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Source: http://lowbrowse.org/americas-favorite-bad-credit-auto-loans-expert-valley-auto-loans-announces-their-business-plan-for-the-next-quarter.html

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Pope makes Easter pleas for Mideast peace

Pope Francis, holding the pastoral staff, celebrates the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 31, 2013. "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is," he said. "Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life!" said Pope Francis during the Easter vigil. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, holding the pastoral staff, celebrates the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 31, 2013. "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is," he said. "Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life!" said Pope Francis during the Easter vigil. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, holding the pastoral staff, walks past the closed icon of Jesus as he celebrates the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 31, 2013. "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is," he said. "Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life!" said Pope Francis during the Easter vigil. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, holding the pastoral staff, celebrates the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 31, 2013. "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is," he said. "Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life!" said Pope Francis during the Easter vigil.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square at the the Vatican Sunday, March 31, 2013. "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is," he said. "Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life!" said Pope Francis during the Easter vigil. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Faithful hold a heart shaped banner reading in Italian "Pope Francis we love you. Happy Easter" in St. Peter's square at the Vatican on the occasion of the celebration of the Easter mass Sunday, March 31, 2013. "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is," he said. "Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life!" said Pope Francis during the Easter vigil. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

VATICAN CITY (AP) ? Pope Francis delivered a plea for peace in his first Easter Sunday message to the world, decrying the seemingly endless conflicts in the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula after celebrating Mass at an outdoor altar before more than 250,000 people in flower-bedecked St. Peter's Square.

Francis shared in his flock's exuberance as they celebrated Christianity's core belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead following crucifixion. After Mass, he stepped aboard an open-topped white popemobile for a cheerful spin through the joyous crowd, kissing babies and patting children on the head.

One admirer of both the pope and of the pope's favorite soccer team, Argentina's Saints of San Lorenzo, insisted that Francis take a team jersey he was waving at the pontiff. A delighted Francis obliged, briefly holding up the shirt, and the crowd roared in approval.

Francis has repeatedly put concern for the poor and suffering at the center of his messages, and he pursued his promotion of the causes of peace and social justice in the Easter speech he delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the same vantage point above the square where he was introduced to the world as the first Latin American pope on March 13.

The Roman Catholic leader aimed his Easter greetings at "every house and every family, especially where the suffering is greatest, in hospitals, in prisons." Francis prayed that Jesus would inspire people to "change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace."

As popes before him have, he urged Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks and end a conflict that "has lasted all too long." And, in reflecting on the two-year-old Syrian crisis, Francis asked, "How much suffering must there still be before a political solution" can be found?

The pope also expressed desire for a "spirit of reconciliation" on the Korean peninsula, where North Korea says it has entered "a state of war" with South Korea. He also decried warfare and terrorism in Africa, as well as what he called the 21st century's most extensive form of slavery: human trafficking.

The first pontiff to come from the Jesuits, an order with special concern for the poor, and the first pope to name himself after St. Francis, a medieval figure who renounced wealth to preach to the down-and-out, Francis lamented that the world is "still divided by greed looking for easy gain.

Earlier, wearing cream-colored vestments, Francis celebrated Mass on the esplanade in front of the basilica at an altar set up under a white canopy. He frequently bowed his head as if in silent reflection.

The sun competed with clouds in the sky Sunday, but the square was a riot of floral color in Rome, where chilly winter has postponed the blossoming of many flowers. Yellow forsythia and white lilies shone, along with bursts of lavender and pink, from potted azalea, rhododendron, wisteria and other plants.

Francis thanked florists from the Netherlands for donating the flowers. He also advised people to let love transform their lives, or as he put it, "let those desert places in our hearts bloom."

The Vatican had prepared a list of brief, Easter greetings in 65 languages, but Francis didn't read them. The Vatican didn't say why not, but has said that the new pope, at least for now, feels at ease using Italian, the everyday language of the Holy See. Francis also has stressed his role as a pastor to his flock, and, as Bishop of Rome, Italian would be his language.

The pontiff improvised his parting words to the crowd. He repeated his Easter greeting to those "who have come from all over the world to this square at the heart of Christianity" as well as to those "linked by modern technology," a reference to TV and radio coverage as well as social media.

Francis added that he was especially remembering "the weakest and the neediest" and praying that all of humanity be guided along "the paths of justice, love and peace."

In another departure from Easter tradition, Francis won't be heading for some post-holiday relaxation at the Vatican's summer palace in Castel Gandolfo, in the hills southeast of Rome. That retreat is already occupied by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who went there in the last hours of his papacy on Feb. 28. Benedict became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the position, and eventually is to move back to the Vatican, after a convent there is readied for him.

Francis so far has declined to move into Benedict's former apartment in the Apostolic Palace, into the rooms whose studio overlooks St. Peter's Square. He is still in the Vatican hotel where earlier this month he was staying along with other cardinals participating in the secret conclave to choose Benedict's successor.

While Francis has just begun to make his mark on the church, it is plain he has little desire to embrace much of the pomp customarily associated with the office.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2013-03-31-Vatican-Easter/id-5d44bc11305246eb9643c56988a50315

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The Weekly Roundup for 03.25.2013

You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.

Comments

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/6zYSkm-bk1c/

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Miley Cyrus to Haters: At Least I Can Twerk!

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/03/miley-cyrus-to-haters-at-least-i-can-twerk/

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No end to Italy deadlock as president meets parties

By James Mackenzie

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's political parties remained far apart on Friday as President Giorgio Napolitano searched for a way out of the month-long stalemate since deadlocked elections left no group able to form a government alone.

Napolitano met political leaders on Friday after center-left chief Pier Luigi Bersani, who won the largest share of the vote but fell short of a majority in parliament, failed to reach a deal with other parties that would allow him to govern.

Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi insisted that the only solution was for Bersani to accept a coalition deal that would give the media tycoon a share in power but he was immediately rebuffed by a senior Democratic Party official.

The 76-year-old billionaire said there was "no other solution" than a coalition and he ruled out backing a technocrat government like the one led by outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti, whom he blames for pushing Italy into recession.

"Our position has not changed. We expressed it with absolute clarity to the president," center-right leader Berlusconi told reporters after the meeting with Napolitano.

Luigi Zanda, Senate leader for Bersani's Democratic Party(PD), said it was "very difficult" to imagine a coalition with Berlusconi's People of Freedom (PDL) party.

"There are too many important issues in PDL policies that are light years from those of the Democratic Party," he told SkyTG television.

