Iron Butterfly bassist Lee Dorman dies at age 70

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? Lee Dorman, the bassist for psychedelic rock band Iron Butterfly, has died at age 70.

Orange County sheriff's spokeswoman Gail Krause says Dorman was found dead in a vehicle Friday morning. A coroner's investigation is under way, but foul play is not suspected.

Krause said Dorman may have been on his way to a doctor's appointment when he died.

Iron Butterfly was formed and rose to prominence in the late 1960s. Its second album, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," sold more than 30 million copies, according to the band's website. The title track's distinctive notes have been featured in numerous films and TV shows including "The Simpsons," ''That '70s Show" and in the series finale of "Rescue Me."

Douglas Lee Dorman was born in September 1942 and had been living in Laguna Niguel, a coastal city in Southern California, when he died.

A message sent through the band's website was not immediately returned.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/iron-butterfly-bassist-lee-dorman-dies-age-70-005219358.html

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Margaret Thatcher in hospital after operation

Suzanne Plunkett / AFP

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on June 8, 2010.

By NBC News wire services

Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the country's first woman elective leader, is in hospital recovering from surgery to remove a growth on her bladder, a source close to the family said on Friday.

After experiencing pain in her bladder earlier in the week, the 87-year-old went to hospital where she underwent a minimally invasive operation, Tim Bell, a public relations executive who once served as image maker to Thatcher, said.

"The operation was completely satisfactory. She's now recovering in hospital and as soon as she's recovered she'll go home," Bell said.

Known as the "Iron Lady," Thatcher, who stepped down in 1990, embraced free market policies, challenged trade unions and privatized many state-owned companies during her 11 years in power, polarizing British voters.

Britain's only woman prime minister, who led her country in a war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands in 1982 and was close to the late U.S. President Ronald Reagan, was forced to step down by her own party.

Thatcher suffered a series of mild strokes in late 2001 and 2002, after which she cut back on public appearances and later cancelled her speaking schedule.

She was not well enough to join Britain's queen for a lunch with former and serving prime ministers earlier this year, and two years ago she missed an 85th birthday party thrown for her by Prime Minister David Cameron at his official residence at No. 10 Downing Street. But in October she was well enough to mark her birthday with a lunch out in London with her son Mark and his wife.

Thatcher's declining health was a focus of Oscar-winning biopic "The Iron Lady," which premiered last year.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/21/16073115-former-british-pm-margaret-thatcher-in-hospital-after-operation?lite

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3 Ways To Purchase Foreclosed Properties - Hawaii Real Estate

The process of buying a foreclosed home is slightly different from the process of buying a non-foreclosure home. ?If you want to invest in foreclosures, therefore, it is important to understand the different ways by which to purchase a foreclosed home.

There are three main ways to buy a foreclosed home.

Buying before the auction
Some delinquent homeowners may want to sell their homes before facing an actual foreclosure.In this instance, the homeowner, in agreement with the lender, agrees to sell the home for less than the amount owed on the mortgage.This is called a short sale. Short sales are ?pre-foreclosures?, of sorts. By broadening your home search to include short sales, you can identify homes that may be sold at a discount.

Buying at the auction
Another way by which you can invest in foreclosure homes is by buying the home at auction. From area to area, the legal requirements for the sale of a foreclosed home at auction may differ. If you plan to buy at auction, you?ll want to be familiar with your area?s customary judicial proceedings.

Buying after the auction
Buying after the auction means buying bank-owned properties. This can be the most lucrative and safest means of investing foreclosure properties. This is because lenders often reduce the sales prices of their home inventory in order to ?sell it quickly?. It can be expensive for banks to own foreclosed homes, and few banks are equipped for managing owned homes. Check with your local real estate agent to see what, if any, bank-owned homes are available for sale in your area.

The process of buying a distressed home is different from the process of buying a ?traditional? one. Therefore, regardless of which path you follow to buy a foreclosed property, have an experienced real estate professional on your team.

Source: http://blog.hawaiimoves.com/2012/12/tips-to-buy-foreclosed-home/

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Top prospect Parker chooses Duke

FILE - This April 12, 2012 file photo shows Simeon Career Academy's Jabari Parker, right, talking with NBA great Alonzo Mourning after Mourning surprised Parker with the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, in Chicago. The prized prospect is to announce his college choice at a news conference at his high school, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

FILE - This April 12, 2012 file photo shows Simeon Career Academy's Jabari Parker, right, talking with NBA great Alonzo Mourning after Mourning surprised Parker with the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, in Chicago. The prized prospect is to announce his college choice at a news conference at his high school, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

FILE - This March 9, 2012 file photo shows Simeon Career Academy's Jabari Parker (22) drives to the basket past an unidentified Marist High School player during an Illinois state sectional championship game in Summit, Ill. The prized prospect is to announce his college choice at a news conference at his high school, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILEm - This March 3, 2012 file photo shows Jabari Parker texting friends at his home in Chicago. The prized prospect is to announce his college choice at a news conference at his high school, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

CHICAGO (AP) ? Jabari Parker still had just about everyone guessing. Then, he pulled out that blue T-shirt with a white "D," and, finally, it became clear.

The prized prospect from Chicago's Simeon Career Academy, one of the most highly touted recruits in years, is headed to Duke to play for Mike Krzyzewski. Parker made the announcement in front of a national TV audience Thursday, in his high school gym, surely delighting Blue Devils fans.

A 6-foot-8 forward with the ability to nail jumpers from just about any spot when he's not throwing down vicious dunks, Parker can't sign his letter of intent until April 17. But he made his intentions clear with one highly anticipated oral commitment.

Michigan State, Florida, Stanford and Brigham Young also made his top five and caps from each school lined a table next to the podium. But he said it really came down to three schools, with the Gators and Spartans right there with the Blue Devils.

In the end, he chose to play for Krzyzewski for at least a year before making what many believe will ultimately be a jump to the NBA.

"Duke is always going to be a team in the tournament," he said. "You can't go wrong at the program and most importantly, the long-term investment. I feel like if I go there, I can get a good degree. I can also stay close to home where it's easily accessible to my parents, my family. It's not too far away. Coach K, that's one of the best coaches ever, and I wanted to be able to experience the things that he has next year."

Parker said he might play two or three seasons in college. Either way, he vowed to get a degree. He also said he didn't decide on a school until about 1 p.m. Central, and he apparently kept his parents in the dark until just before he made his announcement.

His mom Lola said Jabari whispered his decision to her and her husband, Sonny, as they were walking into the gym. A few minutes later, he pulled out that Duke T-shirt, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd packing the bleachers behind the podium.

Parker committed to join a program next season will lose two key frontcourt players ? seniors Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly ? from a team that earlier this week rose to No. 1 for the first time since February 2011.

