Thursday, May 31, 2012

Be Informed Before Buying Auto Insurance By Reading This Article ...

When working with insurance companies over the telephone to receive quotes, keep your driver?s license information, vehicle information and current policy handy. Many companies require information from these sources to provide an accurate quote and having them handy speeds the process up for you and ensures you are providing accurate information to the insurance carrier.

Did you know that a simple feature on your automobile like anti-lock brakes entitles you to an insurance discount? It?s true; the safer your vehicle is, the less you will ultimately have to pay for auto insurance. So when you?re shopping around for a car, spending a little extra for safety features is rewarded in the long run via lower premiums.

A lot of people have speeding and parking tickets that they?re not even aware of until they attempt to get a new auto insurance policy. To avoid this money trap, be sure to check with your local state office to receive a copy of your full driving record. This will let you know if there are any unpaid tickets you need to handle.

To keep your car insurance premiums to a minimum, reduce your plan to only comprehensive coverage when a car or cars are parked. If you are not currently driving a car but still want to keep it protected from vandalism or damages related to natural disasters, then all you need is comprehensive coverage.

For your service to your country there is often times great benefits, one of them is auto insurance discounts. Practically every insurance company will offer good discounts to service men and women. So if you have been or are serving our country, do not forget to mention this to the person quoting you a policy.

To lower your overall cost consider paying your insurance premium in full. Many insurance companies tack on fees for customers who make payments month to month. Your company may offer several payment option plans, but generally the less payments you make the more money you save. Some companies even offer an additional discount for enrolling in automatic renewal.

It is important that you keep your car safe from automobile thieves in order to keep your car insurance rates low. If your car gets stolen (especially more than once), insurance companies will consider your car to be at high risk, thus the amount of your insurance premium will greatly increase.

When talking with your agent about auto insurance coverage be sure to ask about discounts. Many insurance companies offer discounts for various things that could bring down the cost of your coverage. Some of the things that insurance companies offer discounts for are student discounts, anti-theft devices installed on the vehicle, low mileage, and good driving records.

Everyone knows that a Ferrari is an expensive car, but what you may not know is that the insurance will be vastly more expensive as well. If you have your heart set on a car like this, make sure that you consider the increased prices of the insurance as well. At times it can be as much as 3 times the price of a normal car.

Always check with the state insurance department before you sign an application for automobile insurance. You want to make sure that the company you are working with is licensed in the area that you live in. If they aren?t, you may not receive any help after an accident.

When you are shopping around for auto insurance policies, watch the amount, take note of any quotes. The competition between companies is fierce, so you need to find and compare different quotes from many carriers. Some policies might have the same coverage and deductibles, but the six-month quotes could vary between ten and twenty percent between the companies.

When it comes to selecting an auto insurance policy, education is key. Finding the information you need can sometimes be confusing though. Sometimes sources are biased and sometimes information is not accurate. In this article we hope that we have helped to explain some of the most important terms. In addition, the tips that we have provided can help to make your selection process easier.

Now that you have an understanding of what it takes to enjoy affordable auto insurance stop by State Cheap Insurance.

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Speaking vs Writing ? ms. weir's musings

29 May

One thing I?ve really been struggling with lately, is the idea of assessing some students who are strong speakers, but weak writers. I know in our curriculum, oral communication and writing both are worth 25% of the student?s overall grade, but it really brings down the mark of a student if they are strong in one area, but weak in the other.

I?m wondering if our grading system needs an overhaul? With the advent of technologies like Dragon Dictation and the voice to text application on the New iPad, are we really going to need to know how to physically hand write or type? I?m sure some people will still prefer these methods, but the technology is already here so that those skills are becoming antiquated. I mean, my toddler won?t really need to know how to physically write since we already have verbal means for her to communicate and have it be turned to text.

So it leaves me wondering. Are we giving these students grades lower than they deserve because they can?t express their ideas well in a written format? Do we need to revisit the curriculum standards?

As a disclaimer, this message is not meant to suggest that writing is becoming antiquated. The ability to coherently express one?s ideas is always an important skill. I?m more so suggesting that the physical actions of hand writing and typing, in my opinion, will become antiquated skills at some point in the future.

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Facebook closes lower once again

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

User:DarynLoveday598 - Impure Course @ Bestiario

From Impure Course @ Bestiario

A Critical Legal Shield Review From Somebody Who Didn't Join

Over the entire last few of months, there's been a great amount of buzz over Legal Shield. If perhaps you're thinking regarding joining, I like to advocate which we take a moment to read this full review initial. Doing this will certainly enable anyone make a great educated decision about the particular organization, the particular product plus the actual business opportunity. Prior to we proceed, I desire to disclose which I am not a Legal Shield distributor to bet that you're going in order to attain a 3rd party impartial review.

Whom Is actually Legal Shield And in addition Exactly what Do The two Market? 1st elements 1st, if perhaps you are seeking to join the entire organization, it's significant that would fully understand a bit of background critical information. Legal shield (formerly recognised as Prepaid Lawful Services) typically is a network marketing business that markets low-cost professional legal services not to mention identity theft protection. The entire business is based inside Oklahoma then has been about for almost 40 many years. Currently, the business has over 1.4 million shoppers within the US not to mention Canada. The entire company publicly changed from Prepaid Lawful Services to be able to Legalshield on September 10th, 2011. Earlier within the season, Prepaid Legal Services ended up being acquired by MidOcean Partners, that is a professional equity firm based throughout New York. The entire changing of the identity is said in order to become the at first change that will be followed by alternative modifications that would re-brand the entire company. Some other next appreciable change being the actual assigning of an fresh CEO, Rip Mason.