After five days of talks that ended on Thursday, Bersani failed to get a deal with either Berlusconi or Beppe Grillo's populist 5-Star Movement, which holds the balance of power.

Five Star repeated on Friday that it would not back a government led by any of the big parties it blames for Italy's social and economic crisis. It also rejected any "pseudo-technocrat" administration.

"Give them a vote of confidence? Those are swear words in the mouths of people like them," Grillo said in a live video broadcast on his popular blog. "They should all just go home."

A deal between center-right and center-left has been blocked by Bersani, who says Berlusconi is untrustworthy and also rejects the latter's demand to nominate a successor to Napolitano, whose mandate expires in May.

Berlusconi said there had been no deal on the presidency but it was "in the logic of things that if you form a coalition government you discuss the best president of the Republic".

PRESIDENT TAKES THE INITIATIVE

After Bersani's failure, the 87-year-old Napolitano is holding a quick round of meetings with the main parties to assess what options remain to prevent another election.

The refusal by Berlusconi and his allies in the Northern League as well as Grillo to back a technocrat government appears to narrow his options greatly and made it much less likely that an independent figure will be able to lead a non-political administration - which many see as the only way out of deadlock.

"We were against the Monti government and if there is to be another government of that type it's a thousand times better to have new elections," League leader Roberto Maroni said.

Among the names which had been considered possible candidates as a technocrat leader are Fabrizio Saccomanni, director general of the Bank of Italy or the head of the constitutional court Franco Gallo.

The political gridlock has fed growing worries about Italy's ability to confront a prolonged economic crisis that has left it in deep recession for more than a year, with a 2-trillion-euro ($2.6-trillion) public debt and record unemployment, especially among the young.

Rumors have been circulating for days that ratings agency Moody's is preparing to cut its rating on Italy's sovereign debt, which is already only two notches above "junk" grade, partly due to the uncertain political outlook.

Napolitano has made clear that he does not want Italy to go back to new elections immediately, not least because the widely criticized election law is likely to just repeat the deadlock.

But many are already preparing to vote again, with Berlusconi's center-right confident that the momentum created by his surge towards the end of the last campaign will continue.

A poll by the SWG company on Friday showed the center-right had pushed Bersani's bloc into second place since the vote.

($1 = 0.7788 euros)

(Additional reporting by Naomi O'Leary; Editing by Barry Moody and Michael Roddy)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/italys-president-seeks-way-political-deadlock-091517168.html

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New study aims to prevent sports-related brain injury in youngsters

Mar. 28, 2013 ? Ice hockey accounts for nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries among children and youth participating in organized sports who required a trip to an emergency department in Canada, according to a new study out of St. Michael's Hospital.

The results are part of a first-of-its-kind study led by Dr. Michael Cusimano that looked at causes of sports-related brain injuries in Canadian youth and also uncovered some prevention tactics that could be immediately implemented to make sports safer for kids.

"Unless we understand how children are getting hurt in sport, we can't develop ways to prevent these serious injuries from happening," said Dr. Cusimano, a neurosurgeon and the lead author of the study. "One would think that we know the reasons why kids are having brain injuries in sports, but until know, it was based mainly on anecdotes."

The study used data from The Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program to look at the almost 13,000 children and youth aged 5-19 who had a sports-related brain injury between 1990 and 2009. The results appeared in the journal PLOS ONE today.

The researchers categorized injuries by players' ages, what sport they occurred in and what mechanisms had caused them -- "struck by player," "struck by object" (such as net or post), "struck by sport implement" (such as ball or stick), "struck by playing surface" and "other."

Hockey accounted for 44.3 per cent of all injuries and almost 70 per cent of them occurred in children over 10 as a result of player-to-player contact or being hit into the boards.

Dr. Cusimano said they expected to see high numbers in hockey because it's Canada's "national sport."

"This shows that body contact is still an area where we need to make major inroads to preventing brain injuries," Dr. Cusimano said. "For example, enforcing existing rules and making more effective incentives and disincentives about checking from behind could make huge improvements."

Nineteen per cent of the youth who suffered brain injuries got them during soccer, with most in the 10 to 14 or 15 to 19 age group. In these age ranges, the most common cause of injury was being struck by another player, kicks to the head or head-on-head collisions. In the younger group, age five to nine, players were more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury from striking a surface or a goal post than those in older groups.

"There's a really straightforward solution here," Dr. Cusimano said. "Padding the goal posts could have potentially prevented a large number of these brain injuries in young children."

The results also found that the youngest age group was at the highest risk for getting seriously injured in baseball. Most of the 15.3 per cent of injuries occurred in children under the age of 14, with 45 per cent of them in children under nine.

Ball and bat injuries were most common, with the majority of injuries caused because the players stood too close to the batter or bat and were not supervised by an adult.

"These results give us a very specific prevention message for kids under nine who play baseball: make helmets and supervision a mandatory," said Dr. Cusimano. "The younger the child, the more supervision they need when using things like bats and balls. Simple rules around not being close to the batter can be taught to children and adults."

Football and rugby accounted for 12.9 per cent 5.6 per cent of injuries respectively, and the majority of them were caused by tackling.

Basketball made up 11.6 per cent of injuries, mostly caused by player-to-player elbowing, which increased as players got older.

"There is a real opportunity for prevention here," Dr. Cusimano said. "Having educational programs, proper equipment, rules and other incentives that support a culture of safety in sports should be a mandate of parents, coaches, players, sports organizations, schools, sports sponsors, and other groups like governments."

Funding for the research was provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by St. Michael's Hospital, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

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

---

Journal Reference:

1. Michael D. Cusimano, Newton Cho, Khizer Amin, Mariam Shirazi, Steven R. McFaull, Minh T. Do, Matthew C. Wong, Kelly Russell. Mechanisms of Team-Sport-Related Brain Injuries in Children 5 to 19 Years Old: Opportunities for Prevention. PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (3): e58868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058868

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/living_well/~3/3M3mmJkKrl8/130329125301.htm

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Stephen Baldwin due in court in NY tax case

NEW CITY, N.Y. (AP) ? Stephen Baldwin is set to appear in New York court between appearances on "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" in hopes of getting past a state tax charge.

The youngest of the four acting Baldwin brothers is due Friday morning in Rockland County Court. He's accused of failing to file state income tax returns in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Baldwin's lawyer has said he can avoid jail time under a tentative plea agreement. The attorney said Baldwin would have up to five years to pay back $350,000 in taxes and penalties.

When Baldwin was arrested in December, the district attorney said he could face up to four years in prison if convicted.

