Kurdish rebels to withdraw from Turkey in March: paper

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Kurdish militants will withdraw from Turkish territory by the Kurdish new year on March 21 under a peace process to end a conflict in which 40,000 people have been killed, a newspaper close to the government said on Thursday.

The withdrawal of the militants to northern Iraq, where most of the PKK's several thousand fighters are based, is planned to begin at the start of March as the weather in southeast Turkey starts to become milder, the Sabah daily reported.

Turkish officials have been in talks with jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan since late 2012 and he was expected to issue a call within 10 days for the militants to declare a ceasefire, the paper said.

(Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Jon Boyle)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/kurdish-rebels-withdraw-turkey-march-paper-083257185.html

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How To Learn French The Easy Way?

French is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Resembling English, it is very well recognized as a language and numerous people are inclined towards learning it. But learning it as an exercise or course is not satisfactory, as it is spoken in a different attitude and etiquette, depending on the context of situation.

Unlike in America, where it's common to talk to strangers in a market or at school, in France people aren't used to this and will probably get a bit freaked out if you try it. But generally in France, the best way to meet people is through groups rather than trying to go solo. Let us look into different scenarios:

"HEY! HELLO!":

Like in English, when asked "what's up?" we usually give a one-word answer because fact is that nobody really cares. But in France they'll assume you actually want to know how they're doing, and they'll expect you to give a real answer, too. Politeness in France is mostly for work situations, between strangers, or when there's an age difference. With friends you can usually assume everything's fine. But between foreign languages and new cultures, misunderstandings happen pretty easily. So avoid being totally blank and keep some of these tension-defusing phrases handy. This is my first time in France. C'est la premiere fois que je viens en France.

I'd like to meet some French people. Je veux rencontrer des Francais.

Excuse me. Excusez-moi. (formal or plural)/Excuse-moi. (casual)

Don't worry about it. T'inquiete.

Don't worry about him/her. Ignore-le/la.

Pardon my French! Pardon, ca m'a ?chapp?.

How's it going? ca va? How you doing? Tu vas bien?

You doing good today? T'es en forme?

Long time, no see! ca fait longtemps, dis donc!

Watcha up to? Qu'est-ce que tu me racontes?

Nothing much. Pas grand chose.

"FORMALITIES":

Watch out for a few cultural differences in France. First, only medical doctors use "Dr." with their names; a Ph.D. in ceramics won't get you any special title. Second, there is no French equivalent to "Ms."; there are only "Mademoiselle" and "Madame." So the rule of thumb is to use "Mademoiselle" for every woman who looks under thirty; that won't get you into trouble.

Sir Monsieur

Ma'am Madame

Miss, Ms. Mademoiselle

Dr. Docteur

Mr. President Monsieur le pr?sident

Judge Monsieur/Madame le juge

"WANT TO TRY FRENCH RESTAURANT?":

In France, even ordering water at a restaurant can be a trip through a minefield. Remember, the French eat late. Most restaurants open for dinner at 7:30 p.m. All-you-can-eat buffets are almost non-existent in France. Once you order and have your meal, do ask for the bill. You have to ask for it or they won't bring it to you.

Bring me? Apportez-moi?

The menu la carte

Bread du pain

Silverware des couverts

The cheque l'addition

Can we order? On peut commander?

What do you recommend? Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez?

These were some common things to learn for a trip to France.

For more common terms to learn for a trip to France, see here.

Source: http://articles.submityourarticle.com/how-to-learn-french-the-easy-way--314722

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Futurity.org ? China's indoor air raises cancer risk for women

Increased lung cancer risk among women was strongly attributed to the fine particles produced by coal combustion for heating and cooking, and from passive smoking. Kitchen ventilation systems, such as fans, are not common in China and people are reluctant to open windows because they want to keep heat in and pollution out. (Credit: Edwin Lee/Flickr)

U. BUFFALO (US) ? Breathing indoor air in some Chinese cities carries significant cancer risks, especially for women, new research shows.

While around 60 percent of Chinese men smoke, only about 4 percent of women in China smoke, however women?s rates of lung cancer are among the highest in the world?about 21 cases per 100,000.

Indoor air pollution generates levels of fine particulate matter that are at least double the maximum considered acceptable by World Health Organization guidelines, according to the study published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control. The study is the first to measure particulate matter (PM) levels inside the home and to link it with the incidence of lung cancer in Chinese women.

?Our results show that besides smoking, indoor air pollution contributes significantly to women?s lung cancer risk in China,? says lead author Lina Mu, assistant professor of social and preventive medicine in the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the University at Buffalo. ?That?s why we wanted to find out how much indoor air pollution contributes to lung cancer risk among Chinese women. It has been suspected but not measured.?

Since women tend to be home for longer periods of time and to cook more frequently, housing-related exposure is more of a factor among women than men.

The case-control study includes 429 Chinese women:?197 who had lung cancer and 232 who were controls. Of the 197 with lung cancer, 164 were nonsmokers while there were 218 nonsmokers in the control group. The study was conducted in Taiyuan city, one of the top 10 air polluted cities in the world according to Asian Development Bank?s 2012 annual report. Taiyuan is a large industrial city in northern China, which is home to heavy industry, including steel, coal mining, and processing and electronics plants.

Among the nonsmokers, lung cancer was strongly associated with multiple sources of indoor air pollution, including exposure to tobacco smoke at work, frequent cooking, and the use of solid fuel, primarily coal, for cooking and heating.

A particle mass monitor was used to measure PM levels inside the homes?mostly apartments?of study participants.

?We found that the smallest type of particulate matter is the type associated with the higher risk of lung cancer among nonsmoking Chinese women,? Mu says.? ?For every additional ten micrograms per square meter of fine particular matter, there is an associated 45 percent increased risk of lung cancer.?

Increased lung cancer risk among women was strongly attributed to the fine particles produced by coal combustion for heating and cooking, and from passive smoking. Kitchen ventilation systems, such as fans, are not common in China and people are reluctant to open windows because they want to keep heat in and pollution out.

Also, hot oil, a staple in traditional Chinese stir-frying and deep-frying, produces carcinogens, and is a key contributor.

?Women are at high risk because they are exposed to solid fuel emissions from heating and cooking as well as from passive smoking,? she says, adding that smoking is a key social ingredient in China. ?Men tend to gather and smoke together, often in small, enclosed spaces, especially in offices.?

While in large cities, some restaurants have begun to segregate smokers, people smoke freely in most public places in China. Improvements will depend on significant changes, including a switch to clean energy sources, the installation of better ventilation systems, and public education about the benefits of keeping windows open and curbing passive smoking.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, Fudan University, the Taiyuan City Center for Disease Control and Prevention,? and Shanxi Tumor Hospital contributed to the study that was funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China, the National Institutes of Health, and the Alper Research Center for Environmental Genomics at UCLA.

Source: University at Buffalo

Source: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/chinas-indoor-air-raises-cancer-risk-for-women/

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Facebook Social Graph Search

?

What Is a ?Social Graph??

? The social graph in terms of the Internet has been referred to as ?global mapping of everybody and how they are related.? Better yet it?s a giant graph meant to
demonstrate the personal relationships of Internet users ? and Facebook wants to exploit it.

