75 Affirmations for Self Improvement | Life in Small Bites

MAY 4TH, 2011, AUTHOR: STEVEN HANDEL, CATEGORIES:?PSYCHOLOGY

Neurons that fire together wire together. So the more we practice having thoughts or beliefs that benefit our well-being, the more naturally those thoughts and beliefs will play themselves out in our everyday life.

Affirmations are one way to develop new beliefs that can eventually become second-nature. Every morning or evening we can repeat these affirmations with a clear and focused mind, and with practice these beliefs can take hold inside our brains.

One caveat, however, is to make sure that the affirmations you repeat to yourself are congruent with reality, and aligned with your core values. I?ve seen many people come up with delusional affirmations and then attempt to ingrain them into their minds. Even when they do succeed, those beliefs can be detrimental.

Please be aware of the meaning and intention behind the affirmation before you decide to ?program it? into your mind.

The following is just a list of suggestions on some of the affirmations you may want to practice. Feel free to use the ones you think will benefit you, and disregard the ones you disagree with. Hopefully this list can also motivate you to think of some unique affirmations of your own.

I recommend only practicing 1 or 2 affirmations at a time. And the affirmations you choose to practice should largely depend on your current goals in self-improvement.

?

75 Affirmations for Self Improvement

1. Everyday, in every way, I am getting better and better.

2. Every failure can be a learning experience.

3. Live in the present moment.

4. I create value in other peoples? lives.

5. I am always changing.

6. I am worthy of positive relationships in my life.

7. I wish the best for everyone.

8. I learn something new everyday.

9. I am genuinely interested in other people.

10. I have many strengths.

11. I don?t worry about the things I can?t control.

12. Listening to my emotions can help guide me to make better decisions.

13. My anxiety is motivation to change or improve.

14. I can overcome obstacles in my life.

15. I am a positive role model to others.

16. I will try something different today.

17. Stepping outside of my comfort zone is necessary for growth.

18. People are generally good.

19. I forgive anyone who has hurt me in the past.

20. I have a rich and supportive social circle.

21. What doesn?t kill me only makes me stronger.

22. My past is one big learning experience.

23. I must be the change I wish to see in the world.

24. I will try to be more understanding of others.

25. Depression is just a stepping stone.

26. This too shall pass.

27. I can find happiness in every moment.

28. I?m a proactive problem-solver.

29. When I open my mind and senses, I?m much more creative.

30. I can create my own positive energy.

31. When people get to know me, they really like me.

32. Just do it.

33. I can see the bigger picture.

34. I see money as a useful tool for helping myself and others.

35. I take small steps everyday to be more healthy.

36. I?m dedicated to my passions in life.

37. I have the resources to take care of my family.

38. My negative emotions can serve a positive function.

39. I determine the meaning of my life.

40. Every decision I make helps shape my destiny.

41. No risk, no reward.

42. I remain focused on what matters.

43. I participate in life, I don?t wait for it to happen.

44. I will be more conscious when acting and making decisions.

45. I can think rationally and intelligently.

46. I?m dedicated to self improvement.

47. I treat others with kindness and respect.

48. If I want something I?ve never had, I must do something I?ve never done.

49. I know when to relax and not take life so seriously.

50. Nature doesn?t hurry, yet all is accomplished.

51. I can accept criticism without taking it personally.

52. I love and accept my body.

53. When I love myself, I allow others to love me too.

54. Most of the limitations in my life are fictional.

55. I narrate the story of my life.

56. I exude purpose and joy.

57. All is well, right here, right now.

58. Today, I open my mind to the endless opportunities surrounding me.

59. I am grateful for the people in my life.

60. I am my own best friend.

61. I can find balance in my life.

62. I am mindful of my health and well-being.

63. I exercise freedom in all aspects of my life.

64. I know when to trust my intuition.

65. I can gain knowledge in anything if I?m willing to learn.

66. I strive to achieve my goals and values in life.

67. I can only give happiness to others once I have found happiness in myself.

68. I?m optimistic about the future.

69. I have all the material luxury I need.

70. I?m thankful for everything in my life.

71. I?m interconnected with everything in the universe.

72. I?m productive in achieving what I want in life.

73. Small changes on a daily basis lead to big changes over time.

74. Most of the time there is nothing to fear.

75. When life gets tough, I can persist.

?

?

Source: http://lifeinsmallbites.com/75-affirmations-for-self-improvement/

world peace lakers colorectal cancer metta kashi neil diamond orange crush harden

Obama signs renewal of foreign surveillance law aimed at spies, terrorists (Star Tribune)

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

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/273959734?client_source=feed&format=rss

Opening ceremony London 2012 Google Fiber Olympics Schedule 2012 Olympic Medal Count 2012 Olympics 2012 Olympic Schedule 2012 NBC Olympics

Top 12 things that changed in 2012 in Financial Services | Articles

Change is everywhere. But what is striking about the change in the way money is being managed is that this change is accelerating. Financial regulators like RBI, SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA and NHB are bringing in a lot of changes ?in the field of investing, insurance, mutual funds and financial planning/advisory/ consulting.

However, these changes in how your money is managed better can only be effective if the end users are aware of the regulations/changes and act upon it. Here are the 12 changes that happened in 2012 in the field of investments, mutual funds, financial planning, insurance, etc.

Let us start with prominent changes in Banking brought in by RBI:

1. ?Banking Bill

The Bill, which was passed by Parliament on 19 December, is expected to pave the way for more banks in India, the first time after 2003. The newest banks as of now are Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd and Yes Bank Ltd. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to come up with the banking licence guidelines in January 2013. New banks would bring in more competition, a positive for consumers. Last year, when RBI deregulated the interest rate on savings account, Kotak Mahindra and Yes Bank, took the initiative to increase deposit rates.

2. ?No prepayment fee on floating rate home loan

Banks cannot charge a penalty on prepayment of home loans that are on floating interest rates. This move was to reduce the discrimination of rates offered to existing and new borrowers. It also encourages healthy competition among banks resulting in finer pricing of floating rate home loans. Earlier, banks used to charge 2-4% of the loan outstanding as early repayment charges, which forced customers to stick with existing lenders. However, prepayment penalty continues on fixed rate home loans. Even teaser loan customers, who pay a fixed rate only for a particular number of years, are not free of this penalty.

3. ?Aadhaar as KYC

With all banks now accepting Aadhaar cards as a proof of identity as well as address for opening bank savings accounts, the confusion on the card being used as a know-your-client proof is finally over. However, the card or letter can be used as an address proof only if the address on the Aadhaar letter is the same as the actual residential address that is given for communication and other purposes. So, you won?t need documents such as your Permanent Account Number, driving licence or passport if you have your Aadhaar card in place. This is seen a step in the direction of financial inclusion.

Here are the changes that happened in the stock markets:

4. ?RGESS

The government introduced the idea of Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS), 2012, to encourage retail participation in the capital market. While the initial idea was to get investors interested in direct equity, eventually a certain category of mutual funds was also included. Under the scheme, new investors with annual income up to Rs.10 lakh can invest up to Rs.50,000 to be eligible for a tax break. The capital markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), has asked stock exchanges and assets management companies to list the eligible stocks, exchange-traded funds and schemes on their website.