Parker figures to fit right in on a talented group of players that will include Quinn Cook, who's expected to be in his second year as the starting point guard, and returns pure shooter Andre Dawkins, who's expected back after redshirting this season.

Turning down the other programs, particularly Michigan State, wasn't easy, particularly after coach Tom Izzo's final pitch Wednesday.

Simeon coach Robert Smith was so impressed he said, "If he was recruiting me yesterday, I would have committed."

Parker didn't. He saw a potential for controversy with him and the Spartans' Branden Dawson playing the same position. Instead, he's headed to Duke even though he said that was his "worst" on-campus visit.

"I didn't do what I wanted to do ? that's be a kid," he said. "But I know being at college, it's all business. That's what they wanted to do, to show me. I know I didn't have a good time, but they just wanted to tell me, prepare for me and give me a little bit of a taste of how it's going to be in college."

Lola Parker said she was more interested in Krzyzewski the person than the Krzyzewski the coaching icon. She mentioned his character, his discipline and his final home visit on Tuesday.

"The first time Coach K came in, he stood up and showed Jabari where his foot should be on an offensive or a defensive play," she said. "He showed Jabari where his arms should be. This guy doesn't sit down. We kind of laughed about it, and it was the same thing Tuesday. I moved my coffee table to the side to make sure he had room right there to get up."

Given Jabari Parker's skills, it's easy to see why just about every major program was interested in him.

Parker just might be the greatest prospect to come out of Simeon, and that's saying something considering Derrick Rose played there. All he did was go on to become the MVP with the hometown Bulls.

As for Parker, his credentials to this point sure are impressive.

He received the Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year award after leading Simeon to its third straight state championship while averaging 19.5 points and 8.9 rebounds as a junior.

His father played six seasons with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA after starring at Chicago's Farragut Career Academy.

"He has a gift and he has what's called 'It'," Sonny Parker said.

Religion also plays a big role in Jabari's life. He is a devout Mormon, just like his mom, and he has talked about going on a mission. He's not sure if he will do that, but he did make one thing clear:

He plans to get his degree.

Now that he's made his college choice and assuming he doesn't have a change of heart, Jabari can focus on leading Simeon to another state title and getting his conditioning back after being slowed by a broken right foot.

The injury over the summer caused him to push back some recruiting trips and delay his decision rather than commit during the early signing period last month. He's also missed a game this week because he's trying to work his way back from the injury, an obstacle for a player rarely stopped on the court, but this moment was years in the making.

Lola Parker recalled in an interview at the family's house earlier this year that she could see it when Jabari, the youngest of seven children, was in the second grade going against the fourth and fifth-graders in a league run by Sonny, who established a foundation to help inner-city youth in Chicago after he retired.

Scholarship offers started rolling in when Jabari was in the sixth grade, and now, it's not uncommon for him to get mobbed by fans at games, even though they're often not from Simeon.

Usually, he'll accommodate them, but sometimes, he needs an escape.

He finds one in religion. That means rising several days a week at 5 a.m. for Bible study and heading from the family's brick bungalow on the city's South Side to worship a few miles away, near the University of Chicago.

The day of the interview at the house earlier this year, there was a reminder on Jabari's door to "put the Lord first" along with several sheets of 8-by-10 white paper. One listed the Ten Commandments, the other personal rules such as "don't be quick to judge" and "Think positive things."

For now, big things are happening for Parker. He's headed to a storied program. And then?

"His potential, the sky's the limit," Sonny Parker said.

___

AP sports writer Joedy McCreary in Raleigh, N.C., contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-12-20-BKH-Jabari-Parker's-Decision/id-08e8f892f2c14ff99ac85ac676053308

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Adam Lanza Shooting Renews Debate Over Video Game Violence ...

WASHINGTON (AP) ? In the days since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., a shell-shocked nation has looked for reasons. The list of culprits include easy access to guns, a strained mental-health system and the "culture of violence" ? the entertainment industry's embrace of violence in movies, TV shows and, especially, video games.

"The violence in the entertainment culture ? particularly, with the extraordinary realism to video games, movies now, et cetera ? does cause vulnerable young men to be more violent," Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., said.

"There might well be some direct connection between people who have some mental instability and when they go over the edge ? they transport themselves, they become part of one of those video games," said Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, where 12 people were killed in a movie theater shooting in July.

White House adviser David Axelrod tweeted, "But shouldn't we also quit marketing murder as a game?"

And Donald Trump weighed in, tweeting, "Video game violence & glorification must be stopped ? it is creating monsters!"

There have been unconfirmed media reports that 20-year-old Newtown shooter Adam Lanza enjoyed a range of video games, from the bloody "Call of Duty" series to the innocuous "Dance Dance Revolution." But the same could be said for about 80 percent of Americans in Lanza's age group, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Law enforcement officials haven't made any connection between Lanza's possible motives and his interest in games.

The video game industry has been mostly silent since Friday's attack, in which 20 children and six adults were killed. The Entertainment Software Association, which represents game publishers in Washington, has yet to respond to politicians' criticisms. Hal Halpin, president of the nonprofit Entertainment Consumers Association, said, "I'd simply and respectfully point to the lack of evidence to support any causal link."

It's unlikely that lawmakers will pursue legislation to regulate the sales of video games; such efforts were rejected again and again in a series of court cases over the last decade. Indeed, the industry seemed to have moved beyond the entire issue last year, when the Supreme Court revoked a California law criminalizing the sale of violent games to minors.

The Supreme Court decision focused on First Amendment concerns; in the majority opinion, Justice Antonin Scalia wrote that games "are as much entitled to the protection of free speech as the best of literature." Scalia also agreed with the ESA's argument that researchers haven't established a link between media violence and real-life violence. "Psychological studies purporting to show a connection between exposure to violent video games and harmful effects on children do not prove that such exposure causes minors to act aggressively," Scalia wrote.

Still, that doesn't make games impervious to criticism, or even some soul-searching within the gaming community. At this year's E3 ? the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the industry's largest U.S. gathering ? some attendees were stunned by the intensity of violence on display. A demo for Sony's "The Last of Us" ended with a villain taking a shotgun blast to the face. A scene from Ubisoft's "Splinter Cell: Blacklist" showed the hero torturing an enemy. A trailer for Square Enix's "Hitman: Absolution" showed the protagonist slaughtering a team of lingerie-clad assassins disguised as nuns.

"The ultraviolence has to stop," designer Warren Spector told the GamesIndustry website after E3. "I do believe that we are fetishizing violence, and now in some cases actually combining it with an adolescent approach to sexuality. I just think it's in bad taste. Ultimately I think it will cause us trouble."

"The violence of these games can be off-putting," Brian Crecente, news editor for the gaming website Polygon, said Monday. "The video-game industry is wrestling with the same issues as movies and TV. There's this tension between violent games that sell really well and games like 'Journey,' a beautiful, artistic creation that was well received by critics but didn't sell much."