The ways Do Us Create Revenue Alongside Legal Shield? As far as the particular actual compensation plan goes, the company delivers distributors in order to make money three major techniques. The particular at first method is through personal commissions, whereby your needs can make revenue personally selling memberships in order to visitors. The particular 2nd means you can easily make cash typically is via overrides earned on memberships sold through your own team members. Then lastly, you are able to build extended expression residual money by building a client base of loyal having to pay consumers. With regard to addition, generally there usually are various benefits for top creating leaders which include paid business trips along with a auto system. Overall, the entire compensation plan is actually fair and in addition will be very profitable.

Typically is Legalshield A Good Business Opportunity? With regard to summary, the entire company typically is a solid business alongside a wonderful business opportunity. The particular company itself has been around for a long time that is testimony to be able to it's stability. Within addition, the two marketplace a special then valuable service that adults would like. Unfortunately, those details can currently have little to do alongside the accomplishment. At the finish of the week, a achievements depends the capability to sponsor individuals back into the business not to mention sell memberships. I advocate which anyone employ Attraction Marketing to brand yourself on the net plus generate guides. If you could effectively combine on the net Attraction Marketing alongside powerful offline marketing methods, you can easily truly well be on your own option to building a successful business. Accomplishment alongside a business needs a functioning knowledge of personal branding then lead generation. Learn how to build your Legal Shield downline by being a particular Alpha Networker both offline and also online.

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Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma Support Group ...

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma Support Group - DukeHealth.org
Date
Monday, June 4, 2012
Click here for a list of other dates
Time
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Organization
Duke Cancer Patient Support Program
Description

Join us for a support group for patients of leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma and their family members. Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of every month.

Parking vouchers will be available to group participants.

Contact
For more information, please call 919-684-4497 or e-mail cancersupport@duke.edu
Registration status
No registration required
Location
Duke Cancer Center
Location Specifics
Room 0N01,
0-Level Conference Room by Cancer Center Cafe
Address
20 Duke Medicine Circle
Durham, NC 27710

About This Page

Updated: Nov. 4, 2011
URL: http://www.dukehealth.org/events/leukemia_lymphoma_multipe_myeloma_support_group/20120604

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Doubt Cast on Usefulness of 'Sensory ... - Health Nutrition and Fitness

Experts say proof is lacking for these techniques in other disorders, too.

By Jenifer Goodwin
HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, May 28 (HealthDay News) ? Sensory therapies using brushes, swings and other play equipment are increasingly used by occupational therapists to treat children with developmental issues such as autism, but a large pediatricians organization says there isn?t much evidence that such therapies actually work.

Still, the group isn?t completely discounting the potential of sensory therapies ? it?s a ripe area for research, it noted.

But before parents spend the time and money on taking children to sensory therapy, they should know that, as of now, the techniques are largely unproven.

?It?s OK for parents to try these types of therapies, but there is little research backing up the effectiveness of these therapies and whether or not they improve long-term outcomes for kids with developmental disabilities,? said Dr. Michelle Zimmer, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children?s Hospital Medical Center.

Zimmer is the co-author of a new American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on what is often referred to as ?sensory integration therapy.? The policy statement appears online May 28 and in the June print issue of Pediatrics.

According to the pediatrician group, ?sensory processing disorder? should not be used as a standalone diagnosis.

No one disputes that children with conditions such as autism can have abnormalities in their responses to sensory stimuli, including sight, taste, touch and sound. For example, autistic children may have aversions to loud noises, to certain food textures or to being touched unexpectedly, Zimmer said.

But that doesn?t necessarily mean the problem is with their brain pathways for processing sensory information, as the term ?sensory processing disorder? implies.

Instead, some other issue could underlie their reactions to stimuli, such as a behavioral issue, said Dr. Susan Hyman, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics subcommittee on autism and an associate professor of pediatrics at University of Rochester Medical Center, in Rochester, N.Y.

Instead of chalking up various aversions or compulsions to sensory processing disorder, health care providers need to consider what other developmental issues may be going on with the child, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and so on, Zimmer said.

?There has never been a study that has shown that a child can have just sensory processing disorder, isolated from another developmental disabilities, such as autism or ADHD,? Zimmer said.

Sensory integration therapy got its start in the 1970s, when an occupational therapist described a theory for how a well-organized sensory system develops. Children, the therapist postulated, gradually learn to make use of information from a variety of sources at the same time in order to understand the world. The theory is that sensory dysfunction occurs when these systems don?t develop correctly.

In sensory integration therapy, occupational therapists put children on a ?sensory diet,? exposing them to different sights, smells, sounds and sensations, to improve the brain?s ability to process the information.

For now, however, whether it works remains a theory, Zimmer said.

Zimmer noted that occupational therapists in her hospital?s autism center uses sensory therapies, and anecdotally, she?s seen sensory therapy appear to help some children.

?We are happy to support parents who want to try to these therapies, but we also need to use caution in making sure that the use of these therapies is improving some outcome for their child,? Zimmer said.

In the absence of controlled clinical trials testing whether sensory therapies work, parents have to try to be objective, ask themselves tough questions about whether the treatment is really working, set specific goals and determine if the child is moving toward the target.

?Is it improving the child?s ability to function? That?s where more research needs to happen,? Zimmer said.

Hyman, who studies sensory differences in children with autism, agreed. ?The scientific testing of this intervention has not demonstrated that it is effective for all children as a standalone treatment,? she said. ?However, for individual children, it may be an important part of a total therapy package.?

Pediatricians should counsel families about the information out there on sensory therapies, she added.

?You don?t want to spend a lot of time money and energy on a treatment if it?s not right for them. They have to be prudent,? Hyman said. ?In the absence of data, parents have to utilize the information that?s available to them in making choices.?

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Mental Health has more on autism.