5. ?IPO allotment

Non-allotment of shares in popular public issues is a common crib of retail investors. To address the issue, Sebi decided to modify the allotment system in such a way that a large number of retail applicants, subject to availability of shares, will get the minimum bid lot. For example, in an issue that is oversubscribed, the system will first allot the minimum bid lot to all retail investors. However, the new system will not be of use in case the issue is not oversubscribed and in cases where the issue is highly oversubscribed and shares on offer are not sufficient to fulfil even the minimum lot criteria.

6. ?Draft regulations on financial advisors

SEBI is differentiating between advisors and agents. The advisor is supposed to give advice on the basis of the needs of their customers and give product recommendations only. The agents are the ones who will actually distribute the financial products for a commission. Though the regulations are in the draft stage, it is important to be able to differentiate between a fee based advisor and a commission based agent.

7. ?High cost

Mutual funds (MFs) can now charge higher expenses if they go in the tier 3/4 towns. According to Sebi, if an MF gets at least 30% gross new inflows in the scheme or at least 15% of its assets from ?beyond top 15 cities?, whichever is higher, the fund house will be allowed to charge an additional 30 basis points to the total expense ratio. MFs will be allowed to charge another 20 basis points as exit load charges since exit load collections from investors will now be directly credited to schemes. Most fund houses have already hiked charges.

8. ?Another KYC

Effective 30 November 2012, the new know-your-customer (KYC) norms came into effect. If you had done your KYC by 2011, you will now need to do an in-person verification (IPV). Simply put, your distributor or fund house?whoever does your KYC?will need to physically verify your identity and that you are alive. If you do not do your IPV, you won?t be allowed to invest in any fund house afresh. In other words, until you get your IPV done, you will not be allowed to invest in fund houses other than those in which you are already invested in.

9. ?Draft direct plan for mutual funds

All Mutual Fund AMCs are expected to bring out a "Direct Plan" version of their schemes from January 1, 2013. This direct plan will have a lower expense ratio as there is no payout for the advisor/agent as it is being bought by the customers directly. More details are yet to come.

10. ?Insurance Product reforms

2012 saw deliberations on product design of insurance policies, especially traditional insurance-cum-investment plans that are opaque in terms of costs structure. In its draft guidelines, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) has proposed that traditional plans with unbundled cost structure will have to conform to costs caps the way unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) do. The finance bill 2012 increased the sum assured to 10 times the annual premiums (the earlier limit was five times) for the policies to enjoy tax benefits on contributions under section 80C and on maturity under section 10(10D) of the Income-tax Act. In order to fast-track product clearance, the industry is also working on standard products that do not have in-built riders or explicit guarantees or innovative features.

11. ?Bank as insurance brokers

After the finance minister suggested that banks wanting to sell policies of multiple insurers should consider becoming insurance brokers, the draft on bancassurance formulated in November 2011 was modified to include the suggestion. According to the latest draft, banks have three options: to continue tying up with one insurer across the country; have limited tie-ups across states; or to become an insurance broker.

12. ?Draft rules on health insurance

The draft guidelines on health insurance policies propose that all health policies should be renewable for lifetime. The draft also states that once the pricing is approved, the premium shouldn?t be changed for at least a year and after that not without proper justification. The guidelines also ask insurers to provide a premium table (showing stages of loading) so that the policyholder gets an idea about the likely increase in premium at the time of buying the policy. The draft also proposes an outer limit of 30 days to settle health insurance claims.

Please Search Here for more stories of your interest. Thanks.

Subscribe to our feed and get updates in your email inbox Send your feedback and any questions to editor@personalfinance201.com. Thanks.

Source: http://personalfinance201.com/Articles/top-12-things-that-changed-in-2012-in-financial-services.html

boston globe google maps 8 bit mirror mirror robyn texas relays meniscus the colony

If cut, fiscal deal will pale against expectations

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Whether negotiated in a rush before the new year or left for early January, the fiscal deal President Barack Obama and Congress cobble together will be far smaller than what they initially envisioned as an alternative to purposefully distasteful tax increases and spending cuts.

Instead, their deal, if a deal they indeed cut, will put off some big decisions about tax and entitlement changes and leave other deadlines in place that will likely lead to similar moments of brinkmanship, some in just a matter of weeks.

Republican and Democratic negotiators in the Senate were hoping for a deal as early as Sunday on what threshold to set for increased tax rates, whether to keep current inheritance tax rates and exemptions and how to pay for jobless benefits and avoid cuts in Medicare payments to doctors.

An agreement would halt automatic across-the-board tax increases for virtually every American and perhaps temporarily put off some steep spending cuts in defense and domestic programs.

Gone, however, is the talk of a grand deal that would tackle broad spending and revenue demands and set the nation on a course to lower deficits. Obama and Republican House Speaker John Boehner were once a couple hundred billion dollars apart of a deal that would have reduced the deficit by more than $2 trillion over ten years.

Republicans have complained that Obama has demanded too much in tax revenue and hasn't proposed sufficient cuts or savings in the nation's massive health care programs.

In an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, Obama upped the pressure on Republicans to negotiate a fiscal deal, arguing that GOP leaders have rejected his past attempts to strike a bigger and more comprehensive bargain.

"The offers that I've made to them have been so fair that a lot of Democrats get mad at me," Obama said.

The interview was taped Saturday while aides to the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., were engaged in negotiations in the Capitol in hopes of having something to present senators as early as Sunday.

"I was modestly optimistic yesterday, but we don't yet see an agreement," Obama said, referring to his mood Friday. "And now the pressure's on Congress to produce."

The trimmed ambitions of today are a far cry from the upbeat bipartisan rhetoric of just six weeks ago, when the leadership of Congress went to the White House to set the stage for negotiations to come.

"I outlined a framework that deals with reforming our tax code and reforming our spending," Boehner said as the leaders gathered on the White House driveway on Nov. 16.

"We understand that it has to be about cuts, it has to be about revenue, it has to be about growth, it has to be about the future," House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said at the time. "I feel confident that a solution may be in sight."

And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., offered a bold prediction: "There is no more let's do it some other time. We are going to do it now."

That big talk is over for now.

Senate negotiators were haggling over what threshold of income to set as the demarcation between current tax rates and higher tax rates. They were negotiating over estate limits and tax levels, how to extend unemployment benefits, how to prevent cuts in Medicare payments to doctors and how to keep a minimum income tax payment designed for the rich from hitting about 28 million middle class taxpayers.

But the deal was not meant to settle other outstanding issues, including more than $1 trillion in cuts over 10 years, divided equally between the Pentagon and other government spending. The deal also would not address an extension of the nation's borrowing limit, which the government is on track to reach any day but which the Treasury can put off through accounting measures for about two months.

That means Obama and the Congress are already on a new collision path. Republicans say they intend to use the debt ceiling as leverage to extract more spending cuts from the president. Obama has been adamant that unlike 2011, when the country came close to defaulting on its debts, he will not yield to those Republican demands.

As the day ended Saturday, there were few signs of success on a scaled-back deal. But no one was declaring a stalemate either.

Lawmakers have until the new Congress convenes to pass any compromise, and even the calendar mattered. Democrats said they had been told House Republicans might reject a deal until after Jan. 1, to avoid a vote to raise taxes before they had technically gone up, and then vote to cut taxes after they had risen.

Republicans said they were willing to bow to Obama's call for higher taxes on the wealthy as part of a deal to prevent them from rising on those less well-off.