During November, typically the peak month for pre-holiday game releases, the two best sellers were the military shooters "Call of Duty: Black Ops II," from Activision, and "Halo 4," from Microsoft. But even with the dominance of the genre, Crecente said, "There has been a feeling that some of the sameness of war games is grating on people."

Critic John Peter Grant said, "I've also sensed a growing degree of fatigue with ultra-violent games, but not necessarily because of the violence per se."

The problem, Grant said, "is that violence as a mechanic gets old really fast. Games are amazing possibility spaces! And if the chief way I can interact with them is by destroying and killing? That seems like such a waste of potential."

There are some hints of a sneaking self-awareness creeping into the gaming community. One gamer ? Antwand Pearman, editor of the website GamerFitNation ? has called for other players to join in a "Day of Cease-Fire for Online Shooters" this Friday, one week after the massacre.

"We are simply making a statement," Pearman said, "that we as gamers are not going to sit back and ignore the lives that were lost."

Earlier on HuffPost:

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/19/adam-lanza-video-game_n_2330817.html

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New Zealand Survives Mayan Apocalypse; Kiwis Post Good News On Twitter

Some might have actually been dreading the 21^st of December, the day the ancient Mayans ?predicted? the ?world was going to end,? but now everyone knows the ancient civilization must have been wrong. And thanks to the Kiwis, the world knows a day ahead of time.?

Luckily for Americans, when they woke up on Thursday morning, the Kiwis, who are 16 hours ahead of New Yorkers, took to Twitter to assure their U.S. friends that New Zealand had made it through to 12/21/12, without the world coming to an end.

?New Zealand? quickly became a trending term on the mini blogosphere, but most people deemed to have a ?womp womp? attitude when nothing actually happened on Dec. 21, 2012.

Some popular tweets on the mini blog about New Zealand and the Mayan apocalypse were straight forward posts about how nothing had happened.

?It's the 21/12/12 in?New Zealand?and nothing's happened,? @Ad_Henshall?wrote.

??Hey guys, the world is still here. So you might want to return that 240 pack of toliet paper.? -New Zealand,? ??@BenHeithoff said.

?The world has not ended. Sincerely,?New Zealand,? @MikeAdamsNC tweeted.

?It's already Friday in?New Zealand?and the world hasn't ended,? @nickjackson45?revealed.

But some people had a nicer tone when they spread the news that life on Earth as would know it would continue.

?oh hey world! it's december 21st here in?New Zealand, and the world is still here! you'll be safe tomorrow U.S. ;)? @ciarahanna20 kindly shared.

?It is December 21, 2012 in?New Zealand?right now....and we are still here. Just saying...? @waynegilbertII matter-of-factly posted.

Some people took advantage of the fact that New Zealand is 16 hours ahead of America?s east coast so they could trick their siblings.

?I just told my sister that the world ended in?new Zealand?and she belived me :/ hahahaha,? @greally123 joked.

While others seemed disappointed that our world wasn?t coming to an abrupt end:

?Well the world hasn't ended in?New Zealand?so I guess the rest of us are stuck here too :/? @WiccaPriestess tweeted.?

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/new-zealand-survives-mayan-apocalypse-kiwis-post-good-news-twitter-954620

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UN steps up pressure on Israel over settlements

UNITED NATIONS (AP) ? Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and all members of the U.N. Security Council except the United States are criticizing Israel, demanding an immediate halt to new settlement construction which they warned threaten a two-state peace settlement with the Palestinians.

Representatives of the 14 council members stepped to the microphone outside the chamber after their monthly Mideast briefing on Wednesday to denounce the Israeli settlement plans. The council president said they did so because efforts to get all 15 members to agree on a resolution or statement had failed, almost certainly because of U.S. opposition.

Separately, the secretary-general told reporters that Israel's heightened settlement activity "gravely threatens efforts to establish a viable Palestinian state." He urged Israel "to refrain from continuing on this dangerous path."

?

?2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: http://www.9wsyr.com/news/world/story/UN-steps-up-pressure-on-Israel-over-settlements/bja0t8qZL0aAUkKKzTaTeA.cspx?rss=115

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Chiefs player Belcher texted friend he might shoot girlfriend: police

KANSAS CITY, Mo (Reuters) - Kansas City Chiefs' linebacker Jovan Belcher told a woman friend he was so frustrated with his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins, that he might shoot her, which he did in a murder-suicide on December 1, according to a newly released police report.

Belcher, 25, was having an intimate relationship with the other woman and told her in a text message around early November that if Perkins didn't leave him alone he would shoot her, the report said. The woman thought the text was a joke.

Belcher shot Perkins, 22, at least ten times after an argument in their house and then turned a gun on himself about 15 minutes later outside the Chief's practice facility as head coach Romeo Crennel, General Manager Scott Pioli and other staff looked on.

Details of the Belcher case are contained in police reports submitted to the Jackson County prosecutor, who has ruled the event a murder-suicide. They include dozens of interviews with witnesses.

Belcher and Perkins, parents of a three-month-old girl, had a stormy relationship, according to interviews police conducted with Belcher's other girlfriend, also 22. She told police that Belcher complained about Perkins threatening to take all his money and the baby if they broke up.

Belcher said Perkins "knew exactly how to press his buttons and make him angry," according to a summary of the woman's interview with police.

Belcher had been with the woman and some of her friends at a downtown Kansas City entertainment district the night before the shooting, the woman said. He spent part of the night in her apartment and part of it sleeping in his car before going home early in the morning, the report said.

Belcher and Perkins were arguing before he shot her, his mother, Cheryl Shepherd, told police. Shepherd had moved in with the couple two weeks earlier to help care for the baby. Shepherd heard Belcher say "You won't talk to me that way" and then she heard a thump and gunshots.

Shepherd rushed into the bedroom and found Perkins laying on the bathroom floor, she told police. Before fleeing the house, Belcher knelt next to Perkins, apologized and repeatedly kissed her, his daughter and his mother, Shepherd said.

Belcher drove off in his Bentley to the practice facility at Arrowhead several miles away, where he pulled into the parking lot and saw Pioli, the report said. Pioli quoted Belcher as saying, "I did it, I killed her." Belcher held a handgun to his own head. "I got to go, can't be here, and take care of my daughter," Pioli recalled Belcher saying.

Belcher had asked to speak with Crennel and linebacker coach Gary Gibbs, the report said. Crennel told police he pleaded with Belcher to put down the gun. One witness said she heard Crennel say, "you're taking the easy way out."