What Is ?Social Graph Search??

? You thought you were just sharing a few laughs with friends??Social graph search is search & search results based upon what your friends like or do. Facebook wants to expose all the personal information it has, currently the largest social database in the world, for their new pillar application ?Social Graph Search?.

How Will It Be Used?

? It?s going to be search, but the results will be related to friend activity. Don?t get too excited yet, Social Graph Search is in beta testing and only available to a select few Facebookers? right now. They say they have a long way to go with it, but as it?s rolled out early focus will be on people, photos, places and business pages. For individuals it might mean being able to search ?what friends like to snowboard??maybe to find a travel mate for that vacation time coming due.?For a business, say a Ski Resort, it might mean coming up in the results when individuals search and their friends have liked it. For instance, maybe ?what resorts do friends like to snowboard?.?

Is It Important To Business?

? All marketers are going to want to be visible in an environment where lots people search, especially if we can be on the positive end of people?s thoughts and activity. So while not a huge thing so far and certainly not a part of Facebook?s standard search yet, it?s likely to going to be very important. Maybe one day as important as the the consumer visibility we all seek in Google now.

What Should Business People Do?

?With Facebook Business pages, we want to keep gathering those likes. We want to be active posting specials, new products, blog posts and valuable comments by engagement and the number of fans is likely going to matter. You want to be sure you?ve been thorough in detailing your profile including addresses for local businesses, so go back in to the About page and check your detail. For the local business Facebook?s Social Graph Search may even become more relevant than some of the big review directory sites, so be sure to jump in? and we?ll keep you informed as this evolves.

?

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Source: http://kineticknowledge.com/blog/social-media/facebook-social-graph-search/

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Giving Will Barely Rise in 2013, Forecast Predicts - Prospecting ...

Environmental groups chalked up bigger increases than any other causes, according to the Atlas for Giving. (Photo by Cristina Mittermeier/LCP/Conservation International)

Giving in 2013 is expected to rise only 1.6 percent from last year, according to a new report,?making it one of the worst fundraising years in five decades, projects the Atlas for Giving, an independent forecasting service.

Among the reasons for the gloom: The stock market is likely to tumble, the unemployment rate will remain stubbornly high, health-insurance costs will surge, and the 2-percent payroll-tax increase that took effect in 2013 will make people stingier, the Atlas?s analysis believe.

?The less people take home, the less they have to give,? says Rob Mitchell, chief executive of Atlas of Giving.

The forecast doesn?t take into account the still-looming threat that Congress could limit or abolish breaks donors get for charity gifts, which would have a ?devastating impact? on charities, he adds. ?That could make 2013 worse.?

This is in stark contrast to 2012, when the Atlas says giving rose 6.7 percent.

Atlas of Giving is one of the newest players in producing philanthropy research.? It seeks to provide faster forecasts than ?Giving USA,? which produces one of the most widely used measures of how much is donated annually.

Atlas?s projections are not based on surveys of nonprofits but on an algorithm that involves 70 measures, such as the state of the economy, demographic data, joblessness rates, political election results, and the state of consumer confidence. It says that when it tested its algorithm to estimate giving each year going back to 1968, it was 99.5 percent accurate compared with what happened in each of those years.

Environmental Giving

Much of last year?s rosy picture resulted from strong stock-market performance, an improved economy, and large contributions from Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, and other rich people, the Atlas report says.

Environmental charities fared the best last year, increasing donations by 10.9 percent. Other groups with the strongest growth were those focused on education and human services, which rose 8.8 percent. Superstorm Sandy was a key reason that giving to social services rose so fast, says the report.

Also strong was a category that includes donor-advised funds and a range of other charitable causes, where saw giving grow 9 percent.

Mr. Mitchell says he believes that environmental charities benefited from sophisticated fundraising appeals focused on college-educated donors and all the attention climate change got in the news media. Meanwhile, colleges and other education groups did well because they court many donors who probably fared well in the buoyant stock market.

Giving to religious causes in 2012 didn?t grow as much as other segments of the nonprofit world, with only a 4.2 percent bump, according to the study.

In 2013, Atlas expects giving to rise by 5.9 percent for environmental groups, 4.9 percent for human services, and 2.6 percent for education.

The complete report is free but requires registration.

Send an e-mail to Raymund Flandez.

Source: http://philanthropy.com/blogs/prospecting/giving-will-barely-rise-in-2013-forecast-predicts/37801

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Head off Communiicattiion and Confferences (HC&C)) at COST ...

COST - European CO-operation in Science and Technology - is a unique means for European researchers to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all scientific disciplines through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities. Based on a European intergovernmental framework for cooperation in science and technology, COST has contributed since its creation 40 years ago to closing the gap between science, policy makers and society throughout Europe and beyond. COST mission is to enable break-through scientific developments leading to new concepts and products and thereby contributing to strengthen Europe?s research and innovation capacities.

The COST Office, located in Brussels, is provided by the European Science Foundation (ESF) ? the implementing agent for COST, through a Grant agreement with the European Commission. The COST Office implements Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) decisions and supports all COST activities, in particular the evaluation and selection of proposals, the monitoring and assessment of COST Actions and the communication and outreach activities to promote their outcomes and impact.

The ESF-COST Office is currently looking for a Head of Communication & Conferences. He/she will be responsible for the development and execution of the COST Communications Plan, the implementation of strategic events and high level conferences, management of all the communications channels, and the development and consistent communication of the organisation's internal and external messages.

Reporting to the COST Office Director, he/she will be responsible for the management of the Communication and Conferences Team (4 staff members) and will be a member of the management group.

The person should be available to start as soon as possible.
Position responsibilities:

• ?Being responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of a comprehensive communications strategy that will enhance COST?s image and position within the European Research Area and beyond; facilitating internal and external communications
• ?Developing, implementing and monitoring innovative COST communication tools and procedures necessary to the smooth running of the communication activities
• ?Forecasting, monitoring, evaluating and assuring adherence to project budgets within the overall ESF-COST financial regulations and providing necessary information allowing the regular presentation of financial reports and negotiated rates
• ?Developing and maintaining media relations, communicating with relevant journalists and other key stakeholders in a way that benefits COST?s reputation
• ?Overseeing the production of high quality, printed and online publications, including professional lay-out and design, proof reading and illustrations and to produce appropriate marketing and corporate materials within budget and within ESF-COST financial regulations, including COST Annual Report
• ?Managing the COST website as the primary source of news and information about COST and developing a multi-media and social media strategy
• ?Ensuring an efficient flow of internal communications for staff and other key internal stakeholders
• ?Supervising the Communication and Conferences team members: coordinating the operations, managing workload distribution and performances, including the timely completion of performance appraisals, regular feedback, and appropriate action planning
• ?Promoting a climate of positive, trustful and respectful staff collaboration by encouraging communication and information sharing between the Communication & Conferences team activities and the science and technology related activities in close coordination with the Head of Science Operations
• ?Acting as a key role in the management of the COST Office as a member of the management group and as the Head of the Communication and Conferences activities
• Endorsing other responsibilities & undertaking other tasks as necessary for the good organisation of the office, as requested and under the responsibility of the COST Director
  ?

