point at which it becomes a problem," Volk said. He has helped municipal governments forecast retiree health-care liabilities.
Bankruptcy Lever
Cities including Central Falls, Rhode Island, and Vallejo, California, have used bankruptcy to cut promised benefits to current and retired workers. States can't seek court protection under the code's Chapter 9.
In Alaska, where Standard & Poor's said the unfunded liability for state retiree health care fell 47 percent in 2011, most of the reduction came from raised expectations of returns on assets in a trust fund set up to cover the costs, according to Gabriel Petek, an analyst in San Francisco.
"Most governments haven't been funding it, but Alaska has been," he said. He said part of the savings stemmed from rollbacks in benefits, though the bulk came from changed assumptions on trust investments.
Idaho cut benefit costs by pushing more retirees into Medicare, the federal health insurance plan for those 65 and older, according to David Hitchcock, an S&P analyst in New York.
"The low-hanging fruit is to just push people on Medicare," Hitchcock said. "States are coming to the realization that that is the easy way to cut OPEB costs," he said, referring to other post-employment benefits, such as health care.
Unprepared States
At least 20 governors and legislatures have failed to prepare ways to meet their projected expenses, said Sujit CanagaRetna, a senior analyst in Atlanta with the Council of State Governments.
The inaction paired with climbing health-care costs may create fiscal crises in states as the number of retirees rises, said Girard Miller, a senior strategist at Philadelphia-based PFM Group, which advises municipalities on financial matters. The liability "is like a sleeping cancer," he said.
The gap may become starker as the U.S. population grays. The number of Americans eligible for Medicare is projected to rise 70 percent to 78 million in the 20 years to 2030, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation said in a 2008 study.
Municipal and state governments have expanded their payrolls in the meantime, with cities, towns, counties and school districts employing 14.1 million in January, up 3.5 percent from January 2002, according to U.S. Labor Department data. State employment has grown 1 percent to 5.05 million in the same period.
Rocky Recovery
States still reeling from the recession "face a long and uncertain recovery," according to analysts at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington. In a Feb. 27 update, the nonprofit organization's analysts said states had projected or closed $47 billion in deficits for the fiscal year that begins in July. Tight budgets make it harder to deal with future health-care costs.
Pennsylvania's growing pension and benefit liabilities pose a risk that "will materially challenge" the state's attempts to balance its budget, Moody's Investors Service said in a December report. Pennsylvania ranked 24th in the Bloomberg Rankings analysis of unfunded liabilities for retiree benefits.
"We're still where we were five years ago," PFM's Miller said. "If we continue on, it will cause budget problems. It's going to squeeze out jobs and pay raises."
Affecting Ratings
Since state and local governments began disclosing the projected costs of promised retirement benefits about five years ago, bond analysts have begun weighing the obligations when they grade government debt.
Connecticut's "fixed costs for debt, pension, and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) relative to budget are among the highest in the nation" and remain a fiscal challenge, Moody's analysts said in a January report. Taken together, "they will continue to consume an increasingly larger portion of the state's budget," absent further changes, the analysts said.
"Rating agencies are forcing states that ignore it to expect their credit ratings to be impacted," said CanagaRetna. "States are looking to catch up."
Moody's cut Connecticut's $14.6 billion of general- obligation debt one step to Aa3, its fourth-highest grade in January. It gave the state a "stable" outlook, citing steps taken last year to curb pension and benefits liabilities.
More Urgent Needs
States have been slow in tackling the retiree health-care cost issue to avoid pressure for benefit cuts or funding increases, which may divert money from other priorities, said David Crane, who was an adviser to former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican. Schwarzenegger's final budget, passed in 2010, included reduced pension benefits for new employees and higher contributions for the rest.
"It's like a frog being slowly boiled to death," said Crane, who teaches at Stanford University near Palo Alto, California. "They're not doing anything about the liabilities. In most states, they're not being funded at all."
Until accounting-rule changes in 2008 forced state and local governments to disclose other post-employment benefits besides pensions, most didn't track the liability. There was no requirement to put money aside to pay for the promised coverage.
By 2009, when Moody's cut Connecticut's bond grade, they said the state owed more for retirees than its annual budget. The Nutmeg State, with a about 3.57 million people in 2010, had the second-highest unfunded liability per person, at $8,281, trailing only Alaska, with about 710,200 residents, at $16,742.
Passing the Buck
"There's a bit of a reluctance to tackle the problem because it's going to be someone else's problem in a few years," Gallagher Benefit's Volk said. "Some think it's not a real liability, that it's an accounting thing."
New Jersey estimates its unfunded liability for retiree health is more than twice what it owes for pensions, according to state figures. The Garden State has paid more to borrow from the municipal-bond market after three credit evaluators cut its ratings in part because of expanding pension and health-care obligations. Moody's cited the growing cost of retiree benefits as a continuing fiscal challenge in reports last year.
The state's liability for retiree benefits separate from pensions has more than quadrupled since 2008 to $13.5 billion in fiscal 2011. Its combined unfunded obligation, at $59.3 billion in fiscal 2010, includes coverage for retired teachers.
Christie said he initially sought to cut retiree health costs along with changes for current workers. Instead, he said he left out raising retiree expenses to smooth passage of other changes, under a "principled compromise" with Democrats who run the Legislature.
Seeking Lower Costs
"By offering retirees more choice, we could potentially lower costs," Christie said last week in Trenton, the capital.
The law that resulted "illegally takes away benefits that school employees and others have already earned," Barbara Keshishian, president of the New Jersey Education Association, said of the changes in a response posted last year on the union's website.
During the 1990s, New Jersey's Legislature cut workers' required pension contributions at the same time it lowered the retirement age, without guaranteeing funds to cover the moves.
"We have structural problems in the pension system," Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a West Deptford Democrat who sponsored the law that changed benefits last year, said in September. "We had to fix it."
Setting Aside Funds
Massachusetts made progress toward covering its benefits costs by setting aside funds from a settlement with tobacco companies, according to CanagaRetna, of the Council of State Governments. The state plans to put away 10 percent of a $300 million payment to fund health-care costs for 10 years starting in 2013.
Apart from covering the liability, governments can also seek to curb benefits, at least for new employees, such as Schwarzenegger did. Unions and other employee groups have rallied legislative allies to fight benefits erosion, however.
Michigan was the only state that made significant changes in 2011 that will reduce its retiree health-care costs, said Ron Snell, who tracks such issues for the National Conference of State Legislatures, a nonprofit organization in Denver. Employees hired after Jan. 1 won't be promised health benefits when they retire. Instead, the government and workers will contribute to a fund that retirees can use to pay for insurance.
Other states have increased worker contributions for benefits or copayments made by retirees, Snell said. Or they're increasing the number of years workers must put in to qualify, CanagaRetna said.
Exposed to Cuts
"In most states, OPEB, unlike pensions, isn't a contractual right," said S&P's Hitchcock. "So it's a lot easier to cut the benefit."
States also may be delaying funding the benefit in the hope that the federal health-care overhaul will compel retirees to buy insurance until they are covered by Medicare, Volk said.
"There's a bit of an attitude to see what happens under health-care reform," CanagaRetna said. "We're in a holding pattern."
Underfunded retiree benefits may pose a bigger fiscal challenge to many states than pensions, since few have set aside money to help cover the cost, Crane said.
By contrast, state retirement plans have hundreds of billions of dollars for future pension payments, with a median value of about 75 percent of the assets needed to meet obligations, according to a Bloomberg Rankings analysis. The most poorly financed, Illinois, still held enough money in 2010 to cover about 45 percent of what it expects to owe.
Since health benefits often aren't protected by law, states are under much less pressure to cover those future costs, said James Spiotto, a lawyer who heads Chapman & Cutler LLP's special litigation, bankruptcy and workout group in Chicago. That also means it may be easier to reduce the obligations than pension expenses, he said.
"If you can't pay for your pension, you probably can't" cover retiree health-care liabilities, Spiotto said.
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Ridhii Kapoor began her journey, and has spent a number of years studying various modalities in depth, and still continues to do so. Healing and energy work is her passion and she truly believes that the magic is within all of us.
As so rightly affirmed by Reiki Grandmaster Dishaa, a young and dynamic lady, an M.B.A turned natural healing expert from Chandigarh (India) for whom life has always been a 'Love for the Moment' which is beautiful yet compassionate...
Arti Mittal is an Astrologer, Hypnotist & NLP expert. She combines hypnotism and astrology to help unblock repressed aspects of the personality, as well as working on the links between your birth chart, karma and pre-birth experiences. She specialises in combining both astrology and hypnotism...
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Corporate astrology is the application of Astrological principles to companies, firms, industries, institutions, organization etc. It is known and accepted by all that due to planetary forces certain companies prosper well and others fail miserably. In order to implement measures and to ensure the prosperity of the company and those associated with a detailed study becomes inevitable.
Role of a Corporate Astrologer has become more important in the present scenario. Nowadays all corporates and leading multinational companies have started taking help of Corporate Astrologers for maximising their efforts and for global leadership.
For astrological points of view Corporate Entity is ruled by various individuals which include the CEO or Managing Directors. The horoscopes of these key persons become of paramount importance for its smooth running operations and its growth prospects. If these aspects are taken care of at the time of appointment of the key managerial people then there will be very good chances of success of a body corporate.
The analysis of the horoscopes of the key persons of the organisation helps in identifying the areas of investment and selecting the line of business. This is very important for the success of the project. Here, the horoscopic analysis tells about the suitability of various persons for specified jobs. The availability of the project finance, once the project has been decided again depends on the sentiments of the stock market and economic conditions.
It calls for tactical analysis so the efforts put in for the initial public offer or seeking project finance from the financial institutions are successful.
Each member of the top management team should have:
1. Optimum leadership quality for planning, organizing and monitoring the area of his/her operations which is represented by the Sun.
2. Good analytical power to take best decisions in the available circumstances which are governed by Mercury.
3. Supportive temperament of other members of the team which is governed by Venus.
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Various planets govern the above mentioned managerial attributes. The Horoscope analysis of the new entrant for the management team gives an insight which is so significant that it can not be overlooked. None of the present management or scientific tools for recruiting personnel can substitute for the horscope analysis. Not only the horoscope tells the basic capabilities but it also tells whether the person in question could be able to use his or her capabilities for the benefit of the project.
While the strength and weaknesses of the persons under consideration can be evaluated through the horoscopic analysis, Astrology does not help only in chartering the course of lives of persons, but it also helps in chartering the course of Business enterprises, Institutions and Nations.