Belcher lowered the gun, but only to load a round into the chamber, Crennel told police. Seeing a police officer in the distance and hearing sirens, Belcher knelt behind a mini-van, blessed himself and fired the gun into his temple, the report said. (Reporting By Kevin Murphy; Editing by Mary Wisniewski, Greg McCune and Andrew Hay)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chiefs-player-belcher-texted-friend-might-shoot-girlfriend-202217650--nfl.html

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Liverpool?s Suso fined for Twitter comment

LONDON, Dec 18 ? Liverpool forward Suso has been fined 10,000 pounds (RM49,531) for a comment he posted on Twitter, the FA said on Tuesday.

Suso was responding to his team mate Jose Enrique posting a photograph of himself getting his teeth whitened.

"What the f*** is he doing? This guy is gay...he does everything except play football," tweeted Suso, who accepted the charge that he had brought the game into disrepute.

The 19-year-old Spaniard, who has made 13 first-team appearances for Liverpool this season, was also warned as to his future conduct by the FA. ? Reuters

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Whipping Flash Into Shape: Whiptail Bags $31M for Energy-Efficient Flash Storage

Whiptail?s just brought in?a $31 million Series C funding round, the result of some strategic investments from SSD maker SanDisk and a ?Silicon Valley titan? whose name was not disclosed; capital from Ignition Partners, RRE Ventures and? Spring Mountain Capital; and debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank.

Whiptail makes flash-powered storage arrays, branded?Invicta and?Accela, which measure performance at a quarter million IOSP and offer 60 times less latency than competing systems. The offerings are optimized for database management systems and analytical environments that require consistently fast access to information.

To learn more and to read the entire article at its source, please refer to the following page, Whipping Flash Into Shape: Whiptail Bags $31M for Energy-Efficient Flash Storage- SiliconANGLE.com

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Afghan tycoons fear banks help kidnap gangs

Mohammad Shoib / Reuters

A businessman travels with his personal security personnel in Afghanistan's Herat province on Dec. 11.

By Reuters

KABUL -- Afghan construction magnate Haji Asadullah Ghaznawi was dragged from his office with a gun to his head and locked up in a slaughterhouse for almost three weeks.

Ghaznawi was later shocked to discover someone had leaked details of his bank account to the kidnap gang who pulled up in a car in broad daylight in Kabul a year ago and abducted him.

Violent criminals who gain access to confidential information about Afghan millionaires like Ghaznawi have raised alarming questions about the dangers of doing business in one of the world's poorest and most corrupt countries.

"Eight days before I was kidnapped a business partner added one million dollars to my bank account," Ghaznawi said from his luxurious office in the Afghan capital.

"The kidnappers told me that I had $1 million in my bank. How could they know this?," he asked.

The leaks, some businessmen allege, are coming from the very people who are supposed to be protecting Afghans and helping them prosper -- intelligence officials, police and bankers.

Safeguarding Afghanistan's economy is just as important for the troubled South Asian country?s stability as containing the Taliban-led insurgency as NATO combat troops withdraw by the end of 2014.

Wealthy Afghans fearful of a new civil war or a Taliban push to seize power have already been sending vast sums of money to banks in the Persian Gulf emirate of Dubai and elsewhere, prompting authorities to impose measures to try and stem the flow.

Government officials fear bank account scams and kidnappings could accelerate that process, and potentially bring the fledgling economy to its knees.

Purchased freedom
Ghaznawi spent 17 days in the basement slaughterhouse, worried about his safety and also troubled that criminals now know exactly how much he is worth. A business partner bought his freedom for $820,000.

It is a problem that has Afghan entrepreneurs so worried that many are hiring large teams of armed guards to provide around-the-clock protection.

10 Afghan girls collecting firewood killed in blast

Afghanistan's banking sector has seen an influx of cash from foreign aid and steady growth in industry and construction, but it remains weak and open to exploitation by criminals.

Businessmen and top officials from the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry say bank employees are leaking account balances to sophisticated gangs who arrange kidnappings.

More news about South and Central Asia on NBCNews.com

"These kidnap gangs have some good connections, they work as teams, they know who the rich people are," said Shir Baz Kaminzada, president of the Afghan Industrial Union, who runs a lucrative printing and packaging firm and travels in a bullet-proof car.

"Our banks aren't so secure and some bank people, we suspect they're providing information to criminals," he said.

Some businessmen go further and allege rogue officials from Afghanistan's intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, are obtaining the financial records of high-rollers. The agency did not respond to interview requests.

/

More than ten years after the beginning of the war, Afghanistan faces external pressure to reform as well as ongoing internal conflicts.

UN calls for Afghanistan to protect women from rape, forced marriage

Lucrative business
Kidnapping is a lucrative business, with ransoms often in excess of $1 million. Many cases go unreported and most are unsolved.

"Among our members, we have many kidnap victims and the problem is mostly solved by paying the ransom without involving police," said Ahmad Tawfiq Dawari, a deputy head at the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Facebook takes down Taliban recruiter page

"They hire 10-15 private guards themselves and it's expensive. When security forces do nothing to stop the kidnappers, how can we trust them to protect us?" he asked.

Businessmen place the blame squarely on law enforcement agencies. The chief of the Kabul Criminal Investigation, Mohammad Zahir, insists police are cracking down on the gangs and says the leaks most likely came from employees or relatives.

Kevin Frayer / AP

In southern Afghanistan, the focus of the U.S. war effort, nearly all the Afghan soldiers are foreigners too. Photographer Kevin Frayer shows these soldiers in a series of portraits.

"These kidnappers had private prisons where they tortured victims if they refused to pay, so we started a fight against them and we've brought this problem to its lowest point," Zahir said, reeling off the names of prominent people rescued and kidnapping kingpins who have been arrested.

Complete World coverage on NBCNews.com

"The government supports us and we're not afraid of anyone," he added.

Sitting with an associate in his Kabul office, Ghaznawi gets little comfort from such talk and believes businessmen have a bleak future in Afghanistan. He constantly fears that the kidnappers will return.

EXCLUSIVE: US, NATO behind 'insecurity' in Afghanistan, Karzai says

"I wanted to shut down my business but my partners convinced me to continue," he said. "Other businessmen know what I went through, why would they put their money and lives at risk?"

More world stories from NBC News:

Follow World News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/17/15961876-bankers-suspected-of-helping-kidnap-gangs-prey-on-afghan-tycoons?lite

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On somber anniversary, Biden copes with a new loss (Los Angeles Times)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/271652601?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Russell Wilson soars as Seahawks rout Bills 50-17

TORONTO (AP) ? It wasn't that long ago when Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was worried about overwhelming rookie quarterback Russell Wilson with too much information.

That's no longer a concern after Wilson and the surging Seahawks showed they're capable of piling up points north of the border, too.

A week after a 58-0 win at home against Arizona, Wilson ran for three touchdowns and threw for another in a 50-17 rout of the Bills in Buffalo's annual game in Toronto on Sunday.

"I'm just thrilled that he's been able to continue to grow," Carroll said. "For a time, we were just trying to get the offense going and not screw it up and make sure he could keep growing.