Democrats said Obama was sticking to his campaign call for tax increases above $250,000 in annual income, even though he said in recent negotiations he said he could accept $400,000. There was no evidence of agreement even at the higher level.

Obama, who once proposed nearly $1.6 trillion in tax revenue over 10 years, would get about half of that if he succeeded in getting a $250,000 threshold over 10 years. At a $400,000 level, the revenue figure drops to about $600 billion over a decade.

Republicans want to leave the estate tax at 35 percent after exempting the first $5 million in estate value. Officials said the White House wants a 45 percent tax after a $3.5 million exemption. Without any action by Congress, it would climb to a 55 percent tax after a $1 million exemption on Jan. 1. Obama's proposal would generate more than $100 billion in additional revenue over 10 years.

Democrats stressed their unwillingness to make concessions on both income taxes and the estate tax, and hoped Republicans would choose which mattered more to them.

Associated Press writer David Espo contributed to this article

Follow Jim Kuhnhenn on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jkuhnhenn

___

Associated Press writer David Espo contributed to this article.

___

Follow Jim Kuhnhenn on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jkuhnhenn

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cut-fiscal-deal-pale-against-expectations-140658299--politics.html

the lone ranger yu darvish mad cow pennsylvania primary jerome simpson hand sanitizer obama on jimmy fallon

TheFraise is watching Community

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://getglue.com/conversation/TheFraise/2012-12-30T16%3A53%3A44Z

George Bush weather.com After Christmas Sales 2012 Charles Durning Webster Ny amber alert Mcdonalds

Teen songwriter with cancer is YouTube sensation

LAKELAND, Minn. - Aspiring musicians are always on a mission to get their music heard. Zach Sobiech now has that covered.

Zach's song "Clouds" -- posted on YouTube in November -- has already been viewed nearly 1.5 million times.

For any other artist that might portend a bright future, but Zach wrote the song as a message to those he loves about his terminal cancer.

"That was kind of just like a cry for help honestly," said Zach from the bedroom of his home in Lakeland. "I needed someone to drop a rope down to me."

Zach was starting his senior year at Stillwater High School this past fall -- out of treatment options for his Osteosarcoma -- and listening to his classmates talk about college plans, while Zach was unsure if he'd live long enough to even go.

When she first heard "Clouds," Zach's childhood friend Sammy Brown was struck by the song's cheery melody, married to lyrics that pulled no punches.

"The song was kind of a way to communicate to me and to everybody in his life. What he was going through," Sammy said.

Radio station KS95 arranged for a studio and musicians to record the song, with Zach doing vocals.

No one expected what followed.

Spread by both old and new media, "Clouds" has not only piled up YouTube views, but has inspired several tributes on the video sharing site, including one from an entire elementary school class.

Supportive notes have arrived at the Sobiech home from all over the world, among them, autographed photos from Dolly Parton and John Elway.

The Green Bay Packers sent a box filled with Packers' memorabilia and a signed photo of Aaron Rodgers. While Zach appreciated the gesture, he left the Rodgers photo in the box for now. He is, after all, a die-hard Vikings fan.

Money has also poured in to the cancer fund Zach's set up through the Children's Cancer Research Fund. Already, $50,000 dollars has been raised through donations and downloads of Zach's song.

Zach's parents, Laura and Rob Sobiech, never imagined the song would find an audience beyond Zach's circle of family and friends.

They have, however, come to understand its appeal.

"He didn't really hide anything with this song and I think that's what people connect to. This kid isn't hiding where he's at," said Zach's dad.

Zach's prognosis is not good -- a few months perhaps, doctors have told him. Still, he applied for, and was granted admission into, the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2013.

And until then, Zach is enjoying his time with his high school classmates and his new-found success as a songwriter.

"My situation might not get better, but the fact that I can affect other people's lives while I'm here in a good way, by writing, that just means the world to me," he said.

These are the lyrics to "Clouds" - written by Zack Sobiech:

Well I fell down, down, down
Into this dark and lonely hole
There was no one there to care about me anymore
And I needed a way to climb and grab a hold of the edge
You were sitting there holding a rope.
And we'll go up, up, up
But I'll fly a little higher
We'll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won't be long now, it won't be long now.
When I get back on land
Well I'll never get my chance
Be ready to live and it'll be ripped right out of my hands
Maybe someday we'll take a little ride
We'll go up, up, up and everything will be just fine.
And we'll go up, up, up
But I'll fly a little higher
We'll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear.
It won't be long now, it won't be long now
If only I had a little bit more time
If only I had a little bit more time with you.
We could go up, up, up
And take that little ride
And sit there holding hands
And everything would be just right
And maybe someday I'll see you again
We'll float up in the clouds and we'll never see the end.
And we'll go up, up, up
But I'll fly a little higher
We'll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won't be long now, it won't be long now.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/50324447/ns/local_news-minneapolis_st_paul_mn/

pope joan paul pierce strawberry festival knicks strikeforce tate vs rousey ciaa the monkees

Celebrate Health and Fitness | Gwynspiration for Weight Loss

By Gwyn E, Friday at 3:28 pm

Today marks my 1 year anniversary of joining my fitness club.? I took a picture of my first day.? I'm always motivated by seeing remarkable transformation pictures and hearing stories of real people.? I decided to put together a recap of my year of working out.
I remember going to the store to try to find a sports bra.? I was frustrated because I was only able to find small sizes.? I thought to myself, what only skinny people can work out and they don't have a lot up top to worry about anyways.? I went to three different stores and found my xxl purple sports bra at Kohls.? I felt like I struck gold.
I joined the fitness club by myself and dressed to work out that day.? I had shoes that were not proper gym shoes but I made the best out of them.? The staff member gave me a tour and she was surprised when I said I was ready to work out now.? I got on the Elliptical for 20 minutes.? I recall joints hurting and being out of breath.? I also recall my heart pounding in my throat.? In two months, I followed up with my doctor and was put on high blood pressure medication.? I was able to get off of high blood pressure medication in 6 months cause of my weightloss. My joints stopped hurting over time. I scheduled working out every day during the week and drew a smiley face when I accomplished my goal.

To keep me motivated, I posted my gym picture on facebook.? It was kind of like an accoutability check in.? I had friends join the fitness club too, but we never worked out together.? People on facebook were so supportive and encouraging.

I met new friends there and we cheered each other on with work outs.? I was able to do a group fitness workout with my new friends.? I loved it and felt like I had a new family.? I still feel that way today.? My fitness club were so excited about my results that I got to tell my story on a you tube video on how I lost 70lbs.? Having that experience made me want to work harder on my goals.? I make fitness a priority because I have seen great results.? I have seen results in my mood, stability, flexibility, strength and endurance.? I had to work up to a 30 min cardio and 30 min weights routine.? It didn't happen over night.

If your looking to feel better about yourself and lose weight: start small (at least 10 mins of activity every other day) and schedule it in your phone or on your calendar.? Tell others of your plan and ask them to check up on you.? Then over time increase your time.? You don't have to join a gym to get fit.? On youtube you can find free work outs and some local libraries have free work out DVDs.? I also have seen Family Video carry free workout DVDs.? Walking in place while watching TV is a good start or while you talk on the phone.? I use to do water aerobics at my park district.? I maintained my weight back then because my eating habits were unhealthy.? Working out is only 20% of weightloss.? You need a solid healthy eating routine too.? I mentioned in my last post to start writing down what you ate.? How is that going??