The 46-year-old Baldwin starred in 1995's "The Usual Suspects." He's a contestant on TV's "Apprentice" with Dennis Rodman and others.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/stephen-baldwin-due-court-ny-tax-case-062533310.html

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'The Voice' Beats 'American Idol' In Ratings For First Time

'Idol' ratings continue their decline as 'Voice' has strong first week.
By Gil Kaufman

Shakira and Usher on "The Voice"
Photo: Trae Patton/ NBC

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1704636/the-voice-american-idol-ratings.jhtml

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Filmmaker who rescued Romanian orphans is killed

ENCINITAS, Calif. (AP) ? A documentary filmmaker known for helping rescue children from squalid Romanian orphanages in the early 1990s was fatally shot following an apparent dispute over the trimming of shrubbery outside his Southern California home, officials said Friday.

John Charles Upton Jr., 56, was found dead Thursday on a dirt path in the yard of his Encinitas home. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department said detectives arrested Michael Vilkin, 61, on suspicion of murder. He was being held without bail, pending arraignment Tuesday.

Upton, after learning of the plight of Romanian orphans, publicized the brutal conditions and was instrumental in bringing an estimated two dozen orphans to America for medical care and adoption.

Vilkin, in an interview conducted in county jail, told KGTV in San Diego he fired gunshots in self-defense after Upton menaced him with a gun during a dispute over foliage.

Vilkin said he owns vacant property next to Upton's home, and the two men had a disagreement over trimming shrubs.

"I did not go to him," Vilkin told the station. "He came to me threatening and pulled a gun (on) me."

A statement from the department said a dispute between the two men led to the shooting, which was under investigation.

Upton's brother, Michael Upton, told U-T San Diego that his brother and Vilkin previously argued about trees.

Upton's work in Romania also gained the attention of influential activists, inspiring billionaire philanthropist Richard Branson and actress Jessica Lange to help rescue youngsters from Romania.

Upton went on to create an online network of films about charitable causes.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2013-03-29-US-Filmmaker-Killed/id-8c6e38d19e4b44dca399cf95c14be9a3

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Bible comes to life as locusts swarm Israel

Mar 26 (Reuters) - Leading money winners on the 2013 PGATour on Monday (U.S. unless stated): 1. Tiger Woods $3,787,600 2. Brandt Snedeker $2,859,920 3. Matt Kuchar $2,154,500 4. Steve Stricker $1,820,000 5. Phil Mickelson $1,650,260 6. Hunter Mahan $1,553,965 7. John Merrick $1,343,514 8. Dustin Johnson $1,330,507 9. Russell Henley $1,313,280 10. Kevin Streelman $1,310,343 11. Keegan Bradley $1,274,593 12. Charles Howell III $1,256,373 13. Michael Thompson $1,254,669 14. Brian Gay $1,171,721 15. Justin Rose $1,155,550 16. Jason Day $1,115,565 17. Chris Kirk $1,097,053 18. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/bible-comes-life-locusts-swarm-israel-190310435.html

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Ky. lawmakers override religious freedom veto

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky lawmakers have voted to override the governor's veto of a bill intended to better protect legal claims of religious freedom.

The law will give stronger legal standing to people in court who claim the government burdened their ability to practice their religion. The legislation protects "sincerely held religious beliefs" from infringement unless there is "a compelling governmental interest." The courts will still consider and rule on each matter.

Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear vetoed the bill Friday over concerns that someone's claim of religious freedom could undermine civil rights protections for gays and lesbians and lead to costly lawsuits for taxpayers.

But bill sponsors said it would only provide a higher level of legal protection that already exists on the federal level and in at least 16 states. The debate pitted civil liberties groups like the ACLU against religious organizations such as the Catholic Conference of Kentucky. Lawmakers voted Tuesday to override.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ky-lawmakers-override-religious-freedom-131607876.html

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More than White House tours: Sequester hurts nationwide

Forget the cancellation of White House tours.

We asked Yahoo News readers to tell us how the deep automatic federal spending cuts known as the sequester are affecting their lives right now. And readers responded.

"We are cutting our spending and living more frugally because it looks like an $800 per month pay cut will be heading our way," wrote James Ferguson of Aberdeen, Md., whose wife works for the Department of Defense and faces furlough.

The sequester went into effect March 1 after Congress and President Barack Obama failed to reach a major deficit reduction deal. Some $85 billion in cuts were triggered, to be spread evenly across domestic and defense spending.

Obama has warned that the sequester could imperil the nation's slow economic recovery. Some conservative lawmakers have welcomed the cuts, saying it's a needed downpayment on the type of cuts necessary to reducing the federal deficit.

A few respondents who emailed us or submit entries via the Yahoo Contributor Network said the impact of the cuts are far overblown. But the majority of those who reached out to Yahoo News were worried about furloughs for themselves or their spouses.

Readers also shared other concerns. Cassandra Friederichs told us that she and her husband, both veterans, are preparing for tuition assistance cuts; several readers looking for work explained how they are bracing for cuts in unemployment assistance; federal sales executive Carol Smouse said her office phones have stopped ringing as clients avoid their business; and one active duty National Guardsmen expressed outrage over facing a furlough because he also works as a civilian. Several respondents voiced concern about families with a disabled relative who may find their assistance cut.

Here are excerpts from some of the many submissions we received. Please note that some respondents requested their names be redacted due to concerns about their employment or military status:

Husband prepares to find part-time work for furlough day

Since 2006, my husband, Mac, has worked for the Department of Defense ...

Wendy Lunko and her husband, MacWith the sequester, however, he has already been told that everyone in his division will participate in furloughs. Of course, since everything in the government is related to politics, the furloughs will be one day each week, through the rest of the fiscal year, rather than allowing employees to opt for a 22-consecutive-day furlough, which would allow them to receive short-term unemployment. ...

I am very thankful I work full-time, as it means that while we still need to tweak our budget a bit, we will still have additional income. Mac is also exploring options for a part-time job, but until he is told exactly what day will be his furlough day, he cannot do too much. While I admire his work ethic and his willingness to take on a second job, I know that it will mean I'll get to spend less time with him. ...

I generally think we need less government spending, yet the sequester makes no real sense to me. I think the cuts are rather politically motivated, and are overly dramatic to attract attention, like ending the White House tours.

?Wendy Lunko, Pennsylvania

Diabetic woman faces April reduction in unemployment benefits

Last week, I received a notification from the unemployment office that due to the sequestration cuts, "the federal government has directed us to reduce your EUC payments by 10.7% beginning that first week in April. We (state) have no control over these cuts in benefits and no ability to waive or reduce the level of cuts."