"Well, we're past that now."

Wilson was unstoppable during a first half in which he directed scoring drives on the Seahawks' first five possessions in building a 31-7 lead. It was a stretch in which he scored on 14-, 25- and 13-yard runs to become the NFL's first quarterback to run for three touchdowns in one half since Daunte Culpepper did it against Chicago on Sept. 3, 2000, according to STATS. And Wilson's 4-yard touchdown pass to Zach Miller was his 21st of the season, moving into a tie for second with Cam Newton among NFL rookies. Only Peyton Manning, with 26 in 1998, has more.

Then the Seahawks' opportunistic defense took over by forcing three consecutive turnovers to start the second half, including safety Earl Thomas scoring on 57-yard interception return.

"We're definitely clicking well," Wilson said, a third-round draft pick out of Wisconsin. "I've been on a couple of teams that have scored that many in college. But to do it in the National Football League, I mean that's really tough to do."

He's not kidding.

The Seahawks became the NFL's third team to score 50 points in consecutive weeks, joining the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, who both did it in 1950, according to STATS. And the 108 combined points over two weeks matched the NFL's third-highest total. The New England Patriots also scored 108 points in consecutive games last month, according to STATS.

And it's happening with the Seahawks (9-5) mounting a playoff push. They've won for the fifth time in six games and still aren't out of the running to win the NFC West. They return home to host division-leading San Francisco in what has become a key showdown.

The Bills (5-9) find themselves in a familiar state of unraveling. They were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for a 13th season ? the NFL's longest active drought. And their performance further raises questions about coach Chan Gailey's job security.

"We played bad. We played poorly. And when you play poorly against a good football team you're going to look extremely bad," Gailey said. "You're angry at yourself because you didn't get the team ready to play at the level they needed to play."

The defense had a meltdown in giving up 45 or more points three times this season.

The offense sputtered for much of the first half before scoring 10 points in the final 1:10 cut the Seahawks' lead to 31-17.

And then things got ugly.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in turning the ball over on each of the Bills' first three possessions. The Seahawks capitalized by turning the three turnovers into 17 points.

"It went downhill from there fast," said Fitzpatrick, who was more upset about how the team's performance reflected on Gailey. "We played poorly and it reflects poorly on him. It eats me up."

Fitzpatrick went 21 of 38 for 217 yards with a 20-yard touchdown to Stevie Johnson. C.J. Spiller had 103 yards rushing and scored on a 14-yard run.

Wilson went 14 of 23 for 205 yards passing, and had 92 yards rushing.

It was an outing that came on an international stage on a day the NFL's two most talked about rookie quarterbacks were either hurt ? Washington's Robert Griffin III ? or lost ? Indianapolis' Andrew Luck.

"The kid is destined to be great," receiver Golden Tate said. "You didn't expect Russell Wilson to even be in the Rookie of the Year talk. The fact that he's responded and led this team this far, I think that says a lot."

Running back Marshawn Lynch had 113 yards rushing and scored on a 13-yard run in his first game against his former team. Defensive end Chris Clemons had 2 1/2 of Seattle's three sacks.

The Bills dropped to 1-4 in regular-season games at Toronto since the series began in 2008.

The Bills and Toronto-based Rogers Communications are closing in on a deal to extend the series, which expired after this game.

Torontonians might want to reconsider after this. With 5:20 left, fans in one end zone began chanting "Let's Go Blue Jays!"

At least they were entertained by both the Seahawks and at halftime by Korean pop star PSY performed his hit "Gangnam Style" at midfield.

The announced crowd of 40,770 was well below the downtown domed Rogers Centre's capacity of 54,000. And many who stuck around for the second half started rooting for the Seahawks.

That was fine for Carroll, who made his first trip to Toronto.

"This was exciting for us. We looked at it like a little bit of a bowl-game situation," Carroll said. "The 12th man north was there."

NOTES: While there were numerous fans dressed in Bills and Seahawks colors, fans were spotted wearing a Steelers' Troy Polamalu jersey, and another wearing a Tom Brady No. 12 Patriots jersey. ... Spiller reached 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career, and needed only 154 carries to get there. That's the second-fewest behind only Chicago Bears Beattie Feathers, who reached 1,000 yards on 119 carries in 1934. ... The Seahawks wore their third uniforms ? "wolf grey" jerseys and pants with green numbers and names ? for the first time since introducing them this offseason.

___

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

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/russell-wilson-soars-seahawks-rout-bills-50-17-002102853--spt.html

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decorated going: health and fitness: Helpful Tips For Thyroid Natural ...

Some of the well known choices are hormone replacement therapy or drugs, radiation and surgery. Several pharmaceutical drugs endorsed by medical professionals are available currently. However, they may also come with many side effects including weight loss,, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nervousness and irritability. Hence, you have to be careful to get the drugs checked with the concerned authorities so that you can start on the treatment right away.
The diseases that are connected to thyroid are a result of the mismanaged production problem that may result in release of too many or too less hormones or even in incorrect response by tissues. Since thyroid is the main gland that controls metabolism, any high or low activity can bear a huge impact on the overall health of the person.? Some of the issues that may crop up on account of low thyroid gland activity include weight gain, dry skin, constipation, hair loss and brittle nails. The various conditions such as rapid respiration and pulse rate, restlessness, high basal metabolic activity are a result of hyper thyroid. There are quite a few options when it comes to thyroid natural remedies.

Fill your diet with less goitrogenic items such as millet, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, rutabaga, cabbage and brussel sprouts. Goitrogens occur in these food substances from the start that inhibit thyroid. Eat gluten free foods and a majority of raw foods. Consume organic food products that contain no pesticides and harmful chemicals. The use of bentonite clay daily is advised by mixing one teaspoon of it in water. It can also be utilized as a mask which you can press it over your neck in order to eliminate the toxins.

The production of thyroid hormone depends heavily on iodine. Various natural treatments available today are quite effective in the production of thyroid hormone.There used to be plenty of iodine in vegetables and fruits but the soil is very iodine depleted in most areas today. There are various sources of iodine such as fish, potatoes, banana, seafood such as fish, parsley and strawberries. The body requires an amino acid known as tyrosine in order to produce thyroid hormones by consuming iodine. Tyrosine is in foods like mustard greens, spinach, seaweed, non GMO soy, meats and fish.

The fact is that vegetable and polyunsaturated oils that are commonly used everywhere is not good for health as it aids in the promotion of disease related to thyroid. Tissue response to thyroid hormones in inhibited by unsaturated fats. The use of coconut oil is well documented for this purpose. The thyroid hormones are mainly responsible for metabolic activity in the body. This metabolism is aided by coconut oil. The fusion of the two work to the benefit of the body and help in maintaining optimum metabolic rate. Thyroid performs better thanks to coconut oil.
All the organs, tissues and cells that are present in the human body are majorly affected by the hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland. This article focuses on actions that we can for the different options for thyroid natural treatment to optimize the functioning of this very important gland.