Now start adding more fruits and veggies to your eating habits.? You can do it!? You are worth it and deserve to be healthy.

Source: http://www.chicagonow.com/gwynspiration-weight-loss/2012/12/celebrate-health-and-fitness/

camp david hawaii weather the jerk lake havasu halo 4 jewel san francisco earthquake

The Best E-Mail Marketing Guide on the Internet | One Way Links ...

Marketing emails have been around almost as long as the Internet. Successful strategies can make email marketing a vital component of your promotion techniques. Read on into this article for ideas you can use to enrich people?s lives and your own pockets.

It is good to ask individuals who want to get your emails to opt-in twice. While it may seem cumbersome, it solidifies their interest in your emails, and will prevent any issues with spam issues and complaints.

When people first sign up for your mailings, have a spot to at least get their first name. This allows you to personalize the message to each subscriber. Also, the reader will be able to see your email amongst others.

Keep subject lines to a minimum of 60 characters. A lot of email clients will cut off long email subjects. Other email clients are simply incapable of displaying a longer subject. Most subscribers decide with no more than 60 characters whether they will read or delete your message regardless.

Your subject line should be interesting and informative. The subject title needs to make a strong first impression and a clever title can entice the reader to click. Once the reader opens your message, they will continue reading.

Make sure you have permission to send emails to your subscribers. When you do not use an opt-in method for emails, you destroy trust and credibility with your existing and potential customers. This will have negative effects on your business as a whole. Certain ISPs may even choose to blacklist you; this can cause a major problem, dampening your business and campaign.

Use email previewers to your advantage when using pretenders. Pretenders are just the beginning line of text that comes from the body of the email that is highlighted at the very top. Email clients such as Gmail display pretenders after the subject, which is an attention-getter.

Email marketing campaigns are so commonplace, that most individuals have witnessed one before. It?s pretty much a way for a company to market to its customers using email messages. When utilized properly, the gains from this type of campaign can be astounding. Just make proper use of the tips you have seen here and build on your success.

Go to offline email cash review page to find out more.

Related posts:

• Simple Solutions To Becoming An Effective Email Marketer The message you send out in your marketing email messages should be specific to the group you are trying to reach. This is the best way to ensure email marketing success. By focusing on the specific needs of the customer group, your message will be more concise and will bring better results. The following hints and tips can help you create emails that will be effective for any type of customer....
• Suggestions for Email Advertising If you nonetheless have not skilled how and why the email advertising technique is a good help for the business, you should understand that there are important practices which you should be doing in order to make all correct....
• Tips For Becoming Successful At Email Marketing Each marketing campaign should be specifically geared towards the intended audience. When you match your email message to the customer's wants, you are more likely to make a sale. This article has some great tips for customizing every email to individual groups of subscribers....
• Email Marketing Campaigns Are Part Art And Part Science. You'll find that learning email marketing can be tricky. It's part art and part science to get it right....
• Follow Up Promoting with E-mail E-mail gives you an extremely efficient and cheap way of sending your message out to customers and clients. And the simplicity and the excellent value that you can achieve using email as your major follow-up method is unrivaled....

Source: http://blog.onewaylinksite.com/the-best-e-mail-marketing-guide-on-the-internet/

ann curry euro 2012 Colorado Springs pga tour Nora Ephron mario balotelli mario balotelli

At-risk Youth in Honduras Get Education, Arts, and Entertainment ...

Recently, Rolando Padilla, 16, was met with standing ovation as part of the theatre group that performed The Wizard of Oz at Teatro Manuel Bonilla, the most important cultural center in Honduras.

Bu,t before 2008, Padilla was living in the Villafranca neighborhood, some miles west of Honduras?s capital, Tegucigalpa. Villafranca is notorious for its infiltration by several gangs, such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Mara 18.

In 2008, Padilla joined the Comprehensive Pilot Program to Combat Urban Poverty (PPICPU). Run by the Ministry of Finance and a part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (ERP), this program employs art as a tool for social inclusion, for building children?s self-esteem, and for encouraging family involvement.

One of PPICPU?s main objectives was to provide a creative platform for poor children so that they could stay off the streets and not get involved in gang activities. Today, children like Padilla take classes in various art forms in addition to regular school education.

At least 61.9% of Honduras?s 8.2 million people live under the poverty line. Poor children often wash car windows and do odd jobs to be able to buy food. But PPICPU?s efforts have brought such children together to experience respectable creative lives and dream of professions instead of foraging for basic nourishment.

The PPICPU organizes its activities around age groups:

• Children between one and six years of age benefit from early learning services, nutritional services, school materials, and meals under the Comprehensive Care Pilot Program. The program takes 150 children each year.
• Children between seven and 14 years of age learn dance, music, visual arts, and theater. They also get meals, computer classes, and psychological care. This Complementary Cultural Care Pilot Program serves 350 children each year.
• Children between 14 and 18 years have access to lessons in dressmaking, cosmetology, carpentry, electricity, mechanics, refrigeration, and baking. This Technical Training Pilot Program serves 200 children each year.

Working on an annual budget of US $414,500, the PPICPU has progressed from taking children off the streets into an initiative to cultivate and train professional artists.

Jacqueline Duarte, the general coordinator of PPICPU, says the results of the initiative are obvious: 80% of students between seven and 14 years of age gain admission to the National Academy of Music, the National Academy of Dance, and the National Academy of Theater, while 60% of students excel in their performances in regular school.

Ronaldo Padilla is one such star theater student among the many successfully?groomed?by the PPICPU.

-?Mantra Roy

Source: http://www.openequalfree.org/at-risk-youth-in-honduras-get-education-arts-and-entertainment/18983

lindsay lohan saturday night live snl lindsay lohan valley fever project x the lorax lorax fisker karma

Video: Second-term challenges ahead for Obama

UFO-shaped gas station among this year's 'Preservation Wins'

It?s a travel itinerary as eclectic as they come: From a gas station shaped like a UFO, to an inn once proclaimed one of the most magnificent hotels in the country, to mystical rock pillars that fascinated an ancient culture. Put them all together and you have part of a collection that may make history buffs smile and explorers reach for their maps.

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/hardball/50307348/

Turkey Cooking Time Kmart Black Friday PlanetSide 2 Alexis DeJoria danica patrick sweet potato casserole turkey

Reaction to death of Norman Schwarzkopf

Reaction to the death Thursday of retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf:

___

"With the passing of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, we've lost an American original. From his decorated service in Vietnam to the historic liberation of Kuwait and his leadership of United States Central Command, Gen. Schwarzkopf stood tall for the country and Army he loved. Our prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family, who tonight can know that his legacy will endure in a nation that is more secure because of his patriotic service." ? President Barack Obama.

___

"Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation. A distinguished member of that 'Long Gray Line' hailing from West Point, Gen. Norm Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomized the 'duty, service, country' creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises. More than that, he was a good and decent man ? and a dear friend. Barbara and I send our condolences to his wife, Brenda, and his wonderful family." ? former President George H.W. Bush.