The 10.7% reduction may not seem like a lot to you, but [it] is to me. After my employer of 12 years closed their doors, I have been actively looking every day for the last 8 months for a job to no avail. After rent & utilities, I can barely manage to put food on my table. Not a good diet when you are a diabetic. I have cut down on my expenses. I've already sold my car, cut off my home phone, switched to basic cable TV/Internet, switched to a prepaid cellphone plan. I can no longer afford to pay for (COBRA) health insurance. Without health insurance, I can no longer afford to buy the diabetic testing supplies or medications recommended for controling this pre-existing condition ...

?Connie Miller, New York

Sequester is not a big deal

Way overblown. Their budget is less but they still have same or more money to spend versus last year just the budget was reduced for this year. Any qualified business manager could handle this. ... They need to reduce spending. Politics.

?Bob

Camp Lejeune, N.C., local worries about community

I believe the sequester will affect my personal income. I work at Johnston Community College in Smithfield, N.C. We had a budget meeting soon after the sequestration took effect, and I asked our comptroller if the college would be affected by those budget cuts.

Stephen Link at Johnston Community CollegeThe answer: "Not likely in this budget year." Of course, "certainly not" would have been more preferable.

Since we are in close proximity to Camp Lejeune (in Jacksonville) and even closer to Seymour Johnson [Air Force base] (in Goldsboro), we will be seeing effects of spending cutbacks through areas other than a paycheck.

Am I really worried for myself? No. Am I worried about the overall effect that this can have on our local economy? Certainly. My belief is that these troubles will touch all employees of local, state, and federal governments. The net result will extend the recession, cause higher crime, and possibly launch us back into an economic depression like this generation has never seen ...

?Stephen Link, North Carolina

Border patrol agent faces furlough and end of overtime

I am a Border Patrol Agent and very soon my fellow Agents and I will be facing massive cuts. Beginning April 7th, we will no longer be able to work overtime as well as facing one furlough day each pay period (every two weeks). The overtime is a necessity in order for Agents to maintain border security during shift changes as well as other things that may happen during a shift which may include tracking groups and filling out paperwork. We also work in very extreme conditions. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 125 degrees while we work shifts up to ten hours. We also track groups through the mountains and desert never knowing what can be waiting for us. When April 7th comes, we will be losing approximately 40% of our annual income. Agents who came from all over the country to work in the southwest will now be unable to pay for their homes, student loans, etc. It seems like this is a joke to our government while they try to play the blame game. There are a lot of hard working agents out there who have sacrificed a lot in order to help secure our borders...

?Border patrol agent, El Centro, Calif.

No White House tour and a cut to unemployment benefits

Congress' decision to let $85 billion in across-the-board, indiscriminate spending cuts directly impact my family's well-being in Chicago.

My daughter, an eighth-grader, was supposed to take the class trip to Washington, D.C., this summer. Because of the sequester, she and her classmates won't see the White House. The financial cuts prompted the White House to cancel tours.

My husband, who has been unemployed or non-scheduled from his job at the Illinois Department of Employment Security for the past six months, will be hit with a 10-percent cut to his benefits. That's almost $200 less from his already very slim unemployment check. If he does not get his IDES job back soon, our family would be cut off from the medical and dental insurance benefits and we'll be forced to sign up for a more expensive plan under COBRA.

President Barack Obama's decisions-- instead of improving the lives of middle-class families-- hurt their well-being at their core. I am not sure that a Republican president would have done a better job getting our nation to balance its finances; unfortunately, at present, we do not have an alternative.

?Irene Lankin-Duffy, Chicago, Ill.

Department of Defense employee faces furlough after 30 years of service

I will be furloughed one day a week for 22 weeks. I have been a federal employee for over 30 years. It saddens me that Washington could not resolve and compromise to avoid sequester cuts. I don?t wear a suit to work or work in D.C. Many of my civilian counterparts provide many hours of work away from home to support National Defense.

Several of my co-workers responded when asked to go to Japan and help after the tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster. How are our dedication and many years of loyal service repaid? ...

[Update: This reader shared a DOD email update with Yahoo News informing employees that furlough notices have been delayed for ?approximately 2 weeks? to allow the department to analyze the impact of ?continuing resolution legislation on the Department?s resources.?]

?Federal Employee, Hampton Roads, Va.

Active duty National Guardsman faces furlough in civilian-military gray area

This is my twelfth scheduled workday in a row, so this weekend is a little more eagerly awaited than most. What had not been eagerly awaited was my furlough letter, advising me that in 30 days, I will be subject to 22 mandatory days off for the remainder of this fiscal year?effectively a 20% cut in pay. ... I haven?t told you who my employer is yet, have I? It?s the U.S. Air Force . ...

Long story short, I have military skill training qualifications and uniform, but a DoD civilian paycheck. Then, one weekend a month and two weeks a year, I show up at the same base, in my same uniform, in my same work area and get paid by the Air Force according to my military rank for my reserve duties. ...

I?m not exceptionally concerned whose fault the sequester is. I?m concerned that because I live in the gray area of military and civilian status, that I can still be sent to war, but I can?t get a full week?s paycheck because of the sequester.

?Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Nevada National Guard motor vehicle operator, Reno, Nev.

Sequester doesn't go far enough

It's become a comically regular occurrence for members of both the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government to make dire predictions of catastrophic shutdowns every time significant cuts to the federal budget are mentioned.

The most recent of these cuts (and one of the few to actually get through the legislative process) is the by now well-known sequestration measure. ...

For those who say these cuts are unsustainable, I respond by pointing out that neither is having a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 100 percent. For those who say it's a step in the right direction, I say it's not even that. The deficit in 2023 will still be greater than it is now, even if the sequester cuts manage to stay in place. Sure, these cuts are better than none, but they're really just a fraction of a drop in the bucket.

?Ryan Hurley, Cincinnati, OH

Mylinda Elliott

Louisiana woman worries about the disabled and her paycheck

I live in Lake Charles, La., where I work for a nonprofit that helps families that have a member with a disability. Although I have not been directly affected by the sequestration yet, we are all holding our breath. Many of the programs that help our families are supported by funds we are being told will be cut.

If we lose funding, it will be funding for wages?more specifically my wages. ...

In the past year, I have worked with several families with a member with a disability to get Social Security. The cuts to the Social Security Administration may not cut their check, but will curtail the hours an office will be open, and close some offices. This will make it harder on families. It will take longer for me to be able to assist them. I will be able to reach fewer families.