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A Singapore Management University academic has written an essay on Sg's recent political development. Strangely, it was hi-lited to me by my dear cousin Peter who is living in London!
After reading the article (click on the pdf link to get the full blast!), I felt impelled (note, not compelled 😛 ) to write the author a short note reproduced below:
Hi Dr Welsh,
I might have been persuaded by your arguments if not for the fact that I found your extrapolation from an old woman's purchase of fish bones for soup somewhat difficult to swallow.
"Many a moment I have witnessed the conditions of the elderly in particular, as I often recall an elderly woman only able to afford the bones of a fish to make a soup at a local supermarket.The elite rule has multiplied in almost cloning fashion in which the PAP only appoint the elites they can relate to,and systematically a corporatist system of divided rule has evolved."
Dr Welsh, any decent cook would tell you that bones whether from fish, chik, pork etc make good stock for soup, sauce etc.. 😆


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The Drapery Shop is a full service drapery workroom in Northern Virginia. All of the work featured on this blog is our very own. If you have trouble viewing all of the photos click "older post" at the bottom right or click on the blog title "The Drapery Shop" above.
We look forward to hearing from you. 703-551-2929 Mary


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Ben Snipes; Northwest Cattle King
Roscoe Sheller
AbeBooks Seller Since February 1, 2011Quantity Available: 1
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AbeBooks Seller Since February 1, 2011Quantity Available: 1
About this Item
Bibliographic Details
Title: Ben Snipes; Northwest Cattle King
Publisher: Binfords and Mort, Publishers, Portland, OR
Publication Date: 1957
Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Good
Edition: 1st Edition
Store Description
If you are not ordering through AbeBooks, please send me an e-mail with your book requests. Payment by personal check or postal money order in US$ drawn on a US bank is acceptable, payable to Thomas White. I will hold book for seven days with your email request. Please use the AbeBooks link if you are using a credit card. No direct credit card sales are available.
Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, I will contact you to let you know extra shipping monies are required. Insurance is not included but available on request.
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TrashMan Snitchin On Jim Jones?? Did Jim Jones Ordered The Hit On Stack Bundles??! WTF
Drider submitted this video to us. Another videoo Of TrashMan Hits The Net! Hear it Snitches On Jim Jones On Ordering The Hit On Stack Bundles For Not Paying Up! WTF. This TrashMan Is Taking Shit Way Too Far! This Shit Is Serious! I heard there was jealousy in the Stack Bundles & Jim Jones Camp! DOnt Know If This Sh*t Is Real Or Fake! SeemS Like Cops Cant Arrest TrashMan Cause Hes Over Seas! Dude Better Stay Out There. ALot oF Dudes Want His Head&IP=18.104.22.168
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text: Hi all, ( Please don't mix this thread with the "DVB-S2 / Multiproto and future modulation support" thread (like i did:) ) Summary: Some devices provide several tuners, even of different types. So called "Dual" or "Twin" tuners can be used at the same time. Some others (like HVR4000) can't be used at the same time. My initial question was: How could an application know that 2 (or more) tuners are exclusive (when one is used the other(s) is(are) not free.) I suggested the following: Since actually all multiple tuners drivers expose several fontend0 in separate adapters, maybe a solution for exclusive tuners could be to have : - adapter0/frontend0 -> S/S2 tuner - adapter0/frontend1 -> T tuner so, an application could assume that these tuners are exclusive. Janne Grunau acked the idea and said that an experimental driver for HVR4000 is already doing this. This was confirmed by Steven Toth: "Correct, frontend1, demux1, dvr1 etc. All on the same adapter. The driver and multi-frontend patches manage exclusive access to the single internal resource." Andreas Oberritter said: "This way is used on dual and quad tuner Dreambox models." (non exclusive tuners). "How about dropping demux1 and dvr1 for this adapter (exclusive tuners), since they don't create any benefit? IMHO the number of demux devices should always equal the number of simultaneously usable transport stream inputs." Uri Shkolnik said: "Some of the hardware devices which using our chipset have two tuners per instance, and should expose 1-2 tuners with 0-2 demux (TS), since not all DTV standard are TS based, and when they are (TS based), it depends when you are using two given tuners together (diversity mode, same content) or each one is used separately (different frequency and modulation, different content, etc.)." So, here are my questions: @Steven Toth: What do you think of Andreas' suggestion? Do you think it could be done that way for HVR4000 (and 3000?) ? @Uri Shkolnik: Do you mean that non-TS based standards don't make use of multiplexing at all? -- Christophe Thommeret