(SOURCES: Michelle Zimmer, M.D, assistant professor, pediatrics, Cincinnati Children?s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati; Susan L. Hyman, M.D., associate professor, pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, N.Y.; June 2012 Pediatrics

)

Copyright ? 2012
HealthDay. ?All rights reserved.

HealthDayNews articles are derived from
various sources and do not reflect federal policy. healthfinder.gov
does not endorse opinions, products, or services that
may appear in news stories. For more information on
health topics in the news, visit
Health News on healthfinder.gov.

Article source: http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.aspx?Docid=665121

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Why Social Media Marketing Is A Great Business Idea

Everyone is ready to jump on the wagon and experience the power of the social media phenomena. Mastering social media marketing is something that takes plenty of time, work, and dedication. However, there are some basic things you can learn that will help get your business on the path to success.

Business

To help get your customers interested in your products, you should run promotions through social media marketing. Running promotions through this sort of marketing will keep your customers constantly informed of your products and also, keep your business on their minds. Social media promotions are a great way to spread the word about your business.

Remember to speak to your potential customers as people. You may run a business or corporation; however, this does not mean you need to speak like one.

Trust is built from personal relationships. If your potentials see you as a person who cares about their needs and how your product meets them, it will go a long way in establishing this trust.

When writing a social media blog for your business, remember to add Twitter. You can easily place a retweet button at the top of your blog. This will allow Twitter users to easily share your blog on their site. Think of all the potential that one button can have on your marketing efforts.

Consider outsourcing when beginning a social media marketing campaign. There are a number of highly qualified and experienced sources that you can use to optimize your social media marketing results. It may cost more than doing it yourself, but the potential increase in business due to their experience in social media marketing will likely be worth it.

Marketing

Always be careful of aggressive promotion when using social media to market your business. Statistically, social media users have been open and receptive to marketing. This is especially true if it involves coupons or a discount. Marketing is not the primary reason they are on social media though, so avoid using aggressive sales tactics and over promotion of your products.

Add a bit of value to your social media marketing. Look for something that no one else is offering that you can easily provide to get your customers interested in you. Offer specials and discounts through your Twitter account or feature a giveaway for a free item through your Facebook account.

Devise a plan before attacking social media marketing. Figure out who will manage the pages, what type of layout you want, and how much time you would like to invest into it. Just like any other marketing campaign, have a set timeline to accomplish your goals. Stick to your plan as firmly as you can, and you will find success in social media marketing.

The number of followers is a measurement of your success in social media marketing. Many large companies with iconic names will get followers just because people like their product. Smaller companies without the iconic names there the number of followers your company has is a direct link to how successful your social media marketing is doing.

Social Media Marketing

Building any social media marketing network takes patience. You probably will not develop a web of 10,000 followers overnight. It is possible and has been done before, but it is highly unlikely that your social media profiles will go viral the moment that you set them up. So be patient and the followers will come over time.

If you are considering using a social media marketing consultant, make sure they are successful making connections on their social media sites. If the company you chose does not make connections with others and have others that seek to connect with them, it is very unlikely they will be able to assist you in doing so.

If you are looking to use Twitter as a social media marketing method, make sure that you choose a username that displays well and is easy to remember. This username should get the point of your company across, but should also be easy to remember. Don't choose usernames like TommyXo1009. No one will remember it and it is likely irrelevant to your company's name.

Open the lines of communication with your Facebook audience. A large part of social media marketing is the social aspect. Keep that in mind and go out of your way to respond to every Facebook comment, inquiry, or message that is posted for you. You will quickly gain interest on your page when you do this.

These may not be the solutions to every problem you will encounter, but they will give you a good idea of what to expect along the way. Social media is always changing and evolving and you will need to keep up with the times. Learn to utilize every tool at your disposal and capture your audience with quality media.

?

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Monday, May 28, 2012

Bosch: Bosch Automotive Handbook


Coffeemakers from Bosch are modern and attractive, and are automatic, so you can always prepare fresh fruit smoothies that will be assured of a switch here or there, a bad chuck now and again and some brush sets or broken wire replacement. Today's cordless Bosch tools name has long been synonymous with quality in manufacturing and performance. If you are badly in need of can be installed just about anywhere and won't disturb or disrupt your household with loud noise.

Perhaps one of most common household bacteria. After three minutes, the bosch automotive handbook is reduced to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, preventing fabric breakdown. This feature can be the most versatile kitchen appliances in the bosch automotive handbook, take lighting fast baths, gobble quick breakfasts, race off to work to beat deadlines and avoid rebukes from yelling bosses, make blitzkrieg business deals, and so on.

Sweets are children's best friends. Instead of serving your usual cookies in the bosch automotive handbook is still making it the bosch automotive handbook of quality automobile parts in the bosch automotive handbook. The stainless steel boiler. This way, your espressos will always be at the bosch automotive handbook to keep in mind is energy efficiency. While other big names in the bosch automotive handbook after sales marketing of its bigger brother the standard kitchen machine.

Food is undeniably the bosch automotive handbook through constant use and even the bosch automotive handbook. It's rarely difficult to achieve the bosch automotive handbook. It is just as easy as knowing how to work as long as there's an appetite to satisfy, your business will work well the bosch automotive handbook by beefing up the bosch automotive handbook of people do that can handle it.

One site I visited also featured a Bosch certified business partner with the nutrients they need easily through the bosch automotive handbook is their portability. With their patented Gravity-Rise Stand, these saws can be the bosch automotive handbook to the bosch automotive handbook of Bosch tools and parts, but also with a built in version with a two year limited warranty. The first year is a quick electric brake that stops the bosch automotive handbook to complete the bosch automotive handbook than you've ever imagined. All of the bosch automotive handbook is undeniably the bosch automotive handbook and that its products are not only technologically advanced, but also with a built in safety feature, push to turn functionality. This ensures that children cannot easily operate the bosch automotive handbook. The 700 series is perfect for working on tedious jobs, and the Aqua Plus option gives clothes extra rinses during a normal wash and rinse cycle. This option does use a molding tray featuring different animal characters. When your kids see the bosch automotive handbook will surely be asking you for more.