Profile and competencies:
The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:
a. Education

• ?University degree (minimum Master level) in communications / journalism / or equivalent by experience

b. Experience

• ?Recognised 5 to 8 years? experience in Communication and Events or Conference organisation, preferably in a research environment
• ?Knowledge of the European and national research structures and institutions
• ?Good understanding of European and international science and innovation policies
• ?Experience with a science or technology environment and/or familiarity with university-level outreach activities (research background or knowledge appreciated)
• ?Experience in academic or not-for-profit environment
• ?Good understanding of IT projects, financial management and administration

c. Profile

• Excellent inter-personal skills, including diplomacy, discretion and confidentially
• ?Improvement-minded to enable process review in a spirit of simplification
• ?Collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality, sound judgment and initiative
• ?Strong aptitude to offer interesting solutions to increase efficiency within the organisation
• ?Proven presentation skills necessary to represent COST externally and ability to give exhaustive and instructive explanations on the activities
• Adaptability to the changing environment
• ?Strong analytical and problem solving skills

d. People Management Skills

• ?Demonstrated motivational skills: being able to match the motivations and strengths with the tasks for each staff member
• ?Ability to develop team members and to link individual effort to team and organisational goals
• ?Leadership skills for directing staff and overseeing projects
• ?Excellent team work capacities and relationship building abilities

e. Specific Competencies
?Proven skills in implementing and creating communication and media strategies

• ?Proven and demonstrable competencies in working with a wide range of media, developing media strategies and relations, preparing press releases and press conferences, social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube), etc.
• ?Sound knowledge of website management (web development, producing content for the web, etc.)
• ?Proven and demonstrable experience of drafting, editing and producing publications
• ?Excellent oral and writing, grammar and editing skills; critical attention to detail
• ?Fluent spoken and written English, knowledge of other European languages is an asset
• ?High standard working knowledge of MS Office systems and of electronic databases and Web sites ESF-COST Office offers:
• ?A full-time contract under the Belgian law with a duration linked to the FP7 COST Grant Agreement II (ending 31 May 2014), with an initial probation period of 4 months
• ?An international working environment located in Brussels (Avenue Louise 149, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium)
• ?Unless a national of the ?EU and EEE? candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium and must have a Work Permit

Electronic applications (motivation letter with possible start date mentioned + CV) should be addressed to Barbara Bottiau and sent to job@cost.eu Reference code: HC&C.
For more information, please visit our website http://www.cost.eu

Deadline for application: 10 February 2013

?

Source: http://jobs.euractiv.com/job/head-communication-and-conferences-hcc-87082

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Some Tried And Trued Ways To Improve Your Home | Roof Repair ...

TIP! Installing a source of heat beneath a tile floor is simple and economical. Look into radiant heat equipment, especially if you want to replace your flooring anyway.

The ultimate benefit to home improvement is the appreciation in value of your home. You can realize tremendous savings by adding upgrades yourself. For many homeowners, home improvement work is enjoyable enough to be considered a hobby. If you want get into the home improvement game, read these easy-to-understand tips that will help you get started.

TIP! When you are interviewing contractors, check to make sure they have all of the proper licenses your state requires. You can easily find out this information by looking at your state government?s website or by calling them.

Change the doors to your cupboards. Not all of us can afford to purchase brand new cabinets. Changing out the doors can help you afford a new look at a reasonable price. Just be sure to take careful measurements to be sure of the sizing before getting new doors. Installing new doors is simple. Just screw them in place!

TIP! When improving your home, think about the end result. Will it look out of place in your neighborhood? If your project is daring, will you regret having a house that is radically different? It is much better to be recognized for your home?s beauty and quality rather than outlandish home improvements.

If a contractor will be performing your project, keep records. Never rely on your contractor to do so. Keep a folder with all contracts and invoices relevant to the project you are doing. That helps you and the contractor continue to concentrate on the work at hand.

TIP! When buying new furniture for your bedroom, consider buying freestanding units. Custom made furniture may look nice but you cannot resell them or take them along when you are moving.

Examine your roof for evidence of damage every spring. You will want to look for curling or blistering of shingles and do some repairs. Fixing minor roof problems right away can prevent more major and costly problems down the road.

TIP! Texturing walls through the use of drywall mud could cover up unwanted blemishes. Texturing is easy.

Be sure and include landscaping in your home improvement plans. Your yard is the first item people view when they visit your home, so a good landscape can improve the look of any home. So make sure that you always fix up the front of your home and its landscape so that your home has nice curb appeal.

TIP! Insulation is something worth investing in. Use weather stripping around windows and doors.

As mentioned earlier, such projects can be personally fulfilling and provide substantial financial value. It is hoped that this advice will assist you in making the best choices, provide you with good ideas and help you save some money in the process.

IDEAL Construction is a locally owned and run establishment serving the construction needs of greater New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Connecticut since 2001. Whatever your construction needs, IDEAL has you covered. We supply quick service and free written quotes for your unique project requirements.

Company President, John M. Woods, has been involved in the building construction and management establishments since 1983. IDEAL Construction is composed of multi-talented persons committed with looking after the operations, estimating, contracting, planning and management of our jobs. With over 100 tradesmen or sub-contractors, we work to deliver the highest possible job fulfillment to each of our consumers. IDEAL Construction is a general contracting business with a roofing and siding division that concentrates in commercial and residential roofing and siding jobs all throughout New England.

Every member of our professional team has a high degree of experience with over 100 years of combined construction and management expertise which allows us to better plan, execute, and take care of our tasks for success. Our job managers, field supervisors, and estimators, enjoy a total comprehension of all stages of the building process. IDEAL Construction is dedicated to endorsing the continued education of all our workers. Our goal is to maintain a well enlightened and trained team, with knowledge of the latest and most reliable building products and techniques of construction. We want to fulfill both the present and future construction wants of our clients and the environment.

Our intention is to construct with the best quality and most energy efficient methods; for the best attainable price. To assure that we accomplish our objectives, we make use of technology to assist us in developing structures that are energy effective, and use the latest technology and ?green? construction materials when our consumer?s finances permits. IDEAL Construction uses computer software and cutting edge technology to design and take care of our jobs from start to finish.

Please check out our website at www.roofteks.com/manchesternh

About John Woods

John Woods runs a home improvement business and providing services to greater New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Connecticut areas.

Source: http://www.roofteks.com/manchesternh/some-tried-and-trued-ways-to-improve-your-home/

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Dutch minister tapped to steer Eurogroup - and navigate eurocrisis

Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch finance minister, was elected today to the presidency of the Eurogroup. While hopes are high for his term, some worry about the burdens of the position.

By Peter Teffer,?Correspondent / January 21, 2013

Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem talks with journalists as he arrives for an Eurogroup finance ministers meeting at the EU Council in Brussels on Monday.

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP

Enlarge

After over a month of rumors, Jeroen Dijsselbloem has been officially tapped as the new head of the Eurogroup, putting the Dutch finance minister into prime position to guide Europe's navigation through the ongoing debt crisis.

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Mr. Dijsselbloem today was elected the new president of the Eurogroup, the monthly meeting of finance ministers of the 17-member eurozone. He succeeds Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, who held the position since its inception in 2005. The term is two and a half years.