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T-Pain Clarify's Jay-Z & Fabolous Beef! "Jay-Z Never Clarified He Wasn't Talkin Bout Me On DOA. I Bugged Out That Day. Im Happy Now Jay Cleared It Up Yesterday" [Audio]
T-Pain calls in on Ed Lover Show to speak on Jay-Z "Beef". Says he only wanted clarification if Jay-Z was "talking about him" on Death of Autotune. Also claims to have spoke with Fabolous in regards to his comments via Twitter.
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Hepatitis C Virus Life Cycle
August 10, 2014
This article was provided by AIDS InfoNet. Visit AIDS InfoNet's website to find out more about their activities and publications.
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Tanaguru's results are reliable. In case of doubt, it lets you know instead of giving wrong results. Tanaguru provides you with all required elements to make your decision.
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Accessibility standards may be complex. Tanaguru brings you the stepping stones to your accessibility conformance.
With Tanaguru, 4 steps are enough to test a whole site, in a customized, easy and convenient manner.
They trust us and we are very proud of it, thank you.


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Checking in on… the SoConPosted by jstevrtc on January 15th, 2010
Justin Glover is the RTC correspondent for the Southern Conference.
Updated Standings:
|Western Carolina
|Appalachian State
|UNC Greensboro
|Georgia Southern
Quick Hits – The Southern Conference is beginning to take shape after just two weeks into the "second half" of the 2009-10 college basketball season. The standings look awfully familiar to last season with the North led by a tie between Western Carolina (3-1) and Chattanooga (3-1). The South Division is being lead by the College of Charleston who has a perfect 5-0 conference record. The question that is starting to take shape around mid-majors is can the SoCon put two teams to the big dance this season? In my opinion, in order for the SoCon to have two invitations to March Madness the Catamounts would have to earn somewhere around 24-25 wins. The other half would be to have WCU face College of Charleston in the finals trying to convince the committee that wins on the road against Louisville & Bradley will be enough to get the Catamounts into the tournament if Charleston wins the SoCon tournament.
Other Notes — Don't sleep on Wofford and Chattanooga who both have started to get hot in recent weeks. Wofford on a four-game winning streak and Chattanooga on a six-game winning streak.
Most Disappointing Teams — Now that Georgia Southern has gotten its first win in conference the Elon Phoenix are clearly the worst team in the Southern Conference so far this season. The Phoenix have been getting blown out almost every game and sit at just 3-13 overall.
Sizzling players — Appalachian State's Donald Sims is playing his best basketball of the season after scoring 44 points against Davidson and has led the Mountaineers in scoring in ten games this season. Furman's Amu Saaka has played well lately scoring 30+ in two straight games against conference opponents.
Important Upcoming Match-ups:
- Sat. Jan 16th – Davidson@Wofford, Spartanburg, S.C. 7 p.m. – Tough road match-up for a battle of 3-2 records in conference.
- Wed Jan 20th – WCU@Davidson, Davidson, N.C. 7 p.m. – Western travels to Davidson looking to earn a solid road conference win.
- Fri Jan 22nd – Wofford@College of Charleston, Charleston, S.C. 7 p.m. – Wofford looks to take down the top team in the Southern Conference on the road.
- Sat Jan 23rd – WCU@Appalachian State, Boone, N.C. 3 p.m. – Old time rivalry between two teams that really don't like each other should present a solid game in Boone.
Team Breakdowns:
- Appalachian State (9-7): The Mountaineers have won two straight conference games earning them a 3-2 SoCon record. On January 9th Appalachian State won on the road against Davidson, 78-68, thanks to a stellar performance from Donald Sims who scored 44 points in the victory. On January 13th they defeated Elon 89-65 getting 20 points from Kellen Brand to lead the way.
- Chattanooga (11-6): The Mocs are riding a six-game winning streak and a 3-1 SoCon record after defeating UNC-Greensboro 58-45 on January 11th thanks to 14 points from Ty Patterson. Chattanooga kept its winning streak in tact after Keegan Bell knocked down a huge three as time expired to shock the Citadel at home, 56-54, on January 14th. Bell finished the game with 11 points to lead the Mocs.
- College of Charleston (10-6): The Cougars are also riding a nice four-game win streak thanks to two more conference victories this week. Two road wins for the College of Charleston improve its SoCon record to 5-0. The first was a win over the Citadel, 61-55, thanks to 22 points from Andrew Goudelock. The Cougars then beat Samford 78-67 on January 14th with Goudelock leading the way with 23 points.
- Davidson (8-9): The Wildcats went 1-1 this past week losing at home to Appalachian State, 78-68, but earn a nice road win against Furman, 86-81, on January13th. Will Archambault scored 15 points in the victory. The Wildcats are still trying to find out its identity in the Southern Conference looking for that signature win.
- Elon (3-13): The Phoenix are currently on a seven-game losing streak and only 1-4 in the SoCon. Elon was defeated by Wofford, 72-55, and lost to Appalachian State, 89-65, in the past week. Elon will be looking to break its losing streak in the upcoming weeks.
- Furman (8-8): The Paladins have lost two-straight conference games to drop to 2-3 in the SoCon. Furman was defeated on January 9th against UNC-Greensboro, 88-78, but Amu Saaka scored 31 points in the loss. On January 13th Furman lost to Davidson 86-81 with Saaka getting 34 points in that loss.
- Georgia Southern (4-14): The Eagles earned its first win in conference after defeating Western Carolina at home 81-76. Willie Powers lead the Eagles with 19 points in the victory. The win against the Catamounts stopped a nine-game losing streak for Georgia Southern. On January 14th the Eagles lost to Wofford 71-57 on the road to fall to 1-4 in the SoCon.
- Samford (7-9): The Bulldogs went 1-1 last week earning a victory against Tennessee-Temple, 62-52, getting 19 points from Bryan Friday in the victory. On January 14th lost at home, 78-67, to the College of Charleston falling to 1-3 in the SoCon.
- The Citadel (8-9): The Citadel lost two-straight conference games this past week losing to the College of Charleston at home, 61-55, and losing a heart-breaker against Chattanooga, 56-54, on a last second three pointer. The Citadel did get 28 points from Cameron Wells in the loss against the Mocs.
- UNC-Greensboro (3-14): The Spartans went 1-2 in the past week ending the week by losing to Western Carolina 79-69 to fall to 2-4 in the SoCon. The Spartans started their week off well, defeating Furman 88-78 at home but fell to Chattanooga on January 11th 58-45 on the road getting 10 points by Brandon Evans in the loss.
- Western Carolina (13-3): The Catamounts started the week with a tough road loss against Georgia Southern, 81-76, with Kendall Russell scoring 18 points in the loss. Western Carolina bounced back with a nice home victory over UNC-Greensboro 79-69 on January 14th.
- Wofford (11-7): Wofford has won four straight games and three straight conference games to run its SoCon record to 3-2. On January 14th the Terriers defeated Georgia Southern 71-57 earning its eleventh win of the season. Two of the victories came on the road for Wofford at UNC-Greensboro on January 7th (79-62) and at Elon on January 9th (72-55).