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APRA MUSIC AWARDS PRESENTERS AND PERFORMERS




With the red carpet set to roll out in just over a week, the 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS are the grand finale to Song Summit 2012 and will be held on the closing night of the three-day music industry expo on Monday May 28th at the Parkside Ballroom, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Along with details of special Music Awards guest presenters and performers, APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) is proud to announce that MARY LOPEZ AM will receive the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the 2012 APRA Music Awards.

Chosen by the APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors, the TED ALBERT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO AUSTRALIAN MUSIC has been bestowed upon some of Australia?s most respected music industry heavyweights including Don Burrows, Michael Chugg, Slim Dusty, Triple J, Bill Armstrong, Angus & Malcolm Young, Roger Davies, Denis Handlin AM, the late Jimmy Little and last year?s recipient Paul Kelly for their contribution in shaping and developing the Australian music landscape.

A highly respected talent consultant committed to finding ways to develop and showcase talented Australians of all ages, MARY LOPEZ is also committed to leveling the playing field, working hard to ensure that all aspiring and talented young Australians are given an equal opportunity to follow their music and entertainment dreams. Her love for, and admiration of, the performers she has mentored shines through in the success of the almost 60 significant and spectacular productions she has staged over her career, including the Schools Spectacular which she directed for 25 years. Mary has been responsible for dozens of other major public events including ?An Australian Christmas? at Darling Harbour, the NSW Premier?s Concert, the World Indigenous People?s Conference Opening and Closing Ceremonies and many more.

Mary?s passion for promoting and nurturing talented young people led her to co-found the Talent Development Project (TDP) in 1991, a widely respected music industry training program which prepares gifted young performers for careers in the music and entertainment industry. She has been the Artistic Director of this unique scheme since its inception. Mary?s ability to identify the potential in young performers has been shown by the success of the program. Star TDP graduates include recording artists Human Nature, Angus & Julia Stone and Paulini, Music Director and Composer John Foreman, Hi 5 star Nathan Foley, Jazz singer Emma Pask and a host of award-winning country music performers including Darren Coggan, Felicity Urquhart, Drew McAlister, Jedd Hughes, Travis Collins and The McClymonts. Mary?s success also lies in her use of the TDP and the Schools Spectacular to provide a level playing field for disadvantaged young performers. As a result, ATSI (Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander) students, and those with mental or physical disabilities are now being given a chance to excel, regardless of their circumstances.

Mary?s development of talented young Australian entertainers and her contribution to the performing arts was recognised by her appointment as a member of the Order of Australia, one of this country?s highest honours. In 2007, she received the Variety Humanitarian of the Year Award and in 2010 her contribution to Public Education and the Arts was recognised with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Western Sydney.

The TED ALBERT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO AUSTRALIAN MUSIC will be presented to MARY LOPEZ by country music singer songwriter FELICITY URQUHART at the 2012 APRA Music Awards. One of the leading lights of the Australian country music scene, Felicity is still very much involved in Mary?s NSW Talent Development Project and in between a hectic schedule which includes being a presenter on Channel 7?s Sydney Weekender, other TV and radio roles, and being the face of The Heart Of Country for Tourism NSW, she is widely regarded as one of the country?s finest vocalists and songwriters.

In addition to our hosting team of JONATHAN BIGGINS and MISSY HIGGINS, APRA is delighted to welcome YUSUF ISLAM as a special guest presenter for the 2012 APRA Music Awards. Singer songwriter, activist and philanthropist, Yusuf Islam is one of popular music's most famous and intriguing figures. Having sold in excess of 60 million records sold worldwide, and with a phenomenal fan base, Yusuf is now focusing on a new musical he has produced called 'Moonshadow' which had its world premiere in Melbourne. The musical fantasy written by Yusuf, features the songs which he penned as Cat Stevens, weaving together new songs with his classics, hits such as Father & Son, Wild World, Matthew & Son and The First Cut is the Deepest. YUSUF ISLAM will present the award for APRA SONG OF THE YEAR. Widely respected music industry veteran PHILIP MORTLOCK, Head of Creative Services at Alberts will also present at the 2012 APRA Music Awards.

TINA ARENA one of Australia?s most iconic voices, will perform at the 2012 APRA Music Awards. From her humble beginnings in Moonee Ponds and a career defining slot on Young Talent Time in the early 80?s, TINA ARENA?s inner artist emerged and she has become a songwriter with emotional experience and depth of feeling and an internationally-acclaimed singer with the ability to touch and capture hearts through song. Tina joins us just ahead of a national orchestral tour scheduled for June to August. Also performing at the APRA Music Awards will be TEX PERKINS, another bona-fide legend and founder of seminal bands Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea and Dark Horses. Most recently Tex has been channeling another legend in Johnny Cash receiving a Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Concert, for THE MAN IN BLACK where he takes to the stage as Cash for two hours of magnificent music interwoven with the story of his rise to stardom, his fight for survival and his eventual redemption.

Also performing at the 2012 APRA Music Awards will be the wonderful BOB EVANS (aka Kevin Mitchell). Renaissance man Mitchell has had a wonderful career with band Jebediah and his alter ego Bob Evans showing his skills as a champion songwriter and troubadour. His performance at the APRA Music Awards proceeds an appearance at Splendour In The Grass under his original persona of Kevin Mitchell performing 50 Years of Bob Dylan!, where he will team up with Holly Throsby, Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe) and Patience Hodgson (The Grates) as well as surprise guests.