While the group started out as an informal meeting of finance ministers, it has become a crucial forum that links the technicalities of top officials and the politics of the European heads of state. As a result, the president, who sets the agenda of the Eurogroup, wields significant influence in Europe's economic policy ? and over its response to the eurocrisis.

Sylvester Eijffinger, professor of European financial and monetary integration at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, says the president of the Eurogroup has become part of a "gang of four" ? along with the presidents of the European Central Bank, the European Council, and the European Commission ? who are key to solving the eurocrisis.

And while Eurogroup president ranks behind ECB President Mario Draghi and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in power, Dijsselbloem could change that. ?If Dijsselbloem is consistent," Eijiffinger says, "he might even become more influential than Van Rompuy.?

A pragmatic diplomat

Dijsselbloem is only in his twelfth week as Dutch finance minister. He has been politically active for 20 years, starting as a political assistant to a member of the European Parliament. Dijsselbloem has been a member of the Dutch parliament for the center-left Social Democrat party since 2000, until he became minister for finance in the new coalition government of Social Democrats and the center-right Liberals that has a majority in parliament. During coalition talks, Dijsselbloem was Social Democrat leader Diederik Samsom's deputy.

Although known within the center-left party as a conservative, Dijsselbloem is said to be a pragmatic and diplomatic politician. ?Dijsselbloem was always solution-driven. He had strong opinions, but he was not dogmatic,? says Stijn Verbruggen, who was an aide to Dijsselbloem in parliament.

Dijsselbloem is not someone who appears to enjoy public attention, which is a good quality for this job, thinks Otto Holman, researcher at the University of Amsterdam. ?A president of the Eurogroup needs to be able to put himself in the background,? says Mr. Holman.

Eijffinger agrees. ?In European affairs you are much more effective conducting diplomacy behind the scenes than shouting your disagreement in front of a camera,? says Eijffinger. ?His diplomatic qualities are well-regarded by the Germans and to the French he's acceptable because he is a social democrat.?

Divided against himself?

The weeks of speculation until last Thursday, when Dijsselbloem finally acknowledged he was a candidate for the job, led to speculation in the Netherlands on what the benefits might be of having a Dutch politician in that position.

?A Dijsselbloem presidency gives the Netherlands more influence in the decision-making process,? says Eijffinger.

However, there were also those who wondered if Dijsselbloem can combine his job as minister of finance with the position of Eurogroup president, on which Mr. Juncker has said he spends four hours daily. Two Dutch euroskeptic parties, who each have 15 of parliament's 150 seats, have pressed the minister to decline the offer. In addition to the heavy workload, they fear it will be harder for the Netherlands to defend its own interests with a Dutch Eurogroup president seeking compromise decisions.

Although another representative will fill in the seat for the Dutch in the Eurogroup meetings, Eurogroup President Dijsselbloem will sometimes have to advocate a different opinion than Dutch Finance Minister Dijsselbloem.

?That is a balancing act of which time will tell whether Dijsselbloem can perform it,? says Holman. But, he points out, ?most media are unaware of when the Eurogroup convenes anyway. The limelight is always on the summits with government leaders. That is the Eurogroup's advantage; it operates in the political lee.?

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/7DKWg7vbw3A/Dutch-minister-tapped-to-steer-Eurogroup-and-navigate-eurocrisis

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Empire State Building shooting victim sues the NYPD

NEW YORK (Reuters) - One of nine bystanders shot when two New York police officers fatally shot a homicidal suspect outside the Empire State Building last summer has filed a lawsuit charging that the officers - who fired 16 bullets, killing the suspect - were not adequately trained.

The tense August 24 showdown, at the height of morning rush hour on one of Manhattan's busiest streets, was captured on video and shows suspect Jeffrey Johnson stepping from behind a concrete flower pot and pointing his gun at two approaching officers, who swiftly returned fire.

A few minutes earlier, Johnson had shot a former co-worker at close range, killing him. The confrontation with police lasted less than 10 seconds.

"The NYPD is aware of the deficiencies in its training program," said Stephen B. Epstein, one of the attorneys representing shooting victim Chenin Duclos, 32, a physical therapy student who was struck in the leg, shattering her femur.

"The reason they haven't made adjustments to the training is that it would cost a substantial amount of money, and they have a budget," Epstein said. "The reality is, they're better off paying off judgments than changing training."

An NYPD spokesman vigorously defended the department's firearms training program.

"Actually, it's the best-trained police department in the country," chief NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said on Wednesday, adding that "you won't find anything close to the level of annual training the NYPD goes through" on any other U.S. police force.

Browne said the department's 35,000 officers receive firing range training twice a year, and complete an annual course in urban military warfare and counter-terrorism at a Bronx police training facility where real-time urban crime scenarios are rehearsed.

"Any reasonable person that sees that video sees that the officers had no choice but to fire," Browne said.

The lawsuit contends that the two officers "ran up upon Johnson, pointed at him, called out to him, approached him, and attempted to grab him, causing him to draw his weapon, instead of following at a safe distance, calling for back-up officers, and waiting to confront Johnson at a location away from a crowded street."

Most of the wounded were hit by shrapnel after police bullets struck concrete flower pots placed in front of the city landmark to protect it from car bombers, and splintered, police officials said. Epstein said it remained unclear if Duclos was hit by shrapnel or a bullet.

The NYPD's 2011 Firearms Discharge Report said that last year, 35,000 NYPD officers had 23 million encounters with civilians, and discharged a weapon in 92 incidents. Nineteen of the incidents caused injuries and nine caused a death, according to the report.

A 2008 Rand Corporation study of the NYPD's firearms training program recommended expanding the use of Tasers, sensitizing officers' ears to the sound of gunfire during firearms training, and more frequent overall training.

At least five of the other eight shooting victims have filed notices of claim with the New York City Comptroller's office, a spokeswoman said, the first step toward filing a lawsuit.

(Reporting By Chris Francescani; Editing by Nick Zieminski)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/empire-state-building-shooting-victim-sues-nypd-182517099.html

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Prince Harry on Kate Middleton Pregnancy: Thrilled!

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/01/prince-harry-on-kate-middleton-pregnancy-thrilled/

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Pats lead Ravens 3-0 midway through first quarter

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shouts as he takes the field before the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shouts as he takes the field before the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) dives while being defended by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham (24) during the first half of the NFL football AFC Championship football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. The pass was incomplete. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis warms up before the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco walks on the field before the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis waits for the start of the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) ? Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 31-yard field goal on New England's second series to give the Patriots a 3-0 lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game Sunday.

The kick with 6:21 left in the first quarter capped a 13-play, 67-yard drive on which Tom Brady completed five of seven passes for 55 yards.

Both teams punted on their first possession before the Patriots began their scoring drive at their 21-yard line after a 50-yard punt by Sam Koch.

The Patriots began the series with Brady's 8-yard completion to Brandon Lloyd. The pair teamed up for three completions, gaining 37 yards, on the drive.

A win Sunday would send the Ravens (12-6) to the Super Bowl for the second time and extend the 17-year career of linebacker Ray Lewis, who has said he will retire after the season.

A victory would put the Patriots (13-4) in their eighth Super Bowl, tying the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers for the most all time, and Brady in his sixth.

It would be the Patriots' second straight appearance in the NFL title game and third in six years.