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A Beautiful Virus
tails. player here
When members of a travel soccer team in Oregon fell ill last year, the details of how the disease spread through the team were mysterious. Kimberly Repp, an epidemiologist in Washington County, Oregon, describes the medical detective work that led epidemiologists through the chain of transmission of the norovirus.
In the SciFri Snack: You know you're talking to an epidemiologist when a stomach bug is described as "beautiful." Dr. Kimberly Repp on SciFri talking about norovirus...Check out more SciFri Snacks -- and join a conversation about what you've heard -- at Sound Cloud.


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Anticipation is growing for the newest version of the Wine Bistro restaurant, scheduled to open March 18 in Clintonville.
Anticipation is growing for the newest version of the Wine Bistro restaurant, scheduled to open March 18 in Clintonville.
The restaurant, in a new building at 4416 N. High St. just north of Henderson Road, joins the existing Wine Bistro locations in Upper Arlington and Worthington.
"We felt Clintonville was a great neighborhood that was, in this particular area, underserved in terms of restaurants," Jim Sams, vice president and director of operations for parent corporation City Brands Management LLC, said last week. "We thought it would be a great location for that reason, for one."
Apparently, he added, neighborhood residents feel the same.
"People are looking forward to us, I think," Sams said. "We set up a Facebook page and we've got 280 likes and we haven't even opened up our doors."
According to the Wine Bistro's website, the menu supports pairings to enhance the wine experience, and some menu items are created using the wines served. The small-plate selections, appetizers, flatbreads and entrees lend themselves to sharing -- a big part of the Wine Bistro experience, the site says.
The newest location, with plenty of parking behind the building, can seat 124 people -- eight of them at the bar, Sams said.
"We have a variety of seating patterns," he added. "We have a gathering table that seats about 20 people. We have a private tasting room that will seat 12 to 14 people. We do reservations, reserving half of the restaurant.
"It's a very casual, laid-back atmosphere, with eclectic furnishings. We do a lot of variations with the furniture, unique light fixtures that we've actually built ourselves. The furniture doesn't all match. It's more of a California wine vineyard feel. Rustic is a good description."
The menu at the Wine Bistro ranges from warm Greek olives, chorizo-stuffed mushrooms and baked French brie for small plates and starters, to an array of salads and entrees that include lobster and shrimp fettuccini, crab cakes and confetti slaw, and roasted chicken.
Hours for the newest addition to the Clintonville dining scene will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.