?Mylinda Elliott, Lake Charles, La.

Maryland man?s wife faces furloughs totaling $800/month

We are cutting our spending and living more frugally because it looks like an $800 per month pay cut will be heading our way. The government is forcing my wife to take one day off per week, totaling four days per month, which comes to approximately $800 a month of lost income for our family. I am a full-time real estate agent; that is 100 percent commissioned salary. My wife's income was our steady, reliable income until the sequester. I am currently searching for part-time employment on top of my full-time position to supplement the income cut. ...

I also have often thought of the local businesses and restaurants that thrive off of the 30,000-plus APG employees who eat lunch every day in these establishments, and who shop and buy groceries and gas all around the proving ground. All of these businesses will be affected as well. Across the board, within the DoD, everybody will be taking off at least one day a week. This will ripple across the local economy.

What can be done to help or fix this situation? How about we start these budget cuts from the top down?

?James Ferguson, Aberdeen, Md.

Federal sales executive says phones have stopped ringing

Working in sales, your job is on the line every time you fail to meet quota, 3 months in a row of failing to achieve it means you will be put "on notice" and will be required to bring in enough sales to meet quotas, or be terminated. Now that the sequester is going into effect, our Federal customers do not want to meet with us. The dozens of emails we would get every day have stopped coming, our phones are not ringing, and we are not selling. ...

Because of my job uncertainty, I kept my current car and had the transmission replaced, rather than buy a new car. I would have rather bought a new car, mine is now 10 years old, but I was too afraid to take on a car payment when I could end up out of work at any time. My coworkers are all making similar decisions. We are nervous and unwilling to take on financial obligations when our future is so uncertain.

I know we all wonder what we will do.

?Carol Smouse

Military couple prepares for tuition assistance cuts

I am relying on the Tuition Assistance that used to be offered to the military to finish school a little earlier than planned so that I can find a job and help my daughter grow up in a middle-class home. My fiance and I are both denied the right to have that Tuition Assistance that we were both PROMISED upon signing our contracts to serve our countries. ...

I am not angry that they are making cuts because that is what needs to be done, but I am angry at where they are deciding to make those cuts. Why does Obama get paid what he does? Why do the Congressmen, that keep delaying things and making these budgets go past [their deadlines], get paid [as much as] they do? If my fiance were to do the things that congress does, he would be FIRED!

?Cassandra Friederichs

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/stories-sequester-yahoo-news-readers-respond-151156262--politics.html

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Managing outsourcing and eDiscovery (Part 2 of 2) - Legal Business ...

By Matt Hassett, Jim Hassett, and Mike Egnatchik

?

The oversight of outsourcers can be complex.

We will illustrate this with an example from eDiscovery, which includes outsourcing to a software team. Consider the eDiscovery technique of predictive coding. Unlike simpler forms of eDiscovery?such as keyword search, concept searching, and looking for clusters of similar document groups?in predictive coding attorneys train software algorithms to find the most relevant documents by using samples of documents called training sets. According to Predictive Coding for Dummies:

Training the predictive coding system is an iterative process that requires attorneys and their legal teams to evaluate the accuracy of the computer?s document prediction scores. If the accuracy of the computer-generated predictions is insufficient, additional training set documents are selected from the document population being considered. Multiple training sets are reviewed and coded until the required performance levels are achieved. Once the desired performance levels are achieved, decisions can be made about which documents to produce.

The great advantage of this approach is that attorneys will be able to explain the decisions made by the computer, since they worked to train the computer algorithms. This can satisfy the obligation of competent representation, so long as things are properly done. But there is always the danger that things will not be properly done. Predictive Coding for Dummies goes on to say:

Understanding how to use predictive coding tools properly is critical for several reasons. First, predictive coding is relatively new to the legal field and introduces additional complexity to the eDiscovery process. Second, many different predictive coding solutions are available on the market that vary in quality and approach. Third, even though predictive coding solutions can be difficult to use, clear instructions and training are often lacking, which can increase the risk of error. These and other factors have combined to create confusion about the proper methodology for using predictive coding tools.

The message is clear: A firm that uses predictive coding cannot rely on it as a black box that gives right answers at all times. Not all providers are equal. There must be a procurement process that evaluates and selects the best provider.

Competent representation includes understanding and monitoring the provider?s work. If that does not happen, the law firm may be at risk.

Due to the growth in outsourcing, in 2008 the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued an opinion to provide ethical guidance to lawyers about how to outsource in a manner that is consistent with the profession?s core values. ?State and local bar associations have also offered guidance in this area.

In August 2012, the ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20 concluded that outsourcing did not require changes to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct.? However, it did propose new Comments to identify the factors that lawyers need to consider when retaining outside lawyers (Model Rule 1.1) and non-lawyers (Model Rule 5.3) to assist on a client?s matter. The Commission also proposed a new sentence (for Comment 1 on Model Rule 5.5) to clarify that lawyers cannot engage in outsourcing if it would facilitate the unauthorized practice of law.

Like many obligations described in the Model Rules, these proposals were intended to be ?rules of reason? and were not intended to preclude consideration of broader legal concerns, such as malpractice and tort liability. But they did reflect the fact that new trends in outsourcing place new demands on the supervising lawyers. A recent lawsuit has highlighted some of the potential risks of failing to manage outsourcers properly.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal:

An increasingly contentious lawsuit by a former client against law firm McDermott Will & Emery LLP is putting a spotlight on the legal industry?s widespread use of itinerant ?contract? attorneys who review documents for lower hourly wages? The case ?may well be a harbinger,? said Jonathan M. Redgrave? There could be more disputes between clients and law firms over work performed by contract attorneys and outside vendors as they are used more in the pre-trial discovery process.

The Wall Street Journal also alluded to the underlying economics that are driving the move to outsourcing: ?McDermott?s own attorneys billed J-M at ?rates as high as $925 an hour? [and paid]? $61 an hour to staffing firm Hudson Legal.? Hudson, in turn, hired the lawyers who did the work for even less.

According to Mark Ross?s description of this suit:

J-M Manufacturing alleges that McDermott failed to adequately supervise contract review attorneys who inadvertently produced privileged documents to the government. The documents were subsequently handed over to a third party who refused to destroy the documents, arguing that J-M waived attorney-client privilege when it produced them to the government.

McDermott has vigorously defended itself against these allegations. According to a firm spokesperson quoted in the Wall Street Journal article, ?J-M keeps changing its story.?