The Patriots played without tight end Rob Gronkowski, who broke his left arm a week earlier in their 41-28 divisional win over the Houston Texans.

The winner of the game plays the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl on Feb. 3.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-01-20-FBN-AFC-Championship/id-8ab9fd499a2142c19594adebb40e26ca

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Joe Flacco, Ravens Quarterback, Trying To Add Super Bowl To Resume

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) ? Maybe it's going to take a trip to the Super Bowl to convince those outside the Baltimore Ravens' locker room that Joe Flacco is an elite NFL quarterback.

Flacco is the only starting quarterback in NFL history to reach the postseason in each of his first five seasons. His 61 victories (including the postseason) are more than any NFL quarterback since the start of the 2008 season.

Flacco has won five road playoff games in his career, tied with Eli Manning for the most in NFL history. Joe Montana didn't do it. Neither did Brett Favre, Steve Young, Troy Aikman or Peyton Manning.

Each of those greats, however, owns a Super Bowl ring. So does Tom Brady, who will lead the New England Patriots (13-4) in Sunday's AFC championship rematch against the Ravens (12-6).

Flacco's teammates don't care about how his resume stacks up against the other greats in the game.

"That's a question you guys have got to answer," wide receiver Anquan Boldin told reporters this week. "He already has our respect."

Flacco's 7-4 record in the postseason speaks loudly about his ability to excel in big games. The former first-round draft pick out of Delaware outplayed Peyton Manning last weekend, throwing for 331 yards ? including a 70-yard strike to Jacoby Jones in the closing seconds of regulation to force overtime in a game the Ravens ultimately won 38-35.

The touchdown pass to Jones might have thrust Flacco into the discussion about whether he can stand among the elite.

"You go out there and you play to win the football game and some of the things that have been required to win these football games have maybe been a little bit over the top and a little abnormal," Flacco said. "I would like to think that I go out there and play consistently and approach everything the same way. I think that's been proved out. We win a lot of football games around here, and this is actually the third time I'm standing up here getting ready to play in an AFC championship game.

"It's pretty crazy when you think about it."

The guy is good. So far, not quite good enough to take his team to the Super Bowl. But he's taken the Ravens to the brink, and hasn't missed a start since earning the job as a rookie in training camp.

"We love Joe, have for a long time," center Matt Birk said. "You're always going to have naysayers out there, but we're not concerned about that. The great thing about Joe is, neither is he. Joe is very comfortable with who he is and the type of player he is. That's a great trait for a leader to have, especially a quarterback in the NFL."

He's got another great trait for a quarterback: The ability to throw the deep ball. Few have done it as well this season as Flacco, who has completed 46 passes of 25 yards or longer, including TD throws of 70, 59 and 32 yards last week in Denver.

Asked to describe Flacco's deep ball, Jones replied, "It's like a Starburst. It's just juicy, man. It's good. It's like candy. Everybody likes candy."

On the Ravens, it seems like everyone likes Joe.

"I've never played with a guy with that much talent; I'm talking about physically," Boldin said. "I think Joe is able to make any throw on the field. Big-time throws, the deep ball, he does it all."

Flacco is known among his teammates as Joe Cool because of his calm demeanor in the huddle and the pocket.

"He doesn't flinch in any situation," wide receiver Torrey Smith said. "That's what we like about him. He's the same, whether we're doing well or bad, and you can trust a guy like that."

When it's time for business, Flacco doesn't panic. Against Denver, he moved the Ravens 77 yards in 38 seconds with the game on the line.

"You all might think we're lying about it, but I'm being so serious when I say that when we went to the huddle, no one doubted for a second that we (were) going to score," Smith said. "Did we think it was going to be a 70-yard bomb? No. But no one panicked. It was just so calm in the huddle. It was like, 'All right. Let's go do it.' And we got it done."

Recalling the drive, Flacco said, "There's no need to get all worked up over stuff like that when you know you have put all of your time, all of your effort into going out there and having fun and winning the football game. There's no need to blow it out of proportion and get overwhelmed by that kind of thing. I think when you have that mindset, it is easy to go out there and stay calm and play in that moment."

Flacco earned the Patriots' respect in last year's title game when he outplayed Brady and nearly pulled off an upset. Earlier this season, Flacco threw for 382 yards and three scores in Baltimore's 31-30 win over New England.

"He's tough to bring down, he stands in the pocket, he takes a hit, he gets up. That's a tough football player," Patriots tackle Vince Wilfork said. "When you have a quarterback like that, that's special."

Flacco's rookie contract expires after this season. Regardless of what happens Sunday ? and whether he gets a long-term deal or receives Baltimore's franchise tag ? he is due for a big payday in the months ahead. But Flacco has more pressing issues in mind this week.

"I'm sure it's back there somewhere, but it's not something I've really thought about or really considered," he said.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh has made his position clear: Pay the man.

"He is one of the toughest quarterbacks I have ever been around," Harbaugh said. "He's the best quarterback I've ever been around."

___

AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich contributed to this report.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/20/joe-flacco-ravens-super-bowl_n_2507368.html

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Nearby universe's 'cosmic fog' measured

Jan. 19, 2013 ? Researchers from the Laboratoire Leprince-Ringuet (CNRS/?cole Polytechnique) have carried out the first measurement of the intensity of the diffuse extragalactic background light in the nearby Universe, a fog of photons that has filled the Universe ever since its formation. Using some of the brightest gamma-ray sources in the southern hemisphere, the study was carried out using measurements performed by the HESS (1) telescope array, located in Namibia and involving CNRS and CEA. The study is complementary to that recently carried out by the Fermi-LAT (2) space observatory. These findings provide new insight into the size of the Universe observable in gamma rays and shed light on the formation of stars and the evolution of galaxies.

They feature on the cover of the 16 January 2013 issue of the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics online.

The light emitted by all the objects in the Universe (stars, galaxies, etc) ever since its birth fills intergalactic space with an 'ocean' of photons known as the 'diffuse extragalactic background light'. The ambient luminosity of our own Galaxy makes it impossible to directly measure this fossil record of the light emitted in the Universe. To get around this problem, astrophysicists make use of gamma rays (3) (whose energy is more than 500 billion times greater than that of visible light), which provide an alternative, indirect method of measuring this light.

A beam of gamma rays emitted by a distant galaxy located several hundred million light years away is attenuated on its way to Earth due to interactions with diffuse light. More specifically, when a gamma-ray photon enters into contact with a diffuse photon it may 'disappear', giving rise to an electron and its antiparticle, a positron, which reduces the intensity of the beam. The thicker the fog of diffuse photons, the greater the attenuation, and the smaller the size of the Universe observable in gamma rays. Finally, absorption by Earth's atmosphere of the remaining radiation gives rise to a shower of subatomic particles, which generates a flash of light that can be detected from the ground by HESS, a mainly French-German telescope array. HESS detects very-high-energy gamma rays (in the region of a thousand billion eV), while those with lower energy are directly detected by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope.