Source: http://jonathanmaccy.blogspot.com/2012/12/helpful-tips-for-thyroid-natural.html

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Source: http://decorated-going.blogspot.com/2012/12/health-and-fitness-helpful-tips-for.html

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7 sales rules of customer loyalty economics | Sales Training ...

Customer loyalty economics

The next 12 months should turnout to be an interesting time in the world of business.? Most nonpartisan economists predict we will emerge from the gloom and doom to experience more positive growth.? If the economic forecasters are right, and we think they are, then it is a good time to revisit how we can leverage this positive development from a sales perspective.

In this regard Bain published an interesting article that is worth revisiting.? The authors explored what it takes to win the customer experience.? One particularly interesting discussion was about customer loyalty economics.? Let?s take a look at what they were talking about and explore what it means for Sales.

The authors noted: ?The logic that connects customer experience to bottom-line results is simple. If people love doing business with you, they become Promoters. They?re less likely to defect. They buy more products and services over time. They sing your praises to friends, colleagues and complete strangers. They cost less to serve, and they provide constructive feedback. All of these behaviors have direct, quantifiable economic benefits.?

The bottom line ? it makes sense to figure out how one can go about creating customers that look like Bain?s Promoters.? Clearly it requires a comprehensive effort.? It is not only about how you sell but also about what you do after the sale in terms of delivery and implementation.

Let?s take a look at this challenge just from the sales angle. Let?s begin at the beginning and look at some of the fundamentals for building customer relationships that are required for establishing the foundation for creating customers who are Promoters:

• If you don?t know don?t pretend.
• Do what you say you are going to do.
• If you make a mistake take responsibility ??and avoid repeating it.
• Get on the customer?s side of the table ? know what matters.
• Help the customer arrive at a better definition of the problem.
• Understand the difference between persuasion and manipulation.
• Use imagination and innovation for crafting your solution.

Most winners don?t win by creating selling opportunities ??they simply leverage the sales that occur.? The next several years will likely produce a fair share of selling opportunities.? Understanding the sales dynamics of customer loyalty is an important piece of the puzzle for leveraging those experiences.

If you found this post helpful, you might want to join the conversation and subscribe to the?Sales Training Connection.

?2012 Sales Horizons, LLC

Source: http://salestrainingconnection.com/2012/12/14/seven-cardinal-sales-rules-of-customer-loyalty-economics/

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Jaguar Energy Drink announces Dhs4m worth of deals resulting ...

Barcode General Trading LLC was able to successfully convert the interest of food industry representatives in Jaguar Energy Drink into signed agreements with Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Qatar and Bahrain with France,Spain, United States, and South America allin final discussions.

Barcode Group and Jaguar Energy Drink were one of several localbusinesses and companies to have attended SIAL; the premier foods exhibition in Europe, held last month in Paris. Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development - Government of Dubai, had led the UAE mission to SIAL along with the Ministry of Foreign Trade (MoFT).

Jaguar Energy Drink and Barcode General Trading LLC representing Dubai's energy beverage sector participated within the Dubai delegation to SIAL in Paris, France between October 21st to October 25ththis year with the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development leading the representatives in promoting local companies, and enhancing their export capabilities.

With food products constituting two per cent of UAE's imports Barcode General Trading LLC has taken a leader position in promoting the UAE's local expertise in food services specifically the energy beverage sector.

The exhibition is regarded as the premiere European food industry event and offers an impressive and broad range of food and beverage product offerings bringing together over 19 clearly identified sectors. Nearly 140,000 food industry professionals from as many as 100 countries attended the five day event this year with Jaguar Energy Drink - Barcode's leading offering - Jaguar Energy Drink - making a strong showing at the exhibition as part of the UAE's delegation.

As part of Barcode's strategy, the imperative was to highlight Dubai's capabilities in the food industry and to apply a solid exporting service in the energy drink sector from Dubai to other countries with a focus on growing exports to markets such as North America, Europe, Latin America and North Africa following the shifting dynamics of the world's food market.

Participation at SIAL as part of Dubai Exports' Delegation was a vital component of Barcode's plans for exporting Jaguar Energy Drink from Dubai to new countries as it offered an incomparable opportunity to connect with potential customers in new markets allowing Jaguar Energy Drink to compete successfully in the global export market.

With plans to open production facilities in Dubai in the next two years, Barcode and its premiere distributor in Dubai and the UAE have begun talks to locate appropriate space and facilities to support the increased demand on Jaguar Energy Drink with the aim to centralize production and export in Dubai in support of developing local manufacturing into a dominant economic activity.

Barcode's participation at SIAL as part of the Dubai Exports' delegation was marked by a visit and meeting with the UAE's ambassador to France.

Saeed Mohammadi, CEO of Barcode, and inventor of Jaguar Energy Drink said: "I am unequivocally pleased with our experience at SIAL, and I commend the efforts of the Dubai Exports Team in supporting the local food industry and manufactures. SIAL is a top global event for the foods industry and with 6000 exhibitors it is difficult to make a mark and without the assistance and dedication of Dubai Exports we could not have broken such barriers as we did at SIAL this year especially as our strategy this year is to take our company to the global food chain as we look to promote our product in foreign markets. We've successfully signed two new countries and we will now be entering France, Spain, Libya and Tunisia as a result of our attendance at SIAL and the support of Dubai Exports. Dubai is the perfect city to operate from and we are looking forward to working with Dubai Exports in achieving our objectives over the next two years as we move our manufacturing to Dubai. "

Source: http://www.ameinfo.com/jaguar-energy-drink-announces-dhs4m-worth-322787

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SPDR S&P 500 ETF And Alcatel Lucent Among Most Active Stocks ...

MINYANVILLE ORIGINAL The three most active funds and stocks in pre-market trading on the?NYSE were SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:SPY), Alcatel Lucent (NYSE:ALU), and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) as of 9:20 a.m. EST.

Investors exchanged 2.09 million shares of SPDR S&P 500 ETF, which was down $0.29, or 0.20%.

Investors traded 1.73 million shares of Alcatel Lucent, which was up $0.10, or 9.09%. According to Marketwatch, Alcatel Lucent secured 1.62 billion euros, or $2.12 billion, in new financing from Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) and Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).?

Investors also traded 834,550 million shares of Bank of America, which was up $0.01, or 0.09%. According to Reuters, Bank of America has sued MBIA for allegedly interfering with a tender offer to buy MBIA's (NYSE:MBI) bonds.

(See also Pre-Market Primer: US Stocks Lifted by Chinese Mega-Rally)

Twitter: @ChrisWitrak

No positions in stocks mentioned.