___

"With the passing of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, America lost a great patriot and a great soldier. Norm served his country with courage and distinction for over 35 years. The highlight of his career was the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm. 'Stormin' Norman' led the coalition forces to victory, ejecting the Iraqi Army from Kuwait and restoring the rightful government. His leadership not only inspired his troops, but also inspired the nation. He was a good friend of mine, a close buddy. I will miss him. My wife, Alma, joins me in extending our deepest condolences to his wife, Brenda, and to her family." ? former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

___

"The men and women of the Department of Defense join me in mourning the loss of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, whose 35 years of service in uniform left an indelible imprint on the United States military and on the country. The son of a decorated Army officer, Gen. Schwarzkopf followed his father's legacy of service by enrolling in West Point in the 1950s. His bravery during two tours in Vietnam earned him three Silver Stars, and set him on the path lead our troops into battle in Grenada, and then to take charge of the overall allied effort in the first Gulf War as commander of United States Central Command. Gen. Schwarzkopf's skilled leadership of that campaign liberated the Kuwaiti people and produced a decisive victory for the allied coalition. In the aftermath of that war, Gen. Schwarzkopf was justly recognized as a brilliant strategist and inspiring leader. Today, we recall that enduring legacy and remember him as one of the great military giants of the 20th century. My thoughts and prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family in this time of sadness and grief." ? Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

___

"I was saddened to learn today of the passing of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, a fellow West Point graduate, former CENTCOM commander and one of the 20th century's finest soldiers and leaders. I join the civilian and military leaders of our country, and servicemen and women, past and present, in mourning his death. Gen. Schwarzkopf embodied the warrior spirit, serving with distinction in three conflicts over his 35 years of dedicated service. The hallmark of his remarkable career was the swift and decisive victory over Saddam Hussein's forces after they invaded Kuwait. The thoughts and prayers of the Joint Chiefs and the Joint Force are with Gen. Schwarzkopf's family and friends." ? Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-12-27-Obit-Schwarzkopf-Reaction/id-1271f3872e144ba0914f0c9ff22c9415

international womens day joe the plumber lra lra eric johnson eric johnson big east tournament

Childhood Obesity Rates Declining in the US According to New Study

A national study? conducted by the Centers for Disease? Control and Prevention has found that obesity is declining among 2 to 4 year olds from low income families. If this trend continues then parents and health advocates like myself are doing the right thing and childhood obesity has finally passed its peak.

Researchers used height and weight measurements taken from 27 million children who were participating in the federal Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) from 1998 to 2010.? The obesity rates among those children declined to 14.9 percent in 2010.

According to the report a 3-year-old-boy of average height (about 3 feet), is obese if he weighs 37 pounds or more and and extremely obese if he weighs 44 pounds or more.

?The declines we?re presenting here are pretty modest, but it is a change in direction,? said Heidi M. Blanck, one of the study?s authors and the acting director of the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity at the disease centers. ?We were going up before. And this data shows we?re going down. For us, that?s pretty exciting.?

There are several different theories as to why childhood obesity is on the decline. Breast feeding has increased since 2000.? Breast milk is the best nutrition for infants 12 months and under and is proven to help children obtain a healthier weight. The Federal Trade Commission found that companies are spending less money on food marketing to children, which may also have a positive impact on childhood obesity rates. Data from 48 major food and beverage marketers also found that cereals marketed to children ages 2 to 11 had about a gram less sugar per serving in 2009 than in 2006 and slightly more whole grain. The WIC program also made significant changes and is providing more funding for fresh produce and less for sugary juice beverages.?

I am hopeful that we are winning this fight against childhood obesity in the United States.? Federal programs like, Let's Move and WIC are doing an excellent job educating families on the importance of feeding their children healthy and nutritious foods.? The food and beverage industry is offering healthier products with less sugar.? Educational materials including books, websites, social media, and PSA are more readily available to families of all income levels.? Our society needs to make these changes permanent. The future of our children depends on it.

Cascia Talbert is a busy blogger, publisher, freelance writer, online merchant and mother of five children, living in The Pacific Northwest. With a B.A. in history and law and a passion for writing and staying healthy, she started The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007. The Healthy Moms Magazine is currently ranked the top health blog for moms and features several health expert writers and mom bloggers. Ms. Talbert believes that if mothers are well educated on health issues and how to stay healthy, they can pass that information down to their children and reverse the childhood obesity statistics in the U.S.

Ms. Talbert is a featured health blogger at Wellsphere.com and her articles can also be found on ezinearticles.com. She also runs the Healthy Moms Social Network on Ning, is the Chief Marketing Officer for Talbert Nutrition LLC,? and is on the Social Media Advisory Board for America's Wellness Challenge. Follow her on Google+.
Did you find this information helpful? Click Here to show your support for The Healthy Moms Magazine. ?

Source: http://www.thehealthymoms.net/2012/12/childhood-obesity-rates-declining-in-us.html

daylight savings time 2012 Where To Vote james harden breeders cup Mitch Lucker Red Cross CMA Awards 2012

Desert Storm commander Norman Schwarzkopf dies

FILE - In this April 22, 1991 file photo, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf waves to the crowd after a military band played a song in his honor at welcome home ceremonies at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. Schwarzkopf died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. He was 78. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

FILE - In this April 22, 1991 file photo, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf waves to the crowd after a military band played a song in his honor at welcome home ceremonies at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. Schwarzkopf died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. He was 78. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

FILE - In this July 4, 1991 file photo, President George Bush congratulates Desert Storm commander Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf after presenting him with the medal of freedom at the White House in Washington. Schwarzkopf died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. He was 78. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 1991 file photo, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of U.S. troops in the Gulf, gazes from the window of his small jet on his way out to visit U.S. troops in the desert in Saudi Arabia. Schwarzkopf died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. He was 78. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 12, 1991 file photo, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf stands at ease with his tank troops during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. Schwarzkopf died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. He was 78. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 14, 1990 file photo, U.S. Army Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, answers questions during an interview in Riyadh. Schwarzkopf died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. He was 78. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Truth is, retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf didn't care much for his popular "Stormin' Norman" nickname.

The seemingly no-nonsense Desert Storm commander's reputed temper with aides and subordinates supposedly earned him that rough-and-ready moniker. But others around the general, who died Thursday in Tampa, Fla., at age 78 from complications from pneumonia, knew him as a friendly, talkative and even jovial figure who preferred the somewhat milder sobriquet given by his troops: "The Bear."

That one perhaps suited him better later in his life, when he supported various national causes and children's charities while eschewing the spotlight and resisting efforts to draft him to run for political office.

He lived out a quiet retirement in Tampa, where he'd served his last military assignment and where an elementary school bearing his name is testament to his standing in the community.

Schwarzkopf capped an illustrious military career by commanding the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991 ? but he'd managed to keep a low profile in the public debate over the second Gulf War against Iraq, saying at one point that he doubted victory would be as easy as the White House and the Pentagon predicted.

Schwarzkopf was named commander in chief of U.S. Central Command at Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base in 1988, overseeing the headquarters for U.S. military and security concerns in nearly two dozen countries stretching across the Middle East to Afghanistan and the rest of central Asia, plus Pakistan.

When Saddam invaded Kuwait two years later to punish it for allegedly stealing Iraqi oil reserves, Schwarzkopf commanded Operation Desert Storm, the coalition of some 30 countries organized by President George H.W. Bush that succeeded in driving the Iraqis out.

At the peak of his postwar national celebrity, Schwarzkopf ? a self-proclaimed political independent ? rejected suggestions that he run for office, and remained far more private than other generals, although he did serve briefly as a military commentator for NBC.