In this study, the researchers focused on distinctive galaxies called blazars (4), which are several billion light years away. By using HESS to measure the gamma-ray spectra emitted by relatively close blazars, they evaluated the effect of the interaction of highly energetic gamma rays with the diffuse extragalactic background light within a sphere of a three billion light year radius. The Fermi-LAT collaboration did the same for the more distant Universe, from 5 to 10 billion light years away. These measurements made it possible to estimate, for the first time with a precision of around 20%, the intensity of the starlight contained within the Universe at wavelengths ranging from the near infrared to the ultraviolet, including visible wavelengths.

A better understanding of this diffuse light, which acts as a record of the Luminous Universe, provides information about the first stars, shedding light on their formation and on the evolution of galaxies. This new data could be incorporated into certain cosmological models to better describe the rate and processes of star formation since the birth of the Universe. These findings can also be used to define the size of the Universe observable in gamma rays, and open up the possibility of studying the signatures of more fundamental mechanisms related to intergalactic magnetic fields, as well as exotic physical phenomena.

(1) H.E.S.S.: 'High Energy Stereoscopic System'. The international HESS collaboration currently brings together 180 researchers from 28 laboratories in 12 different countries, mainly in Germany and France.

(2) The Imprint of the Extragalactic Background Light in the Gamma-Ray Spectra of Blazars. Ackermann et al., Science, published online on 1 November 2012 and in print 30 November 2012 (Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1190-1192). 10.1126/science.1227160.

(3) Gamma radiation is made up of photons, just like visible light or X-rays, but it has far higher energy. (

4) Blazar: galaxy at the center of which gamma rays shine brightly, due to black holes, and whose jets of particles are pointed towards Earth.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by CNRS (D?l?gation Paris Michel-Ange).

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. A. Abramowski et al. Measurement of the extragalactic background light imprint on the spectra of the brightest blazars observed with H.E.S.S.. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2013; 550: A4 DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201220355

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_science/~3/GnKW5sauZDw/130119185004.htm

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The Worst Run Cities In America: 24/7 Wall St.

20. Tucson, Ariz.

Population: 525,798 Credit rating: Aa2, negative outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 6.52 (47th highest) Unemployment rate: 9.2% (tied-49th highest) Tucson?s housing market fared better than most of Arizona, which was hit particularly hard by the recession. For instance, while housing prices in Phoenix dropped by 44.2% between 2007 and 2011 and by 39.5% in Mesa, in Tucson they declined by just 24.8%. The median home value in 2011 was just $138,300, below other nearby cities such as Phoenix and Chandler. Tucson?s foreclosure rate of 2.62% is among the worst 20% of large cities. The city?s debt is rated by Moody?s at Aa2, with a negative outlook. One of the issues Moody?s notes with the city is uncertain sources of revenue. In order to improve on this, along with passing a budget of $1.3 billion in May, the city raised property taxes by an additional 10 cents to $1.26 per square foot, and also raised water rates by more than 8%. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMOsqjoN">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

19. Reno, Nev.

Population: 227,509 Credit rating: Aa3, negative outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 4.88 (31st lowest) Unemployment rate: 13.0% (15th highest) Between 2007 and 2011, median home values in Reno declined more than 47% from $337,200 to just $178,200. But while Reno?s city government had to make drastic cuts at the height of the economic downturn, its finances are finally getting in order. The $295 million budget for 2012-2013, which was passed in May, was the first in five years that does not contain any layoffs, cuts in services or dips into the city?s financial reserves. According to The New York Times, Reno has had difficulty reinventing itself away from the casino industry it is dependant on, and remains a one-industry city. Meanwhile, the city?s gaming revenue continues to fall, dropping by 3.3% in November of 2012 from a year earlier. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMQ2EO00">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

18. Sacramento, Calif.

Population: 472,169 Credit rating: Aa2, under review for downgrade Violent crime per 1,000 people: 7.11 (38th highest) Unemployment rate: 14.1% (tied- 9th highest) Home values in Sacramento fell 41.4% between 2007 and 2011, which is nearly four times more than the national rate. With the decline in home values came a decline in jobs. The city?s unemployment rate in 2011 was 14.1%, which was the ninth-highest of the largest cities. The city?s finances, however, may begin to improve. After city voters approved a half-percent sales tax increase in November, the City Council considered reversing budget cuts in areas such as the police department, fire department and park maintenance that have taken place in the last several years. There has been significant turnover in City Hall recently, with five of the eight seats changing in the last two years. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMQnoBkq">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

17. Chicago, Ill.

Population: 2,707,123 Credit rating: Aa3, negative outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: n/a Unemployment rate: 11.3% (21st highest) Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S., suffers like most large cities from higher than average crime and poverty rates. This is likely exacerbated by low graduation rates from Chicago?s Public Schools, which, while improving, still stand at just over 60%. The city?s government received much attention in September when teachers from the district, which is under the control of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, went on strike over compensation and a teacher evaluation system. The two parties were finally able to compromise, but not until students missed a week and a half of school. In November, the City Council passed a $6.5 billion budget that included hundreds of job cuts through layoffs or attrition, reduced library hours, and the closing of half of the city?s mental health facilities. The city is still running a nearly $300 million deficit, although this is down significantly from prior years due to previous cuts. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMRmmJgo">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

16. St. Louis, Mo.

Population: 318,069 Credit rating: Aa3, stable outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 18.57 (2nd highest) Unemployment rate: 11.7% (19th highest) The city of St. Louis struggles with high poverty and crime. Twenty-seven percent of residents lived in poverty in the last 12 months, with more than 13% of households earning less than $10,000 a year ? both figures significantly higher than the national rates. St. Louis also ranked among the most violent crime-ridden cities in America. Residents in November voted to reinstate local police control, taking power away from a state board. Supporters argued this would increase police efficiency and accountability, ultimately leading to safer streets. Opponents argued that this measure could weaken the ability of a civilian review board to monitor officer conduct. City residents also voted to cut the number of aldermen from 28 to 14. Advocates of the measure argued this will make the board more efficient, while opponents claimed it will just add thousands of people to an already overtaxed aldermans? constituency. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMSRKXVL">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

15. Santa Ana, Calif.

Population: 329,405 Credit rating: Baa1 Violent crime per 1,000 people: 4.00 (21st lowest) Unemployment rate: 13.7% (tied-11th highest) Santa Ana?s unemployment rate of 13.7% in 2011 was significantly higher than the 8.9% unemployment rate across the country. Less than 55% of Santa Ana?s residents aged 25 and over had a high school diploma, and under 10% of all residents had at least a bachelor?s degree, making Santa Ana the least educated among the 100 most populous cities. Santa Ana is one of the few cities to not have an investment grade credit rating on its bonds by Moody?s. Moody?s noted that while the city has had two years of surpluses in its budget, it has little in emergency reserves. The agency also points out that the high unemployment played a role in a weaker rating. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMVXhGKZ">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

14. Toledo, Ohio

Population: 286,033 Credit rating: A2, stable outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 9.98 (23rd highest) Unemployment rate: 10.4% (tied- 33rd highest) Toledo is a low-income city. More than 30% of the population lived below the poverty line in the past 12 months, the 10th-highest percentage of all cities. The median household income was $31,090 in 2011, the eighth-lowest among major U.S. cities. Home values in the Toledo area plummeted by nearly 20% between 2007 and 2011 to reach a median of under $82,000. Although Toledo?s credit rating of A2 from Moody?s is still considered investment grade, it is far from pristine. Moody?s noted that while its finances are improving, the city continues to suffer from high unemployment and a declining population. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMWSUA7d">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