Source: http://www.minyanville.com/trading-and-investing/stocks/articles/SPDR-S2526P-500-ETF-and-Alcatel/12/14/2012/id/46680

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Lucasfilm studio wins appeal of pregnancy discrimination verdict

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California appeals court on Monday reversed a $1.2 million discrimination verdict against "Star Wars" producer Lucasfilm in a case brought by a woman who said she lost a job at the company because she was pregnant.

A three-judge panel in San Francisco said the jury had received improper instruction before it ruled in favor of the woman, Julie Veronese. In a decision issued on Monday, the judges sent the case back to the trial court for a retrial and reversed the $1.2 million award of attorneys' fees to Veronese.

Veronese claimed in a lawsuit she was offered a job as an assistant at the estate of filmmaker George Lucas in 2008. She said the offer was revoked after she told the company she was pregnant, according to court documents.

Lucasfilm said it was pleased with the appeals court ruling, calling the allegations "without merit."

"Lucasfilm is committed to equal employment opportunity and has a long track record of providing a supportive work environment free of discrimination," the company said in a statement.

Angela Alioto, an attorney for Veronese, said she was considering whether to appeal the case to the California Supreme Court or proceed with a retrial.

Walt Disney Co announced in November it was buying Lucasfilm for $4 billion.

(Reporting By Lisa Richwine; Editing by Chris Gallagher)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/lucasfilm-studio-wins-appeal-pregnancy-discrimination-verdict-015110307--finance.html

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Surprise! Alcohol Makes 16% of Americans' Calorie Intake | Foodbeast

No, seriously. We like it?a lot.?Like 16% of our calorie intake a lot.

It seems this does come as a surprise to some, though. Now that we?re at the point where even McDonald?s lists total calories on its menu, and there?s a low-fat, sugar-free, n0-gluten version of everything, we have to start looking at other culprits for this whole ?obesity? thing. Namely, alcohol. Apparently, Americans consume around 100 calories worth of booze?a day, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

The same report goes on to say that the aforementioned 16 percent comes from the 32.7 percent of men and 18 percent of women who drink on a daily basis, and that 16 percent ?is the same percentage as added sugars contribute to U.S. children?s diets.?

Other findings include:

• Men consume an average of 150 calories from alcoholic beverages, while women average 50 calories.

• The highest caloric intake was seen in men aged 20 to 39, who consume almost 175 calories daily on average from alcoholic beverages.
• Average calories from alcoholic beverages were greatest among those in the highest income category: those living at or above 350 percent of the poverty level consumed 117 calories a day from alcohol, compared to 91 calories in those living at poverty level.
• More of men?s alcohol calories come from beer than other liquor types; women?s were fairly equivalent across beer, wine and spirits.

In other words, we need to drink more water. Just? as a nation.

via?Food Product Design/ photo courtesy Life123

Aziza Sullivan has always enjoyed three things in excess: food, writing, and sleeping. While the first two are happily combined, the third tends to get in the way, since it turns out the average reader is uninterested in sleep blogs. She also enjoys coffee, probably too much, if there is such a thing.

Source: http://foodbeast.com/content/2012/12/10/surprise-alcohol-makes-16-of-americans-calorie-intake/

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Wind and solar power paired with storage could power grid 99.9 percent of the time

Dec. 10, 2012 ? Renewable energy could fully power a large electric grid 99.9 percent of the time by 2030 at costs comparable to today's electricity expenses, according to new research by the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College.

A well-designed combination of wind power, solar power and storage in batteries and fuel cells would nearly always exceed electricity demands while keeping costs low, the scientists found.

"These results break the conventional wisdom that renewable energy is too unreliable and expensive," said co-author Willett Kempton, professor in the School of Marine Science and Policy in UD's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. "The key is to get the right combination of electricity sources and storage -- which we did by an exhaustive search -- and to calculate costs correctly."

The authors developed a computer model to consider 28 billion combinations of renewable energy sources and storage mechanisms, each tested over four years of historical hourly weather data and electricity demands. The model incorporated data from within a large regional grid called PJM Interconnection, which includes 13 states from New Jersey to Illinois and represents one-fifth of the United States' total electric grid.

Unlike other studies, the model focused on minimizing costs instead of the traditional approach of matching generation to electricity use. The researchers found that generating more electricity than needed during average hours -- in order to meet needs on high-demand but low-wind power hours -- would be cheaper than storing excess power for later high demand.

Storage is relatively costly because the storage medium, batteries or hydrogen tanks, must be larger for each additional hour stored.

One of several new findings is that a very large electric system can be run almost entirely on renewable energy.

"For example, using hydrogen for storage, we can run an electric system that today would meeting a need of 72 GW, 99.9 percent of the time, using 17 GW of solar, 68 GW of offshore wind, and 115 GW of inland wind," said co-author Cory Budischak, instructor in the Energy Management Department at Delaware Technical Community College and former UD student.

A GW ("gigawatt") is a measure of electricity generation capability. One GW is the capacity of 200 large wind turbines or of 250,000 rooftop solar systems. Renewable electricity generators must have higher GW capacity than traditional generators, since wind and solar do not generate at maximum all the time.

The study sheds light on what an electric system might look like with heavy reliance on renewable energy sources. Wind speeds and sun exposure vary with weather and seasons, requiring ways to improve reliability. In this study, reliability was achieved by: expanding the geographic area of renewable generation, using diverse sources, employing storage systems, and for the last few percent of the time, burning fossil fuels as a backup.

During the hours when there was not enough renewable electricity to meet power needs, the model drew from storage and, on the rare hours with neither renewable electricity or stored power, then fossil fuel. When there was more renewable energy generated than needed, the model would first fill storage, use the remaining to replace natural gas for heating homes and businesses and only after those, let the excess go to waste.

The study used estimates of technology costs in 2030 without government subsidies, comparing them to costs of fossil fuel generation in wide use today. The cost of fossil fuels includes both the fuel cost itself and the documented external costs such as human health effects caused by power plant air pollution. The projected capital costs for wind and solar in 2030 are about half of today's wind and solar costs, whereas maintenance costs are projected to be approximately the same.

"Aiming for 90 percent or more renewable energy in 2030, in order to achieve climate change targets of 80 to 90 percent reduction of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the power sector, leads to economic savings," the authors observe.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Delaware.

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

---

Journal Reference:

1. Cory Budischak, DeAnna Sewell, Heather Thomson, Leon Mach, Dana E. Veron, Willett Kempton. Cost-minimized combinations of wind power, solar power and electrochemical storage, powering the grid up to 99.9% of the time. Journal of Power Sources, 2013; 225: 60 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.09.054

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/matter_energy/electricity/~3/vD8eoyKIxb0/121210133507.htm

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Apple CEO Tim Cook moves out of Steve Jobs' shadow

After tiptoeing out of the long shadow of Steve Jobs this last year, Apple Inc. Chief Executive Tim Cook took a giant leap into the spotlight this week.