Ultimately, the case may be decided for McDermott or against them. From our perspective, the way this particular lawsuit turns out is far less important than the simple fact that a client has sued its law firm for failing to adequately manage its outsourcers. As Ross summed it up, ?While this may be the first e-discovery malpractice lawsuit specifically dealing with the issue of lack of supervision of contract lawyers, it surely won?t be the last.?

Firms that decide to use outsourcers will therefore need to develop effective management processes, policies, and techniques for this type of work.

?

This post was adapted from the forthcoming third edition of the Legal Project Management Quick Reference Guide, which will be published on May 20.

---

[1] Matthew D. Nelson, Predictive Coding for Dummies (Wiley, 2012), 8

[2] Nelson, Predictive Coding, 11.

[3] American Bar Association Resolution 105C (Aug 2012).

[4] http://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/aba_commission_on_ethics_20_20.html

[5] Vanessa O?Connell, ?Objection! Lawsuit Slams Temp Lawyers,? Wall Street Journal (Aug 3, 2011).

Source: http://adverselling.typepad.com/how_law_firms_sell/2013/03/managing-outsourcing-and-ediscovery-part-2-of-2.html

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Suspected Tacoma, Washington gunman in custody after standoff

Ed Troyer / Pierce County Sheriff via AP

Deputies take Mike McBee into custody in Tacoma, Wash. Tuesday, after he allegedly walked down the street firing guns at houses and then barricaded himself in his home. This photo was provided by the Pierce County Sheriff's Dept.

By M. Alex Johnson, staff writer, NBC News

A man who reportedly walked through a Tacoma, Wash., neighborhood spraying gunfire was taken into police custody after a standoff at his residence, Seattle TV station KING 5 reported.

Police had surrounded the home Tuesday afternoon, where the man with at least four high-powered weapons was holed up, a sheriff's official told NBC News.

Pierce County Sheriff's Department told KING that the suspect was 67-year-old Mike McBee, a Vietnam veteran.

No injuries were reported, but Pierce County sheriff's Detective Ed Troyer said several homes were hit by bullets in the neighborhood in Tacoma, about 30 miles of Seattle.

Troyer, speaking before the suspected was named, said the gunman was known to have "mental health issues" and was believed to have been drinking.

Police began firing tear gas into the house early Tuesday evening, KING reported.

KING reported that numerous residents of the neighborhood had been evacuated and that those who remained were asked to stay inside.

Troyer told KING that the suspect had substance abuse issues.

NBC News' Denise Ono and Ian Johnston contributed to this report.

This story was originally published on Tue Mar 26, 2013 9:36 PM EDT

Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/653381/s/2a08b563/l/0Lusnews0Bnbcnews0N0C0Inews0C20A130C0A30C260C174778240Esuspected0Etacoma0Ewashington0Egunman0Ein0Ecustody0Eafter0Estandoff0Dlite/story01.htm

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Flipboard Update Lets You Create Your Own Magazines

Flipboard takes the news you want to read and organizes it into a wonderfully designed magazine format. And now, with an update to its iOS apps, it lets you create your own magazines for specific themes, topics, events, and so on. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/AJG3Rcago3c/flipboard-update-lets-you-create-your-own-magazines

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Italy high court overturns Amanda Knox acquittal

ROME (AP) ? Italy's highest criminal court has overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox in the slaying of her British roommate and ordered a new trial.

The Court of Cassation ruled Tuesday that an appeals court in Florence must re-hear the case against the American and her Italian-ex-boyfriend for the murder of 21-year-old Meredith Kercher.

Kercher's body was found in November 2007 in her bedroom of the house she shared with Knox and other roommates in Perugia, an Italian university town where the two women were exchange students. Her throat had been slashed.

Prosecutors alleged Kercher was the victim of a drug-fueled sex game gone awry. Knox and Raffaele Sollecito denied wrongdoing. An Ivory Coast man, Rudy Guede, was convicted of the slaying in a separate proceeding and is serving a 16-year sentence.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/italy-high-court-overturns-knox-acquittal-091054681.html

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Sanford Health in talks to take control of Fairview Health Services (Star Tribune)

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

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/294724713?client_source=feed&format=rss

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9 Rules for Direct Mail Copywriting Success - Target Marketing ...

Years ago, I was at a marketing seminar and some speaker I have never heard of grabbed the microphone and talked about getting noticed.?

She had some great insights on making a business memorable. As she went down her checklist of things we need to do to win, I saw how it related to all types of advertising. I have since implemented those ideas as what I call "The Rule of the Nine."

Today all of the direct mail copywriting success I have is because of this checklist. Nothing leaves our office until EVERY question is answered.

The Rule of the Nine

1. What is it I want to sell? Define what it is you are offering. "This ad's sole purpose is to sell ___________."
2. What problem does my offering solve? Your product/service is a painkiller. If you do not know exactly what your prospects suffer from, you can't create successful ads.
3. Why should they buy it? Will the carpets be healthier without dust mites, mold spores and pollen? Does your roofing service have a 20 year free shingle replacement warranty? Does your dog walking service include 15 minutes of K9 cardio?
4. Who are my ideal customers? How old are they? Where do I find them? What's their income level? The more you know, the easier they are to sell to.
5. Why trust me? What justifies you or your company as an expert? What credentials do you have? Do you have testimonials or endorsements from respected colleagues or clients??
6. Who are my competitors and how am I different from them? What is it about your service, product or process that your competition is not doing or telling? Is your guarantee the strongest? Do you offer service after hours or on weekends? Is the paint you use safer around children? Find as many differentiators as you can and focus on one or two of the most meaningful.
7. Why would they say no? What are the fears or objections they may have to my offering? Are my prices high? Does my offer sound believable? Do I seem trustworthy? Find and answer as many as you can.
8. What is the goal of my ad? Is it to educate, alert, entertain or sell them on the idea of your service, product or skills? Not all successful ads sell directly. Many are to create a sales funnel, such as getting recipients to opt-in to a newsletter.
9. How do you want people to take action?? Should they call, email, connect, go to a website, or scan a QR code? Is there a deadline? What will they miss out on if they do not respond now?

Answer these questions within your ad and you greatly increase your chance at success.

Source: http://www.targetmarketingmag.com/article/9-rules-direct-mail-copywriting-success-checklist-the-direct-mail-rule-9/1

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George Kent - vinyl windows Mississauga contractors

If you're looking for the best roofing contractors Mississauga has to offer, and you want to ensure the best quality of investment is made, contact George Kent Improvements Ltd.