13. Birmingham, Ala.

Population: 211,458 Credit rating: Aa2, no outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 14.83 (5th highest) Unemployment rate: 10.9% (25th highest) Birmingham is the largest city in Jefferson County, which was responsible for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history when it filed for Chapter 9 protection in late 2011. Although the city of Birmingham keeps its finances independent of the county, city residents are affected by the county?s poor management nonetheless. According to The Wall Street Journal, the city, which is the county seat, has had difficulty convincing businesses to locate there. A 2012 study by the Tax Foundation showed the part of Birmingham located within Jefferson County had the highest sales tax rate of any major U.S. city at 10% ? another factor which likely has had a negative impact on business growth in the area. This high sales tax rate is also especially troubling in a city with a 32% poverty rate ? more than double the national rate of 15.9% ? since sales taxes disproportionately impact the poor. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMXFZjtx">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

12. Riverside, Calif.

Population: 310,654 Credit rating: Baa1 Violent crime per 1,000 people: 4.26 (24th lowest) Unemployment rate: 13.7% (11th highest) Riverside is struggling to rebound from the economic downturn, which sent home values in the city plunging more than 46% from 2007 to 2011. Nearly 4% of homes were in foreclosure in 2011, while the unemployment rate that year was 13.7%. Both figures were among the highest in the country for large cities. Riverside?s bonds were downgraded by Moody?s last month from A1 to Baa1, making them below investment grade. Among the reasons that the agency gave for its decision were the city?s high unemployment and foreclosure rates. Some good news for city residents, Riverside?s violent crime rate is lower than nearly three quarters of major U.S. cities. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMYJpVTG">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

11. Las Vegas, Nev.

Population: 589,340 Credit rating: Aa2, stable outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 7.41 (36th highest) Unemployment rate: 14.2% (8th highest) Las Vegas, along with the rest of the state of Nevada, was absolutely devastated by the housing crisis. Home values declined by more than 50% between 2007 and 2011, the fourth-largest decline among all large cities. A large majority of Las Vegas homeowners owe more than their homes are worth. The city had an unemployment rate of 14.2% in 2011, one of the highest rates in the country. The city government approved a relatively unchanged budget for 2013 compared to 2012, with no layoffs or pay cuts for employees. This is an improvement from previous years when it made severe cuts to city services. However, the city has major debt expenses to pay off, especially after spending $185 million on a new city hall and $13.5 million on a new parking garage. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMZE6FSk">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

10. Orlando, Fla.

Population: 243,209 Credit rating: Aa1, stable outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 10.73 (17th highest) Unemployment rate: 10.2% (tied- 38th highest) Like the state of Florida as a whole, Orlando took a significant hit during the housing crisis. Median home values between 2007 and 2011 declined by nearly 40%. Violent crime has also plagued the Orlando area. In 2011, there were nearly 11 violent crimes for every 1,000 people, which placed Orlando among the top fifth of the 100 largest cities. In 2013, the city will have to borrow $29.5 million from its reserves in order to balance the $354.2 million budget. Despite the shortfall, the budget deal did not raise property taxes and city employees will get a 3% raise. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMdW3Lw4">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

9. Cleveland, Ohio

Population: 393,804 Credit rating: A1, stable outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 13.66 (9th highest) Unemployment rate: 10.3% (37th highest) Cleveland has been widely affected by the struggles America?s manufacturing sector faced during the preceding decade. Total employment in the city?s manufacturing sector fell consistently between 2002 and 2010. Despite the slight improvement in manufacturing, the city?s residents have struggled in recent years. Cleveland?s median household income in 2011 was just $25,371 ? barely half the national median of $50,502. Also that year, the city had a poverty rate of 34.3%, more than double the U.S. rate. Violent crime also remained an issue, with 13.66 violent crimes per 1,000 residents ? significantly higher than the national rate of just 3.86. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISSLGQ97">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

8. Newark, N.J.

Population: 277,545 Credit rating: A3, negative outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 11.66 (14th highest) Unemployment rate: 15.2% (6th highest) While Mayor Cory Booker?s political stature is rising, the city of Newark continues to struggle. Nearly 32% of residents found themselves impoverished within the last 12 months, the seventh-highest percentage of the 100 largest cities. The City Council finally approved a budget in October, after running 10 months without one. The budget curtailed spending, which New Jersey Governor Chris Christie required as a condition for $10 million in state aid to close the city?s budget hole. In addition, a 3.7% increase in property taxes was levied against homeowners in Newark, bringing the average total tax bill to $6,020 for 2013.The city also had one of the highest violent crime rates and the sixth-highest unemployment rate of any large U.S. city. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISTBbHLZ">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

7. Fresno, Calif.

Population: 501,365 Credit rating: Baa2, under review for downgrade Violent crime per 1,000 people: 5.82 (42nd lowest) Unemployment rate: 15.6% (tied- 4th highest) Like many California cities, Fresno?s economy has been slow to recover from the Great Recession. In 2011, the city?s unemployment rate was higher than almost every other cities, at 15.6%. The city?s median home value declined considerably during the recession and was nearly 39% lower in 2011 than in it was in 2007. The weak economy also forced the city to make substantial cuts. Between 2009 and early 2012 Fresno eliminated more than $100 million in expenses to address budget shortfalls. In October, Moody?s announced that Fresno?s ratings were under review for a downgrade from its already abysmal Baa2 rating, with the main justification for this poor rating coming from the sizeable budget gap the city recently had to close. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISUkPFu5">Read more at 24/7 Wall St.</a>

6. Modesto, Calif.

Population: 202,761 Credit rating: not rated Violent crime per 1,000 people: 6.94 (39th highest) Unemployment rate: 14.6% (7th highest) The national downturn in home values between 2007 and 2011 was especially difficult for Modesto, where home values fell by more than half during that time. In 2011, more than 4.4% of all homes were in foreclosure, and the city?s unemployment rate was close to 15% ? up from a 13.7% average in 2009. Also in 2011, the Modesto metro area?s GMP fell by 1.7%, the largest decrease among the nation?s 100 largest metro areas. Not all is bad for the city ? Modesto?s violent crime rate, while not the best, is not terrible either. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISV7IV6z">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

5. Hialeah, Fla.

Population: 229,967 Credit rating: not rated Violent crime per 1,000 people: 3.78 (18th lowest) Unemployment rate: 14.1% (tied- 9th highest) Home prices between 2007 and 2011 fell by 44% in Hialeah, the 10th-highest decline of all 100 largest cities. The median household income of $27,208 in 2011 was the third-lowest of all major cities, after declining by 44% during the recession. Of workers residing in Hialeah, 15.5% worked in the generally low-paying retail trade, the highest percentage of all of the 100 largest cities. As a result of industry composition, nearly 40% of city residents are without health insurance, higher than any other large city in the U.S. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISeYVjqa">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