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Marchantpt needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 407 designs submitted by 81 freelance designers.
Virgin Valley Physical Therapy
I own and manage two physical therapy clinics which carry the name of where they are located. We have been in practice for about 10 years and have built a solid reputation for delivering solid physical therapy care in a fun and caring environment. We are located in two small communities that are known for great weather, and golf and attracts a ton of retirees who want to live an active lifestyle. Most of our therapy clients are retired, over 65. We are in expansion mode and look to do more marketing using a variety of sources including newspaper, billboard, and internet during the next year. We are looking at expanding into a new building next year and adding additional wellness and fitness services to complement our therapy care.
Being in smaller communities we treat all kinds of injuries. Therefore, we would like to target everyone who needs rehab. services in our respective communities. We also receive many refferals from medical doctors who refer their patients to us. We are planning on developing fitness programs as well as adding massage therapy to our practice.
Look at the uploaded images of my old logo, and the conceptual design of the new logo. I was inspired with the "V" in the Virgin Air (http://www.virgin.com) logo design. I thought it would look cool to incorporate the V in Virgin Valley to create a new fresh look. I like the active, psuedo-person look fist pump as if our patient had just completed therapy and shouts "I just finished my physical thearpy and I can play golf without pain for the first time in years"!!!!!
I need something that can look clean and clear with adaptability to a variety of uses.
It needs to be able to fax clearly and neatly,
It needs to be able to look good in 1-2 colors and black and white.
The image needs to stand alone, as a recongnizeable image, associated with our clinic.
It needs to print easily on promotional items :pens, t-shirts, golf balls etc.
Feel free to play with the colors but please nothing too crazy.or obsolete..I need to be able to have the print shop find a match.
It needs font that highlights brings attention to "Physical Therapy". If someone is driving down the road, the only thing they may see is physical therapy and they hopefully will remember that when they need us.
I will consider all design types so feel free to use your creativity with this.
Good Luck To All!!
Thank you in advance for your help!
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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New Research Explores Wisdom of HPV Vaccination for HIV-Infected Women
August 8, 2012
Women living with HIV/AIDS are at higher risk of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) than women who are HIV uninfected. Moreover, if HIV-infected women contract HPV, they are at higher risk of the infection becoming a malignancy, such as cervical cancer; that malignancy may also be more aggressive and harder to treat.
These realities make answers to questions such as whether the HPV vaccine can benefit HIV-infected women, as well as whether it's safe for them, really important. Six years after the approval of the first HPV vaccine, data are now starting to roll in on these questions, including some presented in two oral poster discussions at the XIX International AIDS Conference.
The first study (abstract, slides), conducted by Jessica Kahn, M.D., and colleagues, looked at whether the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (for HPV strains 6, 11, 16 and 18) was effective and safe for 99 HIV-infected women (79% black, 16% Hispanic, 4% white) ages 16 to 23. Over 48 weeks, the young women received the usual three injections given over the course of six months (vaccinations at day one, week eight and week 24) and were then followed for 24 weeks. To determine how the immune response in the study group compared to HIV-uninfected women, investigators used a historical cohort of 267 women matched by age and similar clinical history.
All the positive participants were infected with HIV after the age of 9. None of them had any opportunistic infections, significant bacterial infections or recent HPV symptoms (e.g., anogenital warts or grade 2/3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), though 75% had at least one strain of HPV. In addition, 85% of the group had a CD4+ cell count greater than 350, and 40% had a viral load lower than 400 copies/mL.
In terms of antiretroviral treatment (ART), 69 of the women had either never been on an antiretroviral regimen or hadn't been on any HIV treatment for at least six months, while the other 30 women were on ART for at least six months and had full virologic suppression. Of course, none of the participants were on any treatments that might have modulated the immune system.
The question of the immunogenicity of the vaccine was addressed by measuring, for all four HPV strains, both geometric mean titer (GMT) levels after vaccination as well as seroconversion rates in those who showed no antibodies to each HPV strain or DNA evidence that they were present (so-called "double negatives"). Four weeks after the third vaccination, 100% of all the "double negatives" for each HPV type in the control group, as well as in the group that was on ART, had HPV antibodies, compared to 90% to 96.3% of participants not on ART (HPV-6: 96.3%; HPV-11: 95.5%; HPV-16: 94.6%; HPV-18: 90%). GMT levels at the same time point for each HPV strain were consistently higher in the group on HIV treatment than in the HIV-uninfected control group and consistently lower, though not necessarily significantly so, in the untreated group than in the control group.
Notably, at week 48, 100% of the group on ART retained antibodies to three strains of HPV (-6, -11, -16) and 87.5% had antibodies to HPV-18. Of those untreated for HIV, seroconversion rates were also highest for HPV-6, -11, and -16 (95.8%, 97.4%, 97.1%) and lower for HPV-18 (73.9%).
The vaccine series was well tolerated and very few adverse events were reported, including both clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. The most commonly reported side effect was low-grade post-injection pain (26.3%). No impact on viral load or CD4+ cell count was observed.
While this study does not establish whether the available HPV vaccines effectively protect HIV-infected women from genital warts, cervical cancers and other cancers that result from HPV infection, it demonstrates it is safe to vaccinate young HIV-infected women and that, in women who are negative for both antibodies and DNA presence of HPV, the immune response is robust. Despite a small sample size and the use of historical controls, the authors concluded that the data supports a recommendation to vaccinate all young, HIV-infected women, especially 11-to-12-year-olds.
In a presentation that helped fill in some more blanks about HPV vaccination for women living with HIV/AIDS, the AIDS Clinical Trials Group presented preliminary results (abstract, slides) of a multi-site, racially and ethnically diverse study designed to look at the development of antibody titers to the same four HPV strains (-6, -11, -16, -18) across three CD4 strata in HIV-infected women between the ages of 13 and 45, and to assess the safety and tolerability of the quadrivalent vaccine series.
Michelle Cespedes shared the results of two CD4 strata: 200 to 350 cells/mm3 (127 women) and >350 cells/mm3 (95 women). To assess immune response, Cespedes et al looked at the development of antibody titers in women who had no titers at baseline for each HPV type (HPV-6: 59%; HPV-11: 79%; HPV-16: 65%; HPV-18: 81%).
One month after the third vaccination, 100% of the women who were negative for HPV-6, -11 or -16 had seroconverted. For HPV-18, 91% of the women with a CD4+ cell count greater than 350 had seroconverted compared to 84% of the women with a CD4+ cell count between 200 and 350. Post-vaccine series GMT for each group was highest in those negative at baseline for HPV-16 and lowest for HPV-18. No serious adverse events connected to vaccination were reported.
This study did not look at how durable the immune response was over time, but it showed that, at least in women with a CD4+ cell count above 200 cells/mm3, the response is robust. Given the rather high percentage of women negative for the four HPV types targeted by the quadrivalent vaccine, the study investigators suggested that most HIV-infected women would benefit from vaccination.
These pieces of encouraging data, combined with the greater disease-causing impact of HPV infection on HIV-infected women compared to HIV-uninfected women, begin to beg the question about formal guidance for women living with HIV/AIDS. The need was highlighted by Cindy Firnhaber, a researcher from South Africa, who presented on HPV in the developing world and noted that there really should be separate guidelines for HIV-infected women. "It's not the same disease in my mind," she said.
Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
This article was provided by TheBodyPRO. It is a part of the publication The XIX International AIDS Conference.
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London Scottish v Bedford Blues
Bedford came up short away at London Scottish on Sunday as the hosts fought back to claim a 19-15 victory at the Richmond Athletic Ground. The IPA Championship clash didn't produce the free flowing rugby expected in the glorious capital sunshine and the Blues were ultimately left to rue missed chances.
Despite scores through Patrick Tapley and Brendan Burke, plus a penalty and conversion from James Pritchard, the Exiles punished the Blues' failed opportunities. James Buckland's men registered three tries through Adam Kwasnicki, Sam Stuart and Mark Bright, and two conversions for Lee Millar.
Tony Fenner kicked off for Bedford and put the Exiles under some early pressure but it was the hosts who had the first chance, Millar came close to getting clear but he couldn't quite catch a lobbed pass.
Mark Atkinson and Gregor Gillanders linked well as Bedford went forward, they were within five of getting over the whitewash but the Exiles did enough and Phil Boulton's last pass found touch.
As Scottish regrouped, their lineouts looked good and were allowing scrum half Robert Shaw to set up plays, but Bedford were making their tackles and claiming ball.
Next, Atkinson looked to run in the first try of the afternoon but referee Martin Fox brought play back for a knock on.
Then the home side picked up a penalty from the next scrum, Millar however couldn't find the target from the tee practically at halfway.
Passing was sloppy 20 minutes in from both sides but Scottish's set piece was working well, Blues weren't giving them any space and were forcing Buckland's men back through the likes of Paul Tupai as he closed down a kick superbly.
A kicking game ensued but with 10 minutes left of the first half, Blues had a lineout in the Exiles' 22 and upped it a gear.
Tupai gathered from the next ruck as Bedford pressed, Veenendaal and Burke got creative but they couldn't find gaps although much hard work eventually resulted in a penalty for Bedford in front of the sticks, Pritchard couldn't miss and put three points on the board.
As things resumed, Jim Thompson looked to threaten and reply for the Exiles as he ran half the pitch and found support to his right, Bedford scrambled though and Tapley gathered a loose ball.
Tapley caught the hosts by surprise and flew over for the first try, Pritchard converted to put Blues 10-0 up as the half concluded.
Millar resumed play but Bedford looked to keep up the momentum after the break, Veenedaal sent a nice grubber kick down the right for Tapley but it didn't have the right bounce and Scottish gathered.
Much like the first half, kicking followed as both sides looked for territory, Scottish took play to Bedford's half and just about managed their lineout, PJ Gidlow came close as he found space, Millar closer still.
Scottish kept up the pressure and turned a Blues scrum in their favour, they went to drive over as a unit.
That route didn't work for the home team but not long later the Exiles got their desserts, after several phases hooker Kwasnicki barrelled over and Millar embellished to make it 10-7.
Blues looked to reply immediately through Atkinson and Tapley, they went about trying to clear tackles down the right and it was working.
Nic Auterac and Fenton-Wells were driving hard but it was Burke who grabbed Bedford's second, he stepped past Millar superbly and had the strength to make the last few yards.
Pritchard couldn't convert so the score stood 15-7 to Bedford.
The Exiles tried mauling their way back into the game, much to the appreciation of the crowd, and it paid dividends.
Sam Stuart touched down to reduce the Blues lead, Millar couldn't add the extras but the hosts were within three.
With 10 left to play Bedford went looking for more to get clear but a mistake allowed Millar the chance to draw level from the tee, he was unfortunate to hit the post.
Then Fenton-Wells appeared to be struck in the head by one of the Scottish players, Blues didn't get the decision though and things went from bad to worse as the game came to a close.
Scottish number eight Bright got the winner off the back of the scrum on 78 minutes, Millar converted and the hosts ran down the clock for a scrappy but deserved victory.
London Scottish: Jamie Kilbane, Adam Kwasnicki, Tomas Francis, Tyler Hotson, Dave Lyons, Neil Best, Matt Everard, Mark Bright (c), Robbie Shaw (Sam Stuart, 57), Dan Newton, Miles Mantella (Dante Mama, 31), PJ Gidlow (Andy Reay, 66), Lee Millar, Pete Homan, Jim Thompson. Not Used Replacements: Tedd Stagg, George Hunter, Lewis Thiede, Tommy Spinks. T: Adam Kwasnicki, Sam Stuart, Mark Bright. C: Lee Millar, 2
Bedford: Darren Fearn (Nic Auterac, 57), Charlie Clare, Phil Boulton (Ben Cooper, 57), Paul Tupai, Gregor Gillanders, Don Barrell, Joe Vandermolen (Sacha Harding, 67), Nick Fenton-Wells, Darryl Veenendaal, Tony Fenner, Ollie Dodge, Mark Atkinson, Brendan Burke (Jake Sharp, 77), Pat Tapley, James Pritchard (c). Not Used Replacements: TJ Harris, Tom Armes, Harry Peck. T: Pat Tapley, Brendan Burke. P: James Pritchard. C: James Pritchard
Attendance: 1,057
Referee: Martin Fox
Assistant Referees: Simon Harding, Lionel Spooner


