Good Reads: American manufacturing, Apple's new CEO, and a father-son journey to meet two presidents

A round-up of this week's long-form good reads include takes on America's manufacturing power, how religion is faring in the US, and the power of seeing a son in a new light.

By Dave Cook,?Staff writer / December 14, 2012

In this file photo, Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks following an introduction of the new iPhone 5 in San Francisco earlier this fall.

Eric Risberg/AP

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Manufacturing growth

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Things may finally be looking up for US manufacturing, James Fallows argues in the December issue of The Atlantic.?

Even in its battered condition, the American manufacturing sector is still the largest in the world, but its share of the US economy has declined from 20 percent in the early 1980s to just over 10 percent today. In the process, many high-paying jobs moved to China and other lower-wage countries, while Rust Belt communities in the United States were hard hit.

Two trends are likely to get trade winds blowing toward America again, Mr. Fallows contends. First, new technologies emerging in the US, such as 3-D printing, make it easier and faster to design, build, and refine products. Three-dimensional printing allows firms to use computerized molding systems to produce prototypes in minutes or hours. ?A revolution is coming to the creation of things, comparable to the Internet?s effect on the creation and dissemination of ideas,? one industrial design expert told Fallows.

At the same time, tumultuous changes in China are reducing its manufacturing advantages, complicating life for outsourcers and exporters. ?In China, wages are rising, workers are becoming choosier, public resistance to environmental devastation is growing, and the Chinese ?investment led? model is showing strain,? Fallows says.?

Apple?s new CEO

Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook talked extensively about management and corporate creativity in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek editor Josh Tyrangiel.

Mr. Cook succeeded Apple?s late co-founder Steve Jobs. Mr. Jobs was a major shareholder in the Walt Disney Company and had seen how executives there wasted time trying to figure out what Disney himself would have done after the founder of the company had passed away. Jobs ?removed a tremendous burden for me,? Cook says, by instructing, ?I never want you to ask what I would have done. Just do what is right.?

Apple has taken heat for poor working conditions at massive Foxconn Technology Group factories in China where many of its products are assembled. Cook told Businessweek that Apple would start producing one line of its Mac computers in the US in 2013 ? a modest sign of the brightening prospects for US manufacturing mentioned above.

Creativity, in Cook?s definition, is ?people who care enough to keep thinking about something until they find the simplest way to do it.? He laughed about corporate innovation departments saying that having one ?is always a sign that something is wrong ... you know, put a for sale sign on the door.?

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/csmonitor/globalnews/~3/uF1QmfGsiOE/Good-Reads-American-manufacturing-Apple-s-new-CEO-and-a-father-son-journey-to-meet-two-presidents

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The 9 Best Video Games Of 2012

2012 has been pretty good to us neckbeards now that the year is almost in the books. Sequels flourished and floundered, indie games made waves and some surprising titles caught gamers off guard. What's most important is, despite the usual holiday season heavyweights, there's been plenty of worthy of titles released to add to your catalog. That is, unless you're one