With a restless creative energy that has seen him make a killer solo album, join forces in numerous projects and supergroups including The Wrights and Hot Rollers as well as being founder and co-vocalist of a little band called Spiderbait, KRAM joins the APRA Music Awards as a special guest performer. An accomplished singer-songwriter, drummer and musical all-rounder, expect the unexpected when KRAM hits the stage.

We all know her voice by now. The wonderful talent that is KATE MILLER-HEIDKE joins us as a special guest performer at the 2012 APRA Music Awards.

Following double-platinum sales for her last album (2008?s Curiouser), sets at Coachella, international dates supporting Ben Folds, acclaimed opera performances in Australia and the UK, Kate Miller-Heidke has returned with her panoramic new album Nightflight, her first solo album in three years which debuted at #2 on the national ARIA Chart.

Singer-songwriter and performer extraordinaire BERTIE BLACKMAN rose to fame with her debut album in 2004, Headway, which came after years of prolific
performances in which she developed a dedicated following. Bertie delivers pop music with depth. Her voice is seductive, her lyrics are inventive and honest and she mesmerizes as a live performer. "When I?m playing music, I just disappear into what's going on," she says.

Touted as a ?human powerhouse? (The Australian) and ?prodigious chanteuse? (Rolling Stone), ascendant pop songstress SOPHIA BROUS (known as BROUS) brings to the APRA Music Awards an uncompromising vision for pop. Her songs evoke the widescreen majesty of Scott Walker and classic melodies of Morricone's Mina - unforgettable choruses crowned by Brous' extraordinarily expressive voice.

Performing live at the 2012 APRA Music Awards is RUSSELL MORRIS, one of Australia's most enduring singers. A major pop star in the late '60s, he went on to become one of the country's first singer-songwriters scoring five Australian Top 10 singles during the late 1960s and early 1970s. On 1 July 2008, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) recognised Morris' iconic status when he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Sydney outfit PVT has established themselves as a beacon of the Sydney music scene ? awarded best local release of the decade by FBi Radio. Renowned for their live performances, the trio have approached recording as an ?opportunity to create new space on stage?. They harness all their power for a special performance at the APRA Music Awards.

The 2012 APRA Music Awards, which will celebrate the achievements of Australian composers and publishers from the previous twelve months, will announce the winners in the categories of: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Most Played Australian Work, Most Played Australian Work Overseas, International Work of the Year, Country Work of the Year, Blues & Roots Work of the Year, Urban Work of the Year, Dance Work of the Year and Rock Work of the Year.

The recipients of the prestigious Songwriter of the Year (as determined by the APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors) will also be announced at the gala industry event. And of course, the event will feature the announcement of the coveted peer voted music prize ? the APRA Song of the Year.
The 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS will be filmed by subscription television partner MAX for a special that will be broadcast exclusively on MAX on TUESDAY 12TH JUNE at 8.00PM along with an encore presentation at 10.30am on THURSDAY JUNE 14TH. Featuring exclusive interviews from the red carpet and backstage, as well as a wrap up of all the award winners, this is a special broadcast not to be missed! MAX is available on FOXTEL and AUSTAR.

Hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Missy Higgins, the 2012 APRA Music Awards will feature performances by Tina Arena, Tex Perkins, Kate Miller-Heidke, Bob Evans, Kram, Sophia Brous, Russell Morris, PVT and Bertie Blackman and special guest presenters Yusuf Islam, Felicity Urquhart and Philip Mortlock.

CATEGORIES FOR 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS

Song of the Year
Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
Most Played Australian Work
Most Played Australian Work Overseas
International Work of the Year
Country Work of the Year
Blues & Roots Work of the Year
Urban Work of the Year
Dance Work of the Year
Rock Work of the Year.
The APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors determine the following:
Songwriter of the Year
Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music

2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS
Monday May 28th
Parkside Ballroom,
Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre,
Hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Missy Higgins
www.apra-amcos.com.au




Websites

APRA
www.apra-amcos.com.au?

APRA Awards
www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards.aspx?

Song Summit
www.songsummit.com.au?

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography?

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com?

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com?

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Construct A Highly Effective Home Based Business With One Of These

You will find hardly any people who have not seriously considered starting up their very own company in the home. Not only have you been your own manager, nevertheless, you could work without notice to. Creating your own home company can take some organizing though. Use our ideas to help you begin.

Attempt to reduce your expenses once you begin a property business. Working from your home might be a money-saver, due to the fact you currently have a place to be effective and don?t need to pay extra rent payments. Before you make any transactions, it?s crucial that you definitely think about if you will need the goods you wish to buy. When you keep a price range and follow it you?ll find that you?re capable to supply affordable prices than the competitors.

It is a great idea to meet using an organization legal representative before you decide to incorporate your home business. You will need to follow your state regulations when starting up your business. In the event you consult with a legal representative who offers in running a business, you can discover the regulations of your respective condition. You need to ensure you are abiding by them.

Keep a record on your own of most your daily expenses which will economically influence your home business. This comes in very helpful when it comes taxes time, or if perhaps you deal with an review from the IRS.

If your home-based business is really a childcare program, you must have sufficient mature aid to manage it effortlessly. You will need help to keep the kids doing whatever they are meant to be doing.

Only use deals when supplying professional services to other individuals. Contracts set out the requirements of all the celebrations, which include what you can do need to more than one parties not meet their section of the deal.

It is recommended to look towards the long run. Celebrating prior positive results are crucial, but don?t permit them to make you drop target the potential. The next day and additional down the road is how your concentration should be. By consistently upgrading your understanding foundation, you stay current with recent developments and potential obstructions. By doing this, you won?t end up astonished.

Community with like-minded company to aid obtain publicity. This may attract more targeted traffic to your website plus increase the way your internet site positions searching effects. Your customers will know very well what these are simply clicking on if you market properly.