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Greenwich routs Fairfield to win 7th straight state rugby championship
The Greenwich rugby team is in the business of winning state championships. And since Connecticut's inception of a state playoff tournament, business has been good.
The Cardinals defeated the Fairfield co-op 34-5 Wednesday to win their seventh consecutive title, which is all of them since the tournament has been established.
"We had to do it; it's something we're required to do," Greenwich coach Joe Kelly said of the victory.
While it may not exactly be mandatory, Greenwich has certainly made it seem as such, dominating the Connecticut rugby landscape, something Kelly said starts with the school's support.
"What goes into it is the dedication that the school supports the program," Kelly said. "It's known throughout the school to be a great program, and they perform and we get some great athletes because of that."
Two of the athletes were captains Mateo Gowland and Gar,dy Lebon who both tallied trys in the contest. Lebon's came in extra time and was the exclamation point to a successful season.
"That was a great way for him to conclude his career here, he was iffy to play after a concussion, and he just got cleared to play," Kelly said of Lebon. "Overall, it was a great performance by all the seniors."
Between the seniors and underclassman Kelly found himself with 21 starters to fill 15 positions. The coach described his dilemma as "a good problem to have" and resulted in his ability to put fresh legs on the field later in the game.
"Its extremely effective because we know we can put them all out on the field and we have a sub who can play better once we're tired," Gowland said of the Cardinals' depth. "We don't have to hold anything back, and we can gun it the whole time and we have players to back us up."
As is the case with the majority of successful teams, Greenwich took advantage of the camaraderie that grew from spending a great amount of time together.
"I've played on varsity all four years and I've never had as good a time as with this team," Gowland said. "They're absolutely my brothers; I love hanging out with them and when we're out there we play as one team -- I'll never forget this."
For the Fairfield team, which combines Warde and Ludlowe, the town's two high schools, getting to the finals was an accomplishment in itself.
It was able to defeat in-town rival Fairfield Prep to clinch a spot in the championship match, and although it couldn't beat powerhouse Greenwich, the team took a huge step in the right direction.
The Cardinals return many key players next season as they look to contend for another title, but Kelly wants to just enjoy the moment for him and his team.
"One of the most enjoyable seasons I've had," said a Gatorade soaked Kelly. "No question about that."
Anthony Parelli is a freelance reporter


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From MeritBadgeDotOrg
I am an Eagle Scout, Sept. 1978. I am Scoutmaster of BSA 777 located in Hudson, OH. I have 19 Eagle Scouts to my credit (so far). Besides being Scoutmaster, I currently serve as the Great Trail Council High Adventure Chairman, District Roundtable Commisioner, Outdoor Committee Member, Dean - Boy Scout College, University of Scouting and will be the NYLT Scoutmaster for GTC next year.
I have a seven year old Bear cub living in my main tent... My bride to be (7/7/7) lives in the main tent too... You can find me at Philmont, in the wilderness or working in a school district.
Feel free to write - scoutmaster 777 -at- adelphia -Dot- net. no spaces and make the appropriate substitutions...
--Sm777 22:28, June 24, 2007 (EDT)


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When the Packers lost left tackle Bryan Bulaga for the season with a torn ACL, it was presumed that the man who replaced Bulaga last year on the right side would stay inside, with Marshall Newhouse playing right tackle and David Bakhtiari at left tackle.
But plans tend to change when the guy penciled in for the job doesn't deliver as expected, and so Don Barclay has moved back outside to right tackle. He could be on the verge of taking the job away from Newhouse.
Barclay, undrafted in 2012 from West Virginia, took every rep at right tackle with the first-team offense on Monday, per Rob Reischel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Barclay also has performed better than Newhouse at right tackle during both preseason games.
As recently as last week, Barclay was spending practice time at guard, and there's still a chance he'll be the offensive line's sixth man.
"It's tough to bounce around," Barclay said, via Reischel. "But I'm starting to feel a lot more comfortable. That's just one of the things I've gotten used to.
"I think in my mind, I've just looked at it like there's an opportunity to play and that's a good thing. To me, I'm showing I can play more positions. And if I sit here and get frustrated, that doesn't do any good. So I just try and stay positive . . . and hopefully I can eventually settle in at one spot."
That one spot could be left tackle. And the time could be coming soon. As in two weeks and five days, when the Packers play the 49ers to launch the 2013 season.