In a kind of transparency rarely practiced by his enigmatic predecessor, Cook granted a pair of candid interviews that underscored the difference in both style and substance between the two men.

They also served as the latest sign of how Cook has embraced the Apple motto to "Think Different" as he methodically and quietly reshapes the culture and business of the company he inherited.

"He's the kinder, gentler Apple," said Carl Howe, a longtime Apple analyst for market advisory firm International Data Corp.

"This is a big, multinational corporation. I think Tim has done a better job of recognizing that," Howe said. "Jobs could remember when it was just three guys in a garage. When you get to be one of the largest companies in the world, you need a different skill set."

Cook has dramatically expanded the pace of Apple's product introduction, rolling out in the last 60 days the iPhone 5, a new iPad, upgrades to iPod line and the new iPad Mini at a size that Jobs once dismissed as too small.

But Cook also addressed the tone of Apple when he restructured management by dismissing an executive who had been a favorite of Jobs to emphasize collegiality over confrontation.

Such a break has drawn some applause. But it has not been without risks, analysts said. And there have been stumbles, as witnessed by the Apple Maps controversy that raised questions about whether the company's design instincts had weakened without the heavy hand of Jobs to guide them to perfection.

Analysts also acknowledge the general concern that Cook still may not have the chops to push more new products down the pipeline ? electronics that change the way people work and live.

In recent weeks, Apple's stock has experienced extraordinary volatility amid questions about its slipping market share and prospects for growth. Since reaching an all-time closing high of $702.10 in September, shares have fallen nearly 25%, closing Friday down $13.99, or 2.6%, at $533.25. It has lost a staggering $159 billion in market value.

Still, in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, Cook insisted that the blessing to change direction and chart his own course came from Jobs himself in the weeks before the company's co-founder died last year.

"He goes, 'I never want you to ask what I would have done,'" Cook recalled. "'Just do what's right.' He was very clear."

Longtime Apple observers said Cook has taken that advice to heart, though at his own pace.

"He didn't simply want to start as CEO by making radical changes," said Regis McKenna, the Silicon Valley marketing legend who began working with Apple in its earliest days. "He doesn't do precipitous acts just to be different. He is thoughtful and methodical. He does things because he thinks they're right."

The latest and most surprising change that resulted from Cook's deliberative process was revealed Thursday when he announced in the interviews with Bloomberg and NBC News' "Rock Center With Brian Williams" that Apple intended to move some of its manufacturing back to the United States.

Cook said the company would invest $100 million to begin building some Mac computers domestically, though he didn't specify the location. Apple assembles some products in the U.S., but it doesn't disclose how many or where.

Just as remarkable to many observers were the reasons: Cook said he believed that the company did have an obligation to play a social role above and beyond the goal of fattening the bottom line.

"I do feel we have a responsibility to create jobs," Cook told Bloomberg. "I don't think we have a responsibility to create a certain kind of job, but I think we do have a responsibility to create jobs. I think we have a responsibility to give back to the communities, to pick ways that we can do that."

Tim Bajarin, an analyst at Creative Strategies, said the amount of manufacturing moved to the U.S. was likely to be small. Though it might bolster Apple's reputation, he said, that probably wasn't the main motivation for Cook.

Still, Cook's comments were unlikely ever to have come from Jobs, who bristled at such notions as the company's social impact and charitable giving.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/latimes/business/~3/lV71LGqVf3g/la-fi-apple-cook-20121208,0,28595.story

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Health Care - Acne, Fitness, Diabetes Center Advice and Tips Is ...

Most people remain totally oblivious to the fact that they snore. Most people who snore don?t even know about their problem, until a friend or sleeping partner informs them. Some people are embarrassed by their snoring, but it can also be a sign that there are other problems. The piece that follows is full of guidance about dealing with snoring.

In order to minimize snoring, keep a normal, healthy body weight. Body weight may not always exacerbate snoring; however, if there is extra fat within the neck area, your airways could be constricted and this does lead to snoring. If your snoring gets worse after gaining a few pounds, losing them may help.

If you are prone to snoring, adjust your meal schedule. Consume a small dinner in the early evening. Don?t eat rich or fatty foods, including dairy, as they can increase the mucus in your nose and throat. Drink a cup of tea with a little honey before going to bed, as this will relax your throat.

You can fight back against your snoring issues through specially-targeted exercises. Studies have shown that a few simple exercises will help to build your throat muscles, stopping your airway from collapsing as you sleep. Talk to your doctor about making these exercises a part of your daily routine.

You may have luck using essential oils to reduce your snoring. Oils like eucalyptus and peppermint can help open up clogged nasal passages. They allow you to breathe more easily, which helps to alleviate any snoring issues. Try them out when you get a little congested in the future.

Consuming a smaller meal at dinnertime may lead to a reduction in snoring. Large meals that are eaten too close to sleep fill the stomach. This can cause the diaphragm to rise and put pressure near the throat. This can cause breathing problems that contribute to snoring. Snoring is often caused by reduced airflow through a narrow throat.

Below are some tips you can use to help you or a family memeber quit snoring. Sleeping on your back can contribute heavily to snoring issues, so try this easy idea to encourage better sleeping habits. You can simply tape or sew ping-pong balls to the inside of the back of your sleeping garments. This encourages you to sleep on your side.

Visit your obstetrician, if you snore while pregnant. While it is very common for pregnant women to snore during their pregnancies, you should learn about how this problem can affect your baby and its oxygen levels. Therefore, it is important to visit your physician as soon as snoring occurs to rule out any issues that may harm your unborn child.

For serious treatment for your snoring problems, you can inquire about mandibular advancement appliances with your doctor or dentist. These devices are positioned in your mouth snuggly against your upper teeth and lower teeth. As their name indicates, these appliances move the jaw forward a little and can help reduce snoring.

Many times just changing the position that you sleep in can eliminate snoring. Sleeping on your back is the worst position if you want to stop snoring. What happens is, your tissue and muscles in your throat fall because they?re relaxed. Sleeping on your side will prevent this from happening, and can bring a quieter and more restful night of sleep.

Do not eat a lot before bed. If your stomach is filled with excess food, it will push on your diaphragm. This has the unfortunate effect of constricting your airway, which leads to snoring. You should them eat several hours prior to bed.

Check medications that could cause snoring, if you snore. Many prescription medications can cause mucosal membranes to become dried-out, which then leads to swelling and impeded airflow. Other types of medication will sedate you to the point that your throat muscles give out, allowing your airway to collapse completely.

Most people who snore are unaware that they do, until someone tells them. It may be embarrassing finding out you snore, and it could also be a sign of internal issues. If you are a snorer, use this advice to control it as quickly as possible.

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Source: http://www.healthcarecenteradvice.com/2012/12/09/is-snoring-affecting-you-then-try-these-tips-2/

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