Lemoore, Canada (prHWY.com) March 24, 2013 - George Kent Home Improvements Ltd., is one of the only roofing contractors in Mississauga, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area which hold GAF Master Elite certification, available only for 2% of Canadian home improvement companies. The best roofing contractors Mississauga can offer are not only roofers, but also very specialized in many other types of home improvement processes, and they're the only ones which offer lifetime warranty, as opposed to a maximum of 5 years warranty for roofs and windows for the competition. Roofs are however the most important part of the house when it comes to protection against the elements.
A good roof has to be strong and made of the most stable materials the market can sell. The roofs protect the people living inside the house from winds, rain, snow and offer protection in general from the other elements. They help keep the whole home clean, because no dust gets inside the house from powerful gushes of wind, and in the seasons, they really make sure that the people in the house can live in comfort. In the spring and autumn, they stop heavy rains, in the winter they stop snow and wind from affecting the people inside, and in the summer they keep the heat out. A good roof does that for a longer period, and a it is only as good as the materials, labor force and quality of the roofing company are. It must have leak barriers, deck protection and insulation to keep the cold outside and the heat inside in the winter, and viceversa in summer. To keep roofs safe for a longer period of time, the company also has to provide annual checkups. These help to see if there are any cracks and leaks in the roof the company built.
If the roof keeps the elements from affecting the people inside, the windows have to keep the elements out and the light coming inside the house. Glass is not as strong and resistant as the materials that roofs are made from, and building a window which helps the people inside feel safe and enjoy daylight is more than a challenge and should be handled only by professionals.
Of all the vinyl windows Mississauga companies, George Kent Home Improvements Ltd., ensures the same quality with windows as with other installations. The vinyl sidings in the windows help prevent moisture from getting inside the house, and by preventing that, they also prevent bacteria, mites and mold from forming in the window siding. The company, which is selected for the Consumers' Choice Award as the best Siding Toronto company, works in improvements from year 1949, and has made over 80 000 home improvements modifications. This makes them one of the only 2% of Canadian home improvements companies part of the GAF Masters Elite program, which ensures that their workforce is not only trained by the manufacturer but also has more than 10 years of work experience. Their installations come with an Energy Star certification, which means that your electricity and gas bills will be significantly lower in the summer and winter, and that's a sure way to increase your comfort.
To learn more about roofing and vinyl windows, click http://www.georgekent.ca/, or use the contacts below:

Contact name: Leslie A. Lopez
Exact address: 333 Half and Half Drive, Lemoore, CA 93245
Phone number: 559-924-8776
E-mail address: LeslieALopez@teleworm.us

###

Source: http://www.prhwy.com/news/129788-george-kent-vinyl-windows-mississauga-contractors.html

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Seeking A Social Life - Darpan Magazine

By nature, human beings are social creatures. We join groups, crave acceptance, share our opinions and make time to mingle. Online is no different and, for many, just as daunting to develop a social life behind the screen as it is to choose who to chat to at the next networking event. Social media is no longer a term reserved for high-tech companies. It?s the way the world interacts online through platforms built to exchange user-generated content and with over two billion active internet users world wide, it?s the way individuals, consumers and businesses are developing their brands.

Actions used on social media sites have become common terms in everyday lingo as ?tweeting, following and unfriending? are widely understood verbs across continents and for those both young and old. With benefits on both a personal level as well as for organizations, social networking can no longer be ignored.

?Social media has completely changed the way businesses operate,? says Alicia Quan, founder and director of Social Media Communications for Capital Q Creative. 80% of companies intend to incorporate social media into their customer service strategies in 2013. And for good reason. According to Nielsen, the global leader in information and measurement, Internet users continue to spend more time on social media sites than any other type of site. While it may be hard to determine what social strategies will be a benefit as an individual or an organization, understanding what tools can be used and how to use them is the first step to building an online presence.

Facebook

As the most visited website on the world wide web, beating out search engine giant Google, Facebook has quickly become the most popular social networking site for Internet users of all ages. Facebook has grown to include over 1 billion active users who sign on to their personal profile page and interact with friends, colleagues and businesses through the exchange of messages, posting of photos and sharing of links.

Facebook has facilitated the ease in which individuals can stay in touch no matter where in the world they may be, proving distance doesn?t mean relationships have to suffer. Users have found long-lost relatives, connected with high school sweethearts and made friends out of acquaintances.

Facebook?s popularity has also been a blessing for businesses, whom have jumped on the online bandwagon. Driving heavy amounts of traffic to one?s website, a Facebook Page allows an organization to post photos, encourage ?sharing? or ?liking? of their content and interact with their consumers in a noticeable way. Through consistent marketing material and engaging consumers, Facebook has given companies a way to stand out while simultaneously allowing supporters to be actively involved.

Twitter

Coming in second in terms of public popularity, Twitter challenges users to express themselves in 140 characters or less ? meaning short sentences are shared with a user?s followers in the hopes of interacting with like-minded individuals, promoting a product, reaching out to celebrities or simply sharing your everyday musings online. Twitter is instant, quick and uncomplicated communication.

You might be thinking, so why would I join Twitter? I?ve got nothing to say. Twitter isn?t just about what you have to say; with over 500 million registered users, there are more than enough people talking. Twitter is a source of news, jokes and casual conversation topics for some silent participants while just as many support companies in the hopes of catching a coupon or voicing a concern.

Twitter has become a customer service centre and businesses are expected to react and respond to the many comments and complaints posted daily by consumers. ?Both positive and negative, customer feedback in general is going straight to these brands and giving them instant and more frequent marketing research,? Quan says. Active participation on Twitter, if done correctly, allows a brand to remain in front of its customers and promote a positive presence in the online communities where their consumers congregate.

YouTube

Creating overnight sensations of Internet superstars and spreading smiles with cute cats and laughing babies, YouTube has successfully attracted over 800 million unique users a month to its video sharing site. Users are able to upload, view, share and comment on video content made up of TV clips, music videos, video blogging and amateur creations. It is the best platform for building a brand through video blogs, tutorials and product promotion that encourages interaction through likes, comments and the ability to easily share visual content.

LinkedIn

If creating contacts and exploring opportunities are the basis of networking in the professional sense, then it?s no surprise that a site dedicated to such a thing thrives on the Internet. LinkedIn is a social networking site used to manage, build and engage a professional network. Over 200 million users are able to post their skills, search for jobs and maintain a list of connections. Forbes has called LinkedIn ?the most advantageous social networking tool available to job seekers and business professionals today.?

?