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The New York Daily News brings us our strongest evidence yet that, with Tebow, we've crossed over into an entirely unfamiliar, Unsolved Mysteries-echoing realm.
Russell Francis died last Saturday. His family will bury him this weekend in a Tim Tebow Jets jersey. That's not what's spectacular about this story, though.
Widow Wendy Tatum recalled one of her last conversations with Francis, 44, as he battled lung cancer in a Brooklyn hospital.
"He kept saying, 'They're going to get Tebow. They're going to get Tebow,' " she told the Daily News after shopping for the shirt Thursday. "This was a whole week before the trade."
The Daily News doesn't say, though, how Francis reacted to his visions. Were these the gleeful last gasps of a dying man? Or did he gaze into the abyss, the light fading, and see Tim Tebow's cackling visage?
Forever fan: He'll wear Tim Tebow jersey into the hereafter [New York Daily News]


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Discover a theatre that 'looks gorgeous, like a jewel box' (The Guardian).
Shakespeare's company of players moved indoors to more private, intimate spaces, such as the Blackfriars Playhouse, when the chilly winter months drew in over London. Today, performances move to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a compact, elegant contrast to the expansive open-air Globe, and your tour of this beautiful space - opened in 2014 and named after the Globe's founder - explores the experiences of actors and audiences in indoor playhouses.
Discover the impact of indoor performance spaces on Shakespeare's writing in his late plays, and the role of music. Learn how the intricate details of the theatre were painstakingly researched from contemporary Tudor and Jacobean buildings such as Hatfield House, and wonder at the remarkable craftsmanship.
Your ticket also includes entry to our engaging and informative Exhibition. Based under the Globe Theatre, the Exhibition explores how Shakespeare's company worked in London and the theatres for which he wrote: the actors, audiences, music, clothing and special effects of the period.
Your visit will include a 30-minute guided tour of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and entry to the Globe Exhibition (with free audio-guide). Please note that last entry to the Exhibition is at 5.00pm as it closes at 5.30pm. Tickets do not include entry into the Globe Theatre - please see www.shakespearesglobe.com/exhibition for more information about booking Globe Theatre Guided Tours.
There are also four dates available to book an exclusive double tour of both the Globe and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse! You can book them here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/globe-theatre-and-sam-wanamaker-playhouse-tour-tickets-44639367550
How does my visit work?
Please arrive 15-minutes before the start of your tour, at the Exhibition entrance on Bankside, to check in at the Admissions desk. Your guide will then take you around to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and begin the tour in the Main Foyer on New Globe Walk. Your tour will also end in the Main Foyer. Following your tour you can return to visit the Exhibition, self-guided, for as long as you like until the Exhibition closes at 5.30pm (with last entry at 5.00pm). If you would prefer to visit the Exhibition before your tour this is absolutely fine - the average visit is about an hour.
What if I have access requirements?
We aim to be welcoming and accessible to all and are continually updating and improving our provisions for diverse audiences. The nature of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse may prove challenging for visitors with limited mobility and for wheelchair users. Please do ring the Exhibition Office on 020 7902 1500 before you book so we can discuss how to best accommodate your needs.
What are my transport options for getting to and from the event?
By Train: Mainline train stations Blackfriars and London Bridge are both a 15-minute walk away.
By Tube: Shakespeare's Globe is within a 15-minute walk from Blackfriars, Mansion House, Cannon Street, Southwark and London Bridge stations.
By Bus: There are bus routes from all over London that stop within a short walk of Shakespeare's Globe, including at Southwark Bridge, London Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral.
What can I bring into the event?
Although you can bring bags on your tour, we advise you not to bring large rucksacks or suitcases. Please note that buggies and pushchairs cannot be accommodated on this tour due to the intimate nature of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse space.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
If you have any questions, please ring the Exhibition Office on 020 7902 1500, or email us by clicking on the link below. Our website may also help with questions, and can be found here: www.shakespearesglobe.com/exhibition


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UNDP's Match Against Poverty raises US$190,000 for the PhilippinesApr 11, 2014
Geneva, Switzerland – The XI Match Against Poverty held last March in Bern, Switzerland raised US$190,000 for ongoing recovery efforts in the Philippines where more than 5,000 people lost their lives last November to Typhoon Haiyan.
The announcement was made after all proceeds from ticket sales, broadcast rights, and sponsorships from the 4 March event were received. A glittering lineup of world stars gave their time to travel to Switzerland to take part in the match, which was attended by 21,000 fans.
"We are grateful for the support of the people of the Philippines," said Maurice Dewulf, UNDP Philippines Country Director . "We are proud that UNDP's 11th Match Against Poverty provided an opportunity for the public to support the affected Filipino communities and help them rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by Haiyan."
Eighty-eight percent of total proceeds will be donated to the Philippines , BSC Young Boys will donate the remaining profits to the club's partner charity, the Laureus Foundation Switzerland to support sports-related projects. The XI Match Against Poverty also received a donation of US$ 24,000 from Sony through their annual fund raising initiative "the 46th Aino Izumi" at the Sony Building in Ginza, Tokyo.
The funds for the Philippines will be used to increase awareness of disaster risks among the most disaster-prone communities. UNDP will undertake a major sensitization effort, which will include posting in a very large format recently prepared maps identifying specific locations where different natural disasters (such as storm surges, tsunami and earthquakes) might have the most severe impact. The meaning of the maps and the hazard impacts would be explained to the concerned communities. This initiative will thus make a major contribution to a better understanding of what the disaster risks might be and allow all concerned to prepare and protect themselves against such disasters.
The UNDP team led by Ronaldo and Zinédine Zidane played against the Bern professional football club, BSC Young Boys and Friends. The match, which ended at 8-6 in favor of the UNDP team, also saw other football legends such as Luís Figo, Fabio Cannavaro, Fernando Hierro, Paolo Maldini and Pavel Nedved. UNDP Goodwill Ambassador and Five-time FIFA women's World Player Marta Vieira da Silva was also part of the team. The Young Boys side was composed of current and former players from BSC Young Boys and was led by former Swiss internationals Stéphane Chapuisat and Hakan Yakin.
The Match against Poverty is supported by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). UEFA's President Michel Platini backed the cause by attending the game and serving as coach of the Zidane, Ronaldo and Friends team alongside Dutch great Ruud Gullit.
The Match in Bern follows ten successful editions that took place in Basel, Madrid, Düsseldorf, Marseille, Málaga, Lisbon, Fez, Athens, Hamburg and Porto Alegre. Each year funds raised support specific development projects in different countries around the world. Proceeds from the matches have contributed to sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in 29 developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Aziyadé Poltier-Mutal; Mobile: + 41 79 349 16 10 -Tel: + 41 22 917 83 68 aziyade.poltier@ undp.org;
Online: undp.org/povertymatch | @PNUD | #PovertyMatch
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FN2aH1yiHA