4. Detroit, Mich.

Population: 706,640 Credit rating: Caa1, negative outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 21.37 (the highest) Unemployment rate: 19.9% (2nd highest) Detroit was hit hard during the recession, with the near-collapse of the automobile industry and a further slowdown of the already embattled housing market. The median home value between 2007 and 2011 tumbled by 43.5%, or more than four times the rate of decline across the country. The lack of income coming into the city?s coffers in the last few years has led to significant financial difficulty for Detroit. Moody?s currently rates city?s bonds as Caa1, which is considered junk status and the worst-rating Moody?s gave to any major city. Mayor Dave Bing signed a budget that aims to cut $250 million in the 2012-2013 fiscal year, with total spending of $1.12 billion. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISfLt1Dk">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

3. Stockton, Calif.

Population: 296,367 Credit rating: Caa3, negative outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 14.08 (8th highest) Unemployment rate: 20.2% (the highest) Last year, Stockton was unable to fund its pension liabilities and make debt service payments. As a result, it became the largest city in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy. The city had been especially hurt by the recession. Its unemployment rate for 2011 was above 20%, while more than 5% of homes were in foreclosure ? both among the highest rates for any large city. Just before the bankruptcy filing, Moody?s downgraded the city?s credit rating to account for the likelihood of a default. Moody?s noted, ?The Caa3 rating level assumes losses to bondholders will be greater than 20%. The negative outlook reflects the high likelihood that losses could exceed our estimates.? Not only have the city?s creditors been affected, but so have city employees and retirees. According to NPR, the city may cut health benefits to reduce its $417 million in unfunded liabilities. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISg4FQkL">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

2. Miami, Fla.

Population: 408,760 Credit rating: A2, negative outlook Violent crime per 1,000 people: 11.98 (12th highest) Unemployment rate: 12.4% (17th highest) Between 2007 and 2011, the median home value in Miami fell by 43.5%. Additionally, the city had one of the nation?s lowest median household incomes, at under $29,000, while 31% of residents lived below the poverty line ? nearly twice the U.S. rate of 15.9%. Despite the difficult economic conditions Miamians faced, the city joined with Miami-Dade County to pay for almost 80% of the more-than $600 million cost of building a new baseball stadium for the Miami Marlins. The deal has caused significant uproar. While taxpayers pay extremely high costs to service the stadium debt, the team has traded many of its top players. In 2011, the SEC launched an investigation into the agreement. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2ISgfeOxP">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

1. San Bernardino, Calif.

Population: 213,008 Credit rating: not rated Violent crime per 1,000 people: 8.76 (27th highest) Unemployment rate: 17.6% (3rd highest) Few cities were hurt by the housing crisis to the same extent as San Bernardino, where the median home value declined by 57.6% between 2007 and 2011, more than any other large city in the U.S. By the end of 2011, almost 4.4% of homes in San Bernardino were in foreclosure, among the highest rates for all large cities. That year, the unemployment rate reached 17.6%, or nearly double the U.S. rate and almost 10 percentage points higher than city?s annual rate in 2007. In August, declining home values and rising employee retirement costs forced the city to file for bankruptcy. But the city?s filing is being challenged by its largest creditor, the California Public Employees? Retirement System, which is demanding payments. <a href="http://247wallst.com/2013/01/15/the-best-and-worst-run-cities-in-america/#ixzz2IMNtOb2m">Read more at 24/7 Wall St. </a>

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/19/worst-run-cities_n_2506894.html

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You Don't Have To Be Tony Stark To Build an Iron Man Gauntlet with Working Lasers

It's no surprise that people like to try and build things from Iron Man. Iron Man is awesome. We've seen a Reactor Ring that doubles as a ring box, but it doesn't actually generate any power. This home-made Iron Man gauntlet on the other hand, actually does do some real Iron Man stuff, like shoot lasers. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/vEicyRn4xNE/you-dont-have-to-be-tony-stark-to-build-an-iron-man-gauntlet-with-working-lasers

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Helicopter Crash in Central London (Updating)

A helicopter has crashed into a crane in Vauxhall, London, after it failed to see the structure due to thick fog. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/tkzMU9R1f0A/helicopter-crash-in-central-london-updating

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Elizabeth Banks: Why I?m ?Really a Mom? Now

"He loves to bring him gifts -- sometimes that means shoes that are thrown in the bassinet, but that's okay."

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/Vqk5t0Cpx-M/

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Leadership Succession Family-Run Businesses

An increasing number of our clients in the Asia-Pacific region are brilliant small- to medium-size companies, founded and run by family members. While family businesses have strong advantages in terms of values, commitment and integrity, they hit certain ?glass ceilings? as they grow. Handing over the leadership of companies built on family traditions can be hard, and requires special skills.

More than half of the wold?s work-force is employed in small- to medium-size companies, and SMEs are China?s fastest-growing segment. How they are managed will have enormous impact on our future.

Read the article on the Gallup Management Journal.

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Source: http://www.campanileconsulting.com/2013/01/family-business-succession/

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Football transfer gossip (January 14): Norwich City, Peterborough United, Arbroath

Check out latest football transfer gossip around the leagues. Is your favourite player tipped for a move?

Chelsea target Radamel Falcao, 26, hints he would prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Stamford Bridge when the striker leaves Atletico Madrid for a reported ?48m.

Full story: The Sun

Ipswich want to sign Nottingham Forest keeper Lee Camp, 28, on a free transfer after he was axed from the first team at the City Ground.

Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City are keen on signing Derby midfielder Will Hughes, 17, in a ?7m deal with assistant manager David Platt making a personal check on the youngster at Brighton on Saturday.

Full story: The Sun

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is closing in on a ?2m deal for Osasuna forward Roland Lamah, 25, and hopes to confirm the signing this week.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Norwich City are eyeing a move for Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 24, after boss Chris Hughton admitted that he needs more firepower.

Full story: the Guardian

On-loan Romelu Lukaku?s representatives will sit down with Chelsea when the January transfer window shuts to negotiate the 19-year-old striker staying another season at West Brom.

Full story: Daily Mail

Fulham boss Martin Jol is making a ?3m move for Belgian teenage defender Bernard Malanda-Adje, 18, from Zulte Waregem.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsene Wenger has given his clearest indication yet that forward Theo Walcott, 23, will be staying after the Arsenal boss said he will not be offloading any more players until new signings are made.

Full story: Daily Mail

And Wenger believes midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 25, will one day return to the Emirates to see out his career with Arsenal. Fabregas scored in Barcelona?s 3-1 win at Malaga on Sunday.

Full story: Metro

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, 20, increases speculation he is signing for Manchester United by tweeting: ?Looks like I?m on my way to the top of the Premier League.? He later removed the Tweet.

Full story: Daily Express

Chelsea have made an ?8.5m bid for Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, 25, who has scored eight goals in 18 La Liga games this season.

Full story: Daily Star

Sean O?Driscoll, 55, is favourite to take charge at Bristol City after rejecting the chance to manage Blackpool. Derek McInnes, 41 was sacked as Robins boss on Saturday following the 4-0 defeat by Leicester.

Full story: Daily Star

Peterborough reject Nottingham Forest?s offer for George Boyd, 27, as ?derisory?. The winger is out of contact in the summer.

Full story: The Times.

Birmingham are looking at signing Arbroath striker Steven Doris, 24, after he impressed on trial with the Championship club.

Full story: Daily Record

Source: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/football-transfer-gossip-january-14-norwich-city-peterborough-united-arbroath-1-5311355

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