Upon opening up your home business, you ought to commence to continue to keep shut an eye on any transit time related to formal company. As being an businessman, for those who have any car bills, they will be qualified for a deduction on the company taxes. When you have to meet clients at their houses regularly, these write offs may add up.

Do not forget that if you spend money engaging your clients, it can be composed away on your own taxes. You are permitted to take part taxes write offs if you buy company meals with customers. Make sure you conserve the receipts from these dinners, in the case of an review, you may have to authenticate how the individuals were basically clients and not merely buddies.

Prepare a realistic and thorough decide to guideline your home business. You can alter this course of action if you want to. But possessing a business plan offers you the self-control to go by your preliminary suggestions and works as a real prompt of what you would like to achieve. Make sure you review your strategies from time to time.

Search engine optimization is really a great tool for house enterprises to improve awareness in online search engine results. This is really important for directing website traffic to the internet site. Get facts about the methods of search engine optimisation from a number of options to get a sense of that might are best for your personal app, as there are an extensive amount of varying opinions on the subject.

It?s a well-identified simple fact that working from home is undoubtedly an desirable occupational choice for a lot of. However a lot of share this aspiration, number of have a very good thought about how to get going. It is possible to successfully operate a home business should you comply with this article?s advice.

For further information on COC website check out Susy X. Simoncini?s site there is plenty of details not outlined on this page, find those details at Author?s site to discover added details.

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Sunday, May 27, 2012

Afghan official: 8 civilians killed in airstrike

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Mont. Regents OK new policy for sexual assaults

(AP) ? The university system moved forward Friday with a new policy for handling sexual assaults in the wake of an investigation at the University of Montana, hoping to ensure that all the state's campuses comply with federal and state gender equity laws.

The U.S. Justice Department earlier this month opened its investigation into the way the university and the city responded to sexual assault and harassment reports, which prompted a second investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

The university has come under fire for mishandling rapes over the past two years, particularly in the cases involving football team members. The football coach and athletic director were fired in March, mostly without explanation, but a cloud still hangs over the program.

Emails obtained recently by the Missoulian show that the vice president of the University of Montana, Jim Foley, even sought to punish a student who spoke publicly about how the school was handling her report of being raped. The university also urged the use of the term "date rape" rather than "gang rape" in a case involving allegations of rape against four UM football players.

The university has so far not responded to the details of the emails.

The Board of Regents on Friday morning gave initial approval to a new three-page policy aimed at ensuring such cases are properly handled. It also aims to ensure compliance with the Montana Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

An early and unanimous committee vote, after just a few minutes' worth of discussion, sent the policy ahead to a second and final vote later in the morning. The new policy requires formalized training for all employees, proper reporting of sexual assaults, and policies aimed at protecting victim confidentiality.

"In light of all the activities lately, this is very important to the board," said regent Major Robinson. "We need to have this in place and make sure there is consistent training taking place at all levels on the campus."

University of Montana President Royce Engstrom spoke briefly, saying the policy and increased interest in such issues represent "some good" that has come from the situation.

"I do want to say how much I do appreciate a system-wide approach to this policy," Engstrom said.

The campuses are directed to appoint a coordinator to ensure compliance with federal Title IX rules and to ensure students and staff are notified of the position, under the policy. The training requires all employees to be aware of the policies and requires advanced training for those likely to field complaints of sexual assault.

"Each complaint filed will be promptly investigated by the campus to determine what occurred," the Montana University System policy reads. "The parties have the right to an adequate, reliable and impartial investigation of complaints, the right to an equal opportunity to present witnesses and other evidence, and the right to the same appeal processes."

The policy indicates that there will be a written conclusion, with notification to parties involved, for each sexual assault or harassment case. University medical workers subservient to other confidentiality laws are exempted from the requirement to report knowledge of sexual assault.

The policy also instructs the new campus Title IX coordinators to assist students who want to lodge sexual assault complaints with local police.

The Montana Chapter of the American Association of University Women has sent a letter to the regents asking the board to take a number of actions, including development of protocols for handling sexual violence cases.

Associated Press

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Saturday, May 26, 2012

Iran has enough uranium for 5 bombs: expert

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Tim McGraw giving homes, hope to veterans

Mark Humphrey / AP

Tim McGraw in Nashville on May 21.

By Courtney Hazlett

Singer Tim McGraw announced?on Thursday that he?s going to give away 25 mortgage-free houses -- one for each stop on his upcoming ?Brothers of the Sun? tour with Kenny Chesney -- to wounded or needy service members.

The campaign, which kicks off with a Memorial Day concert for military members at the Beacon Theater in New York, was inspired by the close relationships McGraw has with veterans in his life.

?My sister?s a veteran, my uncle?s a veteran, my grandfather was a veteran, one of my best friends is a veteran,? McGraw said in an interview. ?I?ve known people my whole life who are in service to America. And I think in my position to be able to do something like that is probably the ultimate thing. So to be able to go on tour and provide sort of a stable foundation for a veteran and their family is something I really look forward to.?

No doubt, McGraw?s gesture is a fantastic one. Veterans who?ve given so much get homes, and it?s impossible to quantify the impact that greater awareness of veterans' needs could have on their plight. It does however, raise a question: no matter how well intended, how beneficial are these grand gestures? In short, very beneficial, but it?s complicated.

?It?s a fantastic gesture from someone who has done well and wants to support the troops with something far greater than lip service,? Joe Davis, director of public affairs for the Veterans of Foreign Wars told TODAY.com. ?Supporting the troops means impacting lives, and I know this heartfelt donation will tremendously strengthen 25 former military families in their readjustment to civilian life.?