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Amy Winehouse Vs Kanye West! Amy Takes Shot At Yeezy @ Glastonbury "At Least I'm Not Opening For A C*ck Like Kanye" [Audio Only]
No clue where this came from. Amy Winehouse must not like Kanye West for some reason. Courtesy of MistaJam
Kanye West responded on his blog "THIS JUST IN... AMY WHINEHOUSE HATES ME!!! NOW I'VE REALLY MADE IT!!! LOL!!!!"
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MLBPA responds to Commissioner Selig
MLB Players AssociationBelow is a copy of a letter MLBPA Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, today sent to Commissioner Selig regarding the Joint Drug Agreement. 26 September 2005 VIA FACSIMILE
(Original by mail) Allan H. Selig
Commissioner of Baseball
777 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 3060
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Re: Joint Drug Agreement Dear Bud: I write with respect to our ongoing discussions regarding our steroid testing agreement. We both share a common interest and commitment to ensure our game is free of illegal performance-enhancing substances. We both understand that our current program is working, as we predicted it would, but that its success has not satisfied some of those who criticize us. Given our shared interests and the Associations evident willingness to compromise, our failure thus far to reach a comprehensive new agreement is both frustrating and disappointing, all the more so because the players have agreed to nearly all of the changes you sought in your April 25, 2005 letter to me. In your letter, you sought more frequent testing to create further deterrence. Although neither of us doubts the deterrent effect of the current program, we have essentially agreed to your proposal. We have agreed to increase the number of suspicionless tests from 1,440 to 3,000. Every player will be tested at the start of spring training, creating an additional deterrent to off-season steroid use. Every player will be subject to at least one additional random test during the season. And every player will remain subject to additional random testing we accepted your proposal of 600 such additional tests throughout the calendar year. All players would be tested at least twice, and every player will know he is always subject to yet another test, no matter how many times he has already been tested. You acknowledged that our current program operates with integrity, but nevertheless suggested that administrative responsibility for the program should be moved from HPAC to a jointly-selected independent expert. Notwithstanding what we believe to be uninformed criticism of our efforts to date, we have agreed with you to move much of the administration of the program, essentially accepting your last proposal. You urged that we revisit the governmental investigations provision to ensure that it is drawn as narrowly as possible to address [the Unions] legitimate concerns. We have done so, making plain in word what we already have demonstrated in deed -- that a Congressional request for summary information about our testing results does not jeopardize our program. You stated that our agreement must cover amphetamines. You proposed a structure for accomplishing that, and we have accepted that structure. Under it, players would be subject to random testing for amphetamines. As with steroid testing, each player will be tested at least twice in-season, and is subject to additional random tests. We have proposed a disciplinary schedule for amphetamines that, like your last proposal, mandates additional testing for first-offenders and serious suspensions for repeat offenders. With respect to penalties for steroid use, you said, Discipline levels should be increased within the framework of a three strikes and you are out approach. Our proposal permits you to impose on third offenders such discipline as you believe appropriate, including a permanent ban, provided that it is consistent with just cause, and subject to arbitral review. Thus, we have agreed that in circumstances in which the facts would justify a permanent ban, you may impose one. But we also believe that fundamental fairness requires that the particular facts and circumstances of the individual case must be considered, especially when the potential penalty is permanent ineligibility. With respect to a 2nd positive steroid test, you proposed that the penalty be moved from 30 days to 100 games. We have proposed a presumptive 75-game penalty nearly 1/2 of a Major League season with the possibility that 100 games may be imposed in appropriate circumstances, provided that an arbitrator can reduce the penalty (but not below 50 games) where the player demonstrates that it would be fair and just to do so. This demonstrates the players commitment to severe penalties for Players who repeatedly violate the steroid policy. Our principal remaining disagreement is the penalty to be imposed for an initial positive test for steroids. You have publicly proposed a 50-game penalty, a position from which you have not wavered. Indeed, your current proposal provides for a presumptive 50-game penalty, but in appropriate circumstances permits you to impose 60 games and the player to argue before the Arbitration Panel for 40 games. We have proposed a presumptive penalty of 20 games, twice the current penalty, with the possibility that you may impose a suspension of up to 30 games if the facts and circumstances warrant, and the player may argue to an arbitrator that the facts justify a lower penalty, but not below 10 games. A 50-game penalty for a first-time steroid positive is not necessary to deter steroid use; indeed, you have never defended your proposal on the basis that it is. As you have acknowledged, both in 2004 (when our agreement provided for follow-up testing only for such violations) and in 2005 (when it mandated a 10-day suspension) our program has worked. And the facts support that judgment: the program has reduced steroid use to only 12 confirmed positives last year, and only 9 so far this year (including the one player whose positive test was the result of prior use for which he had already been disciplined). Nor do we believe that a 50-game penalty is fair, and you have never defended your proposal on the basis that it is. Prior to the March 17, 2005 congressional hearing, the Commissioners Office imposed only a 15-game penalty for first-time positives in the minor leagues, though you could have chosen any penalty you deemed fair and appropriate, without the constraints of collective bargaining. Before this year, you never even proposed a first-time penalty exceeding 15 games. Rather, it appears the 50 game initial penalty is principally a response to criticisms which have been made of our current program. We share your concern about the criticism our program has received, and, in response, the players have demonstrated, several times now, their willingness to take all reasonable measures in response. But we are still required to adopt, and defend, reasonable, fair and appropriate agreements. As you know, the players have proposed a presumptive 20-game suspension for an initial positive steroid test, twice that in the admittedly effective current agreement. Moreover, if the Commissioners Office can prove aggravating factors, a 30-game suspension - three times that in the admittedly effective current agreement - is permitted. If a player can demonstrate mitigating factors such that the presumptive penalty is not appropriate, an Arbitrator may reduce the penalty (but not below 10 games). We made this proposal in the interests of compromise, and believe that it should form the basis of an agreement. Having said that, the Association remains willing to continue our negotiations in an effort to bridge our remaining differences so that a new program will be in place for 2006. I ask you to work with us to address our remaining concerns, as we have worked with you to address the issues you identified. We should do all we can to have a new program in place for next year, one that is not only a strong deterrent, but at the same time is fair, as the players deserve. Sincerely, Donald M. Fehr
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China letters from Excel to HTML, handled by VBA
This macros turns Chinese letters in "MS Excel 2007" spreadsheet to HTML codes. It will works with all Unicode chars, so can be used with Cyrilic, Hebrew, Arab, Japan an all others languages. In my case it prepares XML form … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Hacks Tagged arab, chinese, chinese letters, cyrilic, entities, Excel, Excel macros, Excel spreadsheet, hebrew, HTML, HTML codes, HTML entities, japan, language, languages, letters, macros, spreadsheet, Unicode, Unicode chars, Unicode entities, XML, XML document, XML form, XML format, Zoho, Zoho application Leave a comment


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