While focused primarily on charitable enterprises in his later years, he campaigned for President George W. Bush in 2000, but was ambivalent about the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In early 2003 he told The Washington Post that the outcome was an unknown: "What is postwar Iraq going to look like, with the Kurds and the Sunnis and the Shiites? That's a huge question, to my mind. It really should be part of the overall campaign plan."

Initially Schwarzkopf had endorsed the invasion, saying he was convinced that Secretary of State Colin Powell had given the United Nations powerful evidence of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. After that proved false, he said decisions to go to war should depend on what U.N. weapons inspectors found.

He seldom spoke up during the conflict, but in late 2004 he sharply criticized Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and the Pentagon for mistakes that included erroneous judgments about Iraq and inadequate training for Army reservists sent there.

"In the final analysis I think we are behind schedule. ... I don't think we counted on it turning into jihad (holy war)," he said in an NBC interview.

Schwarzkopf was born Aug. 24, 1934, in Trenton, N.J., where his father, Col. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., founder and commander of the New Jersey State Police, was then leading the investigation of the Lindbergh kidnap case. That investigation ended with the arrest and 1936 execution of German-born carpenter Richard Hauptmann for murdering famed aviator Charles Lindbergh's infant son.

The elder Schwarzkopf was named Herbert, but when the son was asked what his "H'' stood for, he would reply, "H."

As a teenager Norman accompanied his father to Iran, where the elder Schwarzkopf trained the Iran's national police force and was an adviser to Reza Pahlavi, the young Shah of Iran.

Young Norman studied there and in Switzerland, Germany and Italy, then followed in his father's footsteps to West Point, graduating in 1956 with an engineering degree. After stints in the U.S. and abroad, he earned a master's degree in engineering at the University of Southern California and later taught missile engineering at West Point.

In 1966 he volunteered for Vietnam and served two tours, first as a U.S. adviser to South Vietnamese paratroops and later as a battalion commander in the U.S. Army's Americal Division. He earned three Silver Stars for valor ? including one for saving troops from a minefield ? plus a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and three Distinguished Service Medals.

While many career officers left military service embittered by Vietnam, Schwarzkopf was among those who opted to stay and help rebuild the tattered Army into a potent, modernized all-volunteer force.

After Saddam invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Schwarzkopf played a key diplomatic role by helping persuade Saudi Arabia's King Fahd to allow U.S. and other foreign troops to deploy on Saudi territory as a staging area for the war to come.

On Jan. 17, 1991, a five-month buildup called Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm as allied aircraft attacked Iraqi bases and Baghdad government facilities. The six-week aerial campaign climaxed with a massive ground offensive on Feb. 24-28, routing the Iraqis from Kuwait in 100 hours before U.S. officials called a halt.

Schwarzkopf said afterward he agreed with Bush's decision to stop the war rather than drive to Baghdad to capture Saddam, as his mission had been only to oust the Iraqis from Kuwait.

But in a desert tent meeting with vanquished Iraqi generals, he allowed a key concession on Iraq's use of helicopters, which later backfired by enabling Saddam to crack down more easily on rebellious Shiites and Kurds.

While he later avoided the public second-guessing by academics and think tank experts over the ambiguous outcome of the first Gulf War and its impact on the second Gulf War, he told The Washington Post in 2003, "You can't help but ... with 20/20 hindsight, go back and say, 'Look, had we done something different, we probably wouldn't be facing what we are facing today.'"

After retiring from the Army in 1992, Schwarzkopf wrote a best-selling autobiography, "It Doesn't Take A Hero." Of his Gulf War role, he said: "I like to say I'm not a hero. I was lucky enough to lead a very successful war." He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and honored with decorations from France, Britain, Belgium, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

Schwarzkopf was a national spokesman for prostate cancer awareness and for Recovery of the Grizzly Bear, served on the Nature Conservancy board of governors and was active in various charities for chronically ill children.

"I may have made my reputation as a general in the Army and I'm very proud of that," he once told The Associated Press. "But I've always felt that I was more than one-dimensional. I'd like to think I'm a caring human being. ... It's nice to feel that you have a purpose."

Schwarzkopf and his wife, Brenda, had three children: Cynthia, Jessica and Christian.

___

Stacy was the AP's Tampa, Fla., correspondent when he prepared this report on Schwarzkopf's life; he now reports from the AP bureau in Columbus, Ohio. Associated Press writers Richard Pyle in New York and Jay Lindsay in Boston contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-12-27-Obit-Schwarzkopf/id-72ab7f5b5f09452faf08876714945910

dakota fanning casey anthony video diary lamarcus aldridge justin timberlake engaged bluefin tuna jonestown carlos zambrano

Mom's Heartbreaking Video Goes Viral After Her Death | Radar Online

YouTube

By Debbie Emery - Radar Reporter

A dying mother's plea for help is being heard beyond the grave thanks to a video that went viral two months after she taped it and eight days after her death.

Jennifer Johnson, 30, of Cape Coral, Florida, recorded the heart-wrenching four minutes of footage in October using flashcards to tell the story of her rare heart condition, reported Fox 4 News.

PHOTOS: Celebs Who Died Young

As she fought back the tears, the mother-of-two revealed her fear of leaving behind her "heartbeats," and expressed that she was "too young," to die, while appealing for donations for serious dental work that she needed before her heart surgery could take place.

Johnson was diagnosed with a rare form of heart disease called hypertrophic obstructive cardio myopathy, which hardens the heart restricting blood flow, when she was engaged and five months pregnant with her second child. She had a pacemaker put in shortly after but months later doctors realized that one of the wires had become loose and she needed open heart surgery to fix it.

PHOTOS: A Look Back At The Celebrities We Lost In 2012

"She had a very big heart," said her husband, Robert Johnson. "She was a fighter and ready to tackle this head-on."

Jennifer was inspired by a viral YouTube video posted by Ben Breedlove, 18, who died last Christmas from the same condition but made a YouTube video with flashcards before his death that attracted 7 million views.

PHOTOS: Stars Who Died In Bizarre Ways

"She was very inspired by his story and it touched her," said her late husband, who is now left to raise their two young children, Mikayla, 3, and 18-month-old son Malykai, on his own.

The Florida mom's video raised just more than $440 which helped with the cost of the dental surgery.

PHOTOS: Celebrities Found Dead In Famous Hotels

She was cleared for the heart surgery on December 14 but suffered complications and died three days later.

RELATED STORIES:

Madonna Badger Mourns Her Children On Christmas Fire Anniversary, 'I Don't Know Why I Survived'

Madonna Badger's Devastation Over Xmas Fire, Thought She Was 'Going Nuts' After Having Visions Of Lost Daughters

Madonna Badger's Ex Husband Contemplated Murdering Her & Committing Suicide After Christmas Fire Tragedy

Madonna Badger: My Boyfriend Didn?t Start The Fire That Killed My Family

Source: http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/12/dying-moms-heartbreaking-video-viral-after-death

steelers scarlett johansson 49ers survivor tim tebow homeland homeland

?WIPRO Technologies? Joint Campus Placement Drive for 2013 ...

?WIPRO Technologies? Joint Campus Placement Drive for 2013 Batch On 16Jan@Chandigarh

Company Name: WIPRO Technologies
Website: www.wipro.com
Location: Chandigarh
Qualification: BCA/ BSc (All Science Graduates)
Experience: Freshrs
Job Title: Check DetailsCompany Profile:
Chandigarh Group of Colleges takes this opportunity to invite your prestigious institute to a ?WASE, WiSTA (with Maths) WiSTA (with or without Maths)? program being conducted by Wipro Technologies Ltd. for BCA & BSc students of 2013 passing out batch.

The details are as follows:
About the Company:
Wipro IT Business, a division of Wipro Limited, is amongst the largest global IT services and Product Engineering companies. In addition to the IT business, Wipro also has leadership position in niche market segments of consumer products and lighting solutions. The company has been listed since 1945 and started its technology business in 1980. Today, Wipro generates USD 6 billion (India GAAP figure 2009-10) of annual revenues. Its equity shares are listed in India on the Mumbai Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange; as well as on the New York Stock Exchange in the US. (Website: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.)

Job Description:
WASE:

• BCA Only
• Maths or Business Maths as a subject in 12th
• Standard is mandatory
• Should not have any Standing Arrears
• 10th + 12th + Graduation
  

WiSTA -with Maths:

• B.Sc (Computer Application/Computer Science / Information Technology/Physics/Maths/Statistics/Electronics) only.
• Maths or Business Maths as a subject in 12th
• Standard is mandatory
• Should not have any Standing Arrears
• 10th +12th + Graduation
  

WiSTA (with or without Maths)[?b]

• B.Sc ? Chemistry / Biology / Zoology / Botany / Biochemistry/ Microbiology/Biotechnology / Nutrition & Dietetics/Bioinformatics/ Visual Communication / Marine Biology / Marine Biotechnology / Home Science / Hotel Management & Food Technology / ISM (all these braches eligible with or without maths in 12th)
• WASE & WiSTA (with Maths) eligible streams who are not having Maths or Business Maths in 12th Standard are eligible for WiSTA
• Should not have any Standing Arrears Graduation ? 60%
• 10th +12th /Diploma + Graduation
  

[b]Package :
11,500 ? 1st Academic Year
14,000 ? 2nd Academic Year
19,000 ? 3rd Academic Year
23,000 ? 4th Academic Year
5 LPA ? After completion

Date :16th-Jan-2013 @ CGC Landran

How to Apply:
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

Source: http://uniqueminds.in/Thread-%E2%80%9CWIPRO-Technologies%E2%80%9D-Joint-Campus-Placement-Drive-for-2013-Batch-On-16Jan-Chandigarh

audacious pollen count mexico city first day of spring mexico earthquake aziz ansari aziz ansari

New MRI method may help diagnose dementia

Dec. 26, 2012 ? A new way to use MRI scans may help determine whether dementia is Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, according to new research published in the December 26, 2012, online issue of Neurology?, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) often have similar symptoms, even though the underlying disease process is much different.

"Diagnosis can be challenging," said study author Corey McMillan, PhD, of the Perelman School of Medicine and Frontotemporal Degeneration Center at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. "If the clinical symptoms and routine brain MR are equal, an expensive positron emission tomography (PET) scan might be needed. Or, a lumbar puncture, which involves inserting a needle into the spine, would be needed to help make the diagnosis. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid gives us reliable diagnostic information, but this is not something patients look forward to and is also expensive. Using this new MRI method is less expensive and definitely less invasive."

The study involved 185 people who had been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease consistent with Alzheimer's disease or FTLD and had a lumbar puncture and a high resolution MRI. Of the 185, the diagnosis was confirmed in 32 people either by autopsy or by determining that they had a genetic mutation associated with one of the diseases.

Researchers used the MRIs to predict the ratio of two biomarkers for the diseases in the cerebrospinal fluid, the proteins tau and beta-amyloid. The MRI prediction method was 75 percent accurate at identifying the correct diagnosis in those with pathology-confirmed diagnoses and those with biomarker levels obtained by lumbar punctures, which shows similar accuracy of the MRI and lumbar puncture methods.

"Developing a new method for diagnosis is important because potential treatments target the underlying abnormal proteins, so we need to know which disease to treat," McMillan said. "This could be used as a screening method and any borderline cases could follow up with the lumbar puncture or PET scan. This method would also be helpful in clinical trials where it may be important to monitor these biomarkers repeatedly over time to determine whether a treatment was working, and it would be much less invasive than repeated lumbar punctures."

The study was supported by the Wyncote Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

---

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

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

---

Journal Reference:

1. Corey T. McMillan, Brian Avants, David J. Irwin, Jon B. Toledo, David A. Wolk, Vivianna M. Van Deerlin, Leslie M. Shaw, John Q. Trojanoswki, and Murray Grossman. Can MRI screen for CSF biomarkers in neurodegenerative disease? Neurology, 2012 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e31827b9147

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

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/TCPiTqWAgQc/121226164102.htm

joe avezzano kanye west theraflu joey votto the masters live mega millions winner holy thursday chris stewart

Making Robots with Mass Appeal

Not so long ago, the idea of most people owning a robot seemed far-fetched. But today, not only can consumers buy robots, but they can do so relatively cheaply.

The world of consumer robotics is finally beginning to merge with the world of everyday people, and some products really stand out. But in this growing and cutting-edge field, what makes a robot commercially successful? TechNewsDaily spoke with two creators of successful consumer robots to find out how they make their products click with the masses.

Ian Bernstein, the cofounder and Chief Technology Officer at Orbotix, believes the secret to success is simplicity, at least for now. ?[The robot] has to be really simple, because if it?s too complicated, people won?t use it,? Bernstein said. He and his team are responsible for Sphero, a simple robotic sphere with a range of capabilities.

But that simplicity didn?t come easy, said Bernstein. ?We were constantly improving to make things intuitive and simplify things. It was so hard to get this thing to work. It was crazy.?

Complicating the challenge of making a straightforward robot, Bernstein also wanted to produce an affordable product, one that would be accessible to a wide audience. Over the last few years, the Orbotix team made that goal a reality.

[Flying and Rolling Robots Work Together]

Users can control Sphero by remote, using an iPhone or Android. But the robot can also function as an onscreen controller to replace traditional gaming controllers, tabletop and multiplayer games, and, most recently, augmented reality games (games that enable users to view the real-word environment along with augmented, machine-generated elements). The ball, which two years ago was simply a concept, became hugely popular, and is now available for $129 at retailers like Brookstone, Apple and Target.

And the Orbotix team has no intention of slowing down. With more and more apps on the way, Bernstein and his group are excited about the future of Sphero, and for new Orbotix creations.

?I think Sphero is a good introduction to gaming robots, and as people get more comfortable with that idea, we can begin to do more complicated things,? said Bernstein. ?In fifteen years, we want to be the company building one-and-a-half foot [tall] robots that you buy at Target and battle [with] while you?re jumping around your living room.?

But the current world of consumer robots isn?t limited to entertainment. Jasen Wang, the founder of MakeBlock, believes that the ability to create is an essential piece of the consumer robotics market. His product, what he calls ?Legos for adults,? allows consumers to buy parts and build robots for themselves.

?Most people are creative people,? said Wang, ?and they have ideas, so now, if they want to, they have the opportunity to realize those ideas.? Like, Bernstein, Wang wanted to create an intuitive product. ?Before, if you wanted to produce something, it was very hard on the mechanics side. Our goal is make it easy for people to build robots.?

Admittedly, MakeBlock does require some knowledge of hardware, and Wang believes that the product needs to be simplified even more. But, he explains, just as a child benefits from playing with Legos, adults will learn as they manipulate and play with products like MakeBlock.

In the years to come, Wang believes that knowledge of robotics will become more ubiquitous, allowing more people to design and build their own robots. And he believes MakeBlock can help catalyze that process. ?In the future, there will be a lot of makers in the world,? Wang said. And with MakeBlock, ?there are no limits on the imagination or what you want to do.?

But for now, according to both Bernstein and Wang, the most important component of a consumer robot is simplicity. Allowing people to acclimate to using robots at home will allow the industry to move forward into a future in which robots play a much larger role, not only as entertainment devices, but as tools in our everyday lives.

This story was provided by TechNewsDaily, sister site to LiveScience.

Copyright 2012 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/making-robots-mass-appeal-175746268.html

Krysten Ritter barack obama lakers v for vendetta Time Fun Voting Locations

Ben Affleck Not Running For Senate In Massachusetts

Robert Byrd (D-W.V.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1959 to June 28, 2010 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 51 years, 5 months, 26 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.V., appears at a Senate hearing on May 9, 2007 in Washington. He died on June 28, 2010 at the age of 92. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1963 to Dec. 17, 2012 <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) speaks at a May 18, 2011 hearing in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Dec. 14, 1954 to April 4, 1956 and Nov 7, 1956 to Jan 3, 2003 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 47 years, 5 months, 8 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Senator Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., pictured on May 22, 1997. He died on June 26, 2003 at the age of 100. (STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Nov. 7, 1962 to Aug. 25, 2009 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 46 years, 9 months, 19 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) speaks during a Jan. 21, 2007 taping of NBC's "Meet the Press." He died on Aug. 25, 2009 at the age of 77. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Carl Hayden (D-Ariz.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> March 4, 1927 to Jan. 3, 1969 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 41 years, 9 months, 30 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> President Lyndon Johnson presents a pen to Sen. Carl Hayden, D-Ariz., on September 30, 1968 in Washington. Hayden died on Jan. 25, 1972 at the age of 94. (AP Photo)

John Stennis (D-Miss.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Nov. 5, 1947 to Jan. 2, 1989 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 41 years, 1 month, 29 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> John Stennis, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, speaks on the July 6, 1969 edition of ABC's "Issues and Answers." Stennis died on April 23, 1995 at the age of 93. (AP Photo)

Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Dec. 24, 1968 to Jan. 2, 2009 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 40 years, 10 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> In this Tuesday, April 7, 2009 file photo, former Sen. Ted Stevens arrives at federal court in Washington. Stevens died in a plane crash on Monday, Aug. 9, 2010 at the age of 86. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, file)

Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Nov. 9, 1966 to Jan. 2, 2005 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 38 years, 1 month, 25 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Ernest Hollings, D-S.C., appears at a Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 7, 1983. He ran for the 1984 Democratic presidential nomination, but lost out to Vice President Walter Mondale. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)

Richard Russell (D-Ga.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 12, 1933 to Jan. 21, 1971 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 38 years, 19 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Richard Russell (D-Ga.), shown from his Senate office desk in Washington on July 14, 1942. Russell died on Jan. 21, 1971 at age 73. (AP Photo/Eugene Abbott)

Russell Long (D-La.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Dec. 31, 1948 to Jan. 2, 1987 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 38 years, 3 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Russell Long, shown at his desk in Baton Rouge, La., on Feb. 21, 1948. Long died on May 9, 2003 at age 84. (AP Photo)

Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1975 to present <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., stands in front of the U.S. Capitol building on Monday, Nov. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Francis Warren (R-Wyo.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Nov. 18, 1890 to March 3, 1893 and March 4, 1895 to Nov. 24, 1929 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 37 years, 4 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

James Eastland (D-Miss.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> June 30, 1941 to Sept. 28, 1941 and Jan. 3, 1943 to Dec. 27, 1978 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 36 years, 2 months, 24 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. James O. Eastland of Mississippi, is shown in Washington on March 25, 1971. Eastland died on Feb. 19, 1986 at age 81. (AP Photo / Charles Tasnadi)

Warren Magnuson (D-Wash.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Dec. 14, 1944 to Jan. 2, 1981 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 36 years, 20 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Then-Rep. Warren Magnuson (D-Wash.) smiles in his Washington office on Oct. 19, 1943. Magnuson died on May 20, 1989 at the age of 84. (AP Photo)

Joe Biden (D-Del.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1973 to Jan. 15, 2009 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 36 years, 13 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Democratic vice presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) speaks at a rally in support of then-Democratic presidential nomineee U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) on October 12, 2008 in Scranton, Pa. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images)

Pete Domenici (R-N.M.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1973 to Jan. 2, 2009 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 36 years <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> U.S. Republican Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) listens during the announcement of the America Competes Act on March 5, 2007 in Washington. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1961 to Jan. 2, 1997 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 36 years <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, D-R.I., announces on Sept. 5, 1995 that he would not seek a seventh term in office. Pell died on Jan. 1, 2009 at age 90. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Kenneth McKellar (D-Tenn.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> March 4, 1917 to Jan. 2, 1953 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 35 years, 10 months <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Kenneth McKellar (D-Tenn) left, and James M. Landis, OCD director meet on Feb. 27, 1942. McKellar died on Oct. 25, 1957 at age 88. (AP Photo)

Milton Young (R-N.D.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> March 12, 1945 to Jan. 2, 1981 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 35 years, 9 months, 22 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, left, chats to Senator John L. McClellan (D-Ark.), center, and Senator Milton Young (R-N.D.), at the White House in Washington, March 24, 1975. Young died on May 31, 1983 at the age of 85. (AP Photo)

Ellison Smith (D-S.C.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> March 4, 1909 to Nov. 17, 1944 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 35 years, 8 months, 13 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Ellison Smith (left) meets with Secretary of Agriculture, Henry Wallace (right) on Jan. 18, 1934 in Washington. Smith died on Nov. 17, 1944 at age 80. (AP Photo)

Allen Ellender (D-La.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1937 to July 27, 1972 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 35 years, 6 months, 24 days <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Allen Ellender, D-La., bids goodbye to Mrs. Ladybird Johnson after a gumbo luncheon at the Capitol on August 21, 1964. Ellender died on July 27, 1972 at age 81. (AP Photo)

William Boyd Allison (R-Iowa)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> March 4, 1873 to Aug. 4, 1908 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 35 years, 5 months <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a>

Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan 3. 1977 to present <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) heads to a weekly policy meeting at the Capitol on March 20, 2012 in Washington. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)

Richard Lugar (R-Ind.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan 3. 1977 to present <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> Sen. Richard Lugar attends a courtesy call to the Malacanang Palace in Manila on October 29, 2012. (NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images)

John McClellan (D-Ark.)

<strong>Dates of service:</strong> Jan. 3, 1943 to Nov. 28, 1977 <strong>Years of service:</strong> 34 years, 11 months <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/Biographical/longest_serving.htm">United States Senate</a> A portrait of John McClellan, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1935-38 and served in the Senate from 1943 until his death in 1977. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/24/ben-affleck-senate-massachusetts_n_2361083.html

Rio de Janeiro Shark Week London 2012 closing ceremony Shark Week 2012 evelyn lozada UFC 150 Caster Semenya