Conclusion

The number of sites dedicated to social media continues to grow daily. With users populating Pinterest, GooglePlus, StumbleUpon and Instagram among others, on an hourly basis, finding the right place to promote yourself can certainly be a challenge. ?If you stay true to who you are and what your target audience wants to see, you?re on the right track,? Quan advises.

Understanding what social media sites do and how you can use them to stay connected is essential to leveraging your online presence. Whether you?re looking to find friends, stalk a celebrity or become the next Justin Bieber, there?s a social networking site that is right for you.

Categories: 2013, Family & Community, Features, LifeStyle, March - April 2013, Online Articles, The Magazine

Read More About: Chating, facebook, Facebook and Instagram, Friends, instagram, LinkedIn, Messaging, Networking, online community, social media, Social network, twitter, youtube.
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Source: http://www.darpanmagazine.com/2013/03/seeking-a-social-life/

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Usher gets a geography lesson on 'Voice' premiere

By Ashley Lee, The Hollywood Reporter

Adam Taylor/NBC

New "Voice" coach Usher made a bit of a geography boo-boo on his first night of the show.

Returning champion coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine welcomed single-name superstars Usher and Shakira to "The Voice"?on Monday night, as season four began the Blind Auditions with banter, bribery and tear-jerking backstories.

The new quartet of coaches began with a performance of The Beatles? ?Come Together,? further reiterating that?this?singing competition touts working musicians who each play instruments as mentors. As the only female coach on the show, Shakira knows she?s got big shoes to fill -- so if you miss?Christina Aguilera?belting on?Cee Lo Green?s??Crazy? by Gnarls Barkley, Shakira makes up for it with...a harmonica.

Meet the first additions to "The Voice?s"?fourth season (and the ones who almost made the cut):

The Morgan Twins
Song: ?Fallin??
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: All four. How else would the show kick off the blinds?
The coaches had no idea that a pair of blonde bombshells in red cocktail dresses were standing behind them. But after one sister nailed?Alicia Keys'signature opening, Shelton and Usher immediately hit their buttons, with the other two coaches following suit. ?This is a dream come true for most...men,? jokes Shelton. ?Like a damn Doublemint commercial!? Looks like being a two-time champion is a nice selling point -- the duo opts for Team Blake, even if it does get him in trouble with wife?Miranda Lambert.

Jess Kellner
Song: ?Can?t Help Falling in Love?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: Usher and Shakira
Using music to heal emotional scars from an alcoholic mother, Kellner?s brassy tone and patient phrasing departed from typical "Voice"?auditions. Shakira took a nurturing approach -- praising the ?haunting? timbre of her voice -- but Usher simply smiled with his leg up on that rotating chair and let his sex appeal ooze out. Clearly, the latter approach works, as Team Usher gained a first contestant.

Mark Andrew
Song: ?Knockin? On Heaven?s Door?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: Levine, Shakira
Andrew -- a vocal blend of "Voice"?alumni?Tony Lucca?and?Nicholas David?-- was hesitant to give music a second try, after two of his former band members recently passed away. After Shakira pointing out that Levine only won with a beginner?s luck that she now has (?Don?t be blinded by lust, my friend!? pleaded Levine), the ?Hips Don?t Lie? singer successfully recruited Andrew. Looks like sex appeal won again, even when she?s pregnant!

Janetza Miranda
Song: ?Titanium?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: none
The Bachata singer who rocks bird call wanted Shakira to coach her to a bilingual musical career. After a shaky, nervous performance, the pitchy powerhouse is consoled with hugs from a compassionate Levine.

Danielle Bradbery
Song: ?Mean?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: Shelton, Usher, Levine
Bullied as a kid for having bad teeth, the 16-year-old stuck it to haters with the?Taylor Swift?song, and turned three chairs. While Usher tried bribing her with?Justin Bieber?meet-and-greets, he accidentally referred to the city of Nashville as a state -- a geography flub that must have cost him. Bradbery chose Team Blake, probably with hopes of following last season?s winner?Cassadee Pope?into the country music scene.

Vedo
Song: ?Boyfriend?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: Usher
With experiences of homelessness and a mother with stage-IV lung cancer, this R&B singer sang through the whispers of the?Justin Bieber?hit and received a standing ovation -- and his first-choice coach.

Christian Porter
Song: ?Sexy and I Know It?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: Shakira, Shelton, Usher
The bar musician (aka a champion of covers) took a creative risk and put a blues twist on the LMFAO hit that displayed his vocal range and got Shakira all hot and bothered. ?The women were going so crazy, I really thought I was gonna turn to a stripshow!? said Usher, and Shelton scolded an audience member who shouted for Porter to choose Shakira. Looks like intimidation worked -- Porter then chose Shelton.

Leah Lewis
Song: ?Blown Away?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: none
Lewis was adopted from China as an infant and hopes to break the country music stereotype as an Asian American. Though the 15-year-old blew raw and untrained notes throughout the performance, there?s no doubt "The Voice"?will be seeing her again. ?if you?re 99 percent amazing and you?re fifteen, you have nothing to worry about, sweetheart,? said Levine as she left.

Kris Thomas
Song: ?Saving All My Love For You?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: Shakira
This pastor?s son fell into depression and alcoholism after losing a record deal, and got a wake-up call when he found himself drunk at the wheel. Only Shakira picked up on Thomas? feminine timbre and controlled falsettos, while the other three coaches were surprised to see a man standing before them. ?I wish I knew you were a guy!? shouted Levine with regret; ?Women go crazy over a guy with falsetto; they love that,? Usher (who discovered Bieber) told Shakira.

James Irwin
Song: ?The Man Who Can?t Be Moved?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: none
A carpenter whose twin daughters died only minutes after a premature birth, Irwin?s subdued performance didn?t turn any chairs. ?Life, thank God, is full of second and third chances,? said Shakira to Irwin. ?You should try it again, because you deserve to come back.?

Judith Hill
Song: ?What a Girl Wants?
Coaches Who Turned Their Chairs: All four
The female duet singer and background singer set for?Michael Jackson?s?This Is It?tour spent two months rehearsing with the legend before he passed away. Though offers poured in after she sang at Jackson?s memorial service, Hill said ?it seemed like poor taste? and instead opted to try "The Voice"?and put a soulful spin on coach Aguilera?s early hit. ?You?re the first person who?s ever done a Christina song, and done it as well as Christina Aguilera,? says Levine. After plenty of four-way banter, Hill became Levine?s first contestant of season four.

But all of this is only half the story -- the two-night premiere of "The Voice"?continues Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on NBC.

How do you think the new judges did on their first night? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

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