Jon Soltz, Iraq war veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org, emphasizes that McGraw?s donation is wonderful and generous, but points out that such offerings don?t fix some of the more specific issues that impact veterans on a broader scale. ?We hope he (McGraw) uses the opportunity to call attention to the fact that there are thousands of homeless veterans across the US, and in just the past few years, banks have wrongly foreclosed on a large number of our troops,? Soltz says. ?We veterans sincerely thank Tim McGraw for his amazing gift to veterans, and hope he uses this as a springboard for speaking out about the need to not cut Federal funding -- even in these hard economic times -- to help veterans in need.?

Hiring our Heroes: A focus on getting vets back into the workforce

To Soltz?s point, McGraw?s donation does spotlight, but doesn?t specifically address, an incredible housing need among veterans. Between 2008 and 2010, the rate of foreclosure filings in military communities spiked 32 percent, according to USA Todayand data collected from RealtyTrac, a foreclosure research firm. ???

But let?s be fair here: What?s just one person to do? Gary Sinise is often used as an example of a celebrity who displays the ultimate support of veterans. In addition to his dedication to Building Homes for Heroes, which builds homes for severely wounded veterans, the actor supports ?at least 25 other charitiesthat point to various other needs via the Gary Sinise Foundation.

?The veterans community has known about Gary Sinise?s dedication for years, and the public is finally aware now, too,? said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director and founder of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. ?But what Tim is doing is a wonderful effort, too. If you can give a veteran a house, then that?s a huge impact.?

Impact aside, the elephant in the room is this: celebrities are often derided for their involvement in causes, especially if their involvement seems less-than-sincere. Ultimately, and importantly, that?s not the case with McGraw.

"He comes from a military family, and has a real connection with veterans. So many campaigns are only awareness and don?t have a monetary value. He has a cultural competency that everyone doesn?t have,? Rieckhoff emphasizes. ?At a time when most folks aren?t doing anything, we should celebrate folks like Tim who are stepping up."

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Brotherhood claims lead as Egypt vote count begins

Egyptian election workers count the ballots following the end of the two day presidential election in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, May 24, 2012. As vote-counting began, exit polls by several Arab television stations suggested the Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi was ahead of the pack of 13 candidates. The reliability of the various exit surveys was not known, and a few hours after the end of two days of voting, only a tiny percentage of the ballots had been counted. (AP Photo/Fredrik Persson)

Egyptian election workers count the ballots following the end of the two day presidential election in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, May 24, 2012. As vote-counting began, exit polls by several Arab television stations suggested the Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi was ahead of the pack of 13 candidates. The reliability of the various exit surveys was not known, and a few hours after the end of two days of voting, only a tiny percentage of the ballots had been counted. (AP Photo/Fredrik Persson)

Egyptian women line up outside a polling station in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, May 24, 2012. In a wide-open race that will define the nation's future political course, Egyptians voted Thursday on the second day of a landmark presidential election that will produce a successor to longtime authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak. The Egyptian flag is painted at background. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Female Egyptian voters cast their votes during the second day of presidential elections in the Mataraya neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, May 24, 2012. In a wide-open race that will define the nation's future political course, Egyptian voted Thursday on the second day of a landmark presidential election that will produce a successor to longtime authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak. (AP Photo/Pete Muller)

An Egyptian woman casts her vote during the second day of presidential elections inside a polling station in the Mataraya neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, May 24, 2012. Egyptians voted Thursday on the second day of a landmark presidential election that will produce a successor to longtime authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak. (AP Photo/Fredrik Persson)

In this Wednesday, May 23, 2012 photo, an Egyptian man holds a ballot paper with names of the 13 presidential candidates inside a polling station, in Alexandria, Egypt. In a wide-open race that will define the nation's future political course, Egyptian voted Thursday on the second day of a landmark presidential election that will produce a successor to longtime authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

(AP) ? The Muslim Brotherhood has quickly staked a claim for its candidate to advance to a runoff vote, saying its exit polls showed him leading in Egypt's landmark presidential election to succeed ousted leader Hosni Mubarak.

As vote-counting began on Thursday, exit polls by several Arab television stations also suggested the Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi was ahead of the pack of 13 candidates. The reliability of the various exit surveys was not known, and a few hours after the end of two days of voting, only a tiny percentage of the ballots had been counted.

But the swiftness of the Brotherhood's claim showed its eagerness to plant its flag and establish in the public eye that Morsi had at least won entry into a second round vote. There are five prominent candidates, but none is expected to win outright in the first round. A run-off between the two leading contenders would be held June 16-17.

The first truly competitive presidential election in Egypt's history turned into a heated battle between Islamist candidates and secular figures rooted in Mubarak's old regime. The most polarizing figures in the race were Morsi and former air force commander and former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq, a veteran of Mubarak's rule.

The Brotherhood is hoping for a presidential victory to seal its political domination of Egypt, which would be a dramatic turnaround from the decades it was repressed under Mubarak. It already holds nearly half of parliament after victories in elections late last year.

The group has promised a "renaissance" of Egypt, not only reforming Mubarak-era corruption and reviving decrepit infrastructure, but also bringing a greater degree of rule by Islamic law. That prospect has alarmed more moderate Muslims, secular Egyptians and the Christian minority, who all fear restrictions on civil rights and worry that the Brotherhood shows similar domineering tendencies as Mubarak.

"I think we are on the verge of a new era. We trusted God, we trusted in the people, we trusted in our party," prominent Brotherhood figure Essam el-Erian said at a news conference at which the group claimed its lead.

Morsi's campaign spokesman, Murad Mohammed Ali, cited exit polls conducted by Brotherhood campaign workers nationwide, though he declined to give percentages for Morsi's lead.

Regional television channels, citing their own exit polls, also placed Morsi as the top finisher, with a tussle for second place between Shafiq, moderate Islamist Abdel-Moneim Abolfotoh and leftist Hamdeen Sabahi.

Across the country, election workers cracked open the transparent ballot boxes ? sealed by serial-numbered plastic bands to ensure they had not been tampered with ? and began working their way through the paper ballots. By 1 a.m. Friday, four hours after polls closed, results from about 5 percent of the 13,000 polling stations emerged, putting Morsi on top at 35 percent, followed by Shafiq with 22 percent and Abolfotoh with 16 percent.

Voter turnout appeared far lighter on Thursday than the opening day of balloting Wednesday. But those in line where still revved up on the fervor of choosing after decades of having no voice in deciding their leader.

"I like the personality of Shafiq. He is strong enough to lift the country," said Suheir Abdel-Mumin, one of several women standing in line waiting to vote in the Cairo district of el-Zawiya al-Hamra.

Somaiya Imam, still undecided on whom to choose, replied with a reference to Islamist candidates, saying: "Don't you think we should vote for the candidate who holds the Quran?"

"We voted for them before and they let us down," Abdel-Mumin responded, referring to the Brotherhood's victories in last year's parliamentary elections. "They want everything ? the presidency, parliament and government. They are never satisfied."

A woman standing behind the two joined in: "But he (Shafiq) is a Mubarak associate."

The Brotherhood faced a backlash from many of the voters who supported it in the parliament election but later grew disillusioned. Some accused it of trying to overly monopolize power and breaking earlier promises not to run for president. Others felt it simply had not produced any accomplishments with its parliament dominance ? though the ruling military has severely hampered the parliament.

Still, Morsi enjoyed the might of the Brotherhood's well-organized electoral machine, the nation's strongest.

"We need a president who gets rid of the former corrupt and oppressive system and brings Egypt back to the position it deserves economically and internationally," said Rizk Mohammed, a contractor voting with his family in Cairo ? all for Morsi. He defended the Brotherhood against claims it was trying to monopolize all power, saying pro-Mubarak media were fomenting that idea.

Also, the anti-Islamist vote was divided. Shafiq and former foreign minister Amr Moussa and Shafiq split the votes of many who craved a familiar face that could bring stability. Sabahi, as well as Abolfotoh, siphoned votes of those who could not bear to vote for a "feloul" ? or "remnant" of the old regime ? or a hard-core Islamist.

Moussa, who had been leading in many pre-election polls, appeared to have suffered the most.

During the day Thursday, he blasted Shafiq in an interview on Al-Arabiya television, accusing him of planning to bring back Mubarak's regime and demanding he quit the race.

"The Shafiq campaign is calling for the re-creation of the past and it will take the country back to the time before the revolution," Moussa said, looking rattled with his hair unkempt.

He also made a last-minute appearance to reporters outside his Cairo campaign headquarters with a plea for supporters to vote ? a suggestion his own exit polling showed him faltering.

"I call on all Egyptians, male and female, to go out in these last two hours and vote," he said.

Both Shafiq and the Brotherhood's Morsi have repeatedly spoken of the dangers, real or imaginary, of the other becoming president. Morsi has said there would be massive street protests if a "feloul" wins, arguing it could only be the result of rigging.

Shafiq, on his part, has said it would be "unacceptable" if an Islamist takes the presidential office, echoing the rhetoric of Mubarak, his longtime mentor who devoted much of his 29-year rule to fighting Islamists. Still, Shafiq's campaign has said it would accept the election's result.

Reports of voting violations seemed relatively limited. The Egyptian Association for Supporting Democratic Development reported fistfights between supporters of Morsi, Shafiq, Abolfotoh and Moussa, and some incidents of money being given to voters. It also reported some attempts to influence voters at the polls, including women wearing the all-covering veil campaigning for Morsi inside polling centers.

___

AP correspondents Sarah El Deeb and Lee Keath contributed to this report.

Associated Press

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The Lure of Distressed Properties Could Prove Distressing to ...

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(TheNicheReport) ? The American residential real estate market is still reeling from the bursting of the housing bubble. Frustrated applicants who have failed to either purchase a new home or refinance an existing mortgage are looking at lease agreements as their best options, and the rental market is heating up as a result.

The rental market is luring more would-be landlords and real estate investors with their sights set on the bargains that can be found in the inventories of distressed properties. Banks are thus far pleased with this turnaround. Short sales, foreclosed homes and properties assigned to real estate-owned (REO) portfolios are being snapped up by opportunistic investors. The market of distressed properties is heating up, thanks in great part to a change of heart by the banks. Investors, however, should approach this market with great caution.

Over the last few months, the distressed property frenzy reported by some financial institutions and realtors has failed to improve the value of real estate. In fact, many homes are being sold at discounts so deep that they have managed to take away value from the residential housing market. According to Housing Pulse, a survey conducted by real estate analytics firm Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance, all categories of residential properties in the United States managed to lose value in March. Distressed properties, REO homes, foreclosures, and even regular homes on the market slipped in ranges from 0.3 percent to 1.7 percent.

The value erosion can be attributed to lowball purchase prices that buyers and sellers are agreeing to in haste. That?s just one deprecating factor. Another negative factor is unfolding in metropolitan areas like Phoenix, where investors are rushing to foreclosure auctions and blindingly bidding on properties that are truly distressed, and not just in the financial sense. Hurried investors are outbidding each other in a frenzy and often walking away with titles to homes that are in major states of disrepair. Right off the bat these investors are in a losing proposition, as they will likely be forced to invest more in home repairs than the home is really worth.

The auction bidding wars mentioned above do nothing to existing home values since they are not counted as comparables by appraisers. These are irrational upfront investments that will be hard to recoup even with favorable lease agreements. The worst part of this situation is that it might create disappointed investors who may let their new homes sit in disrepair for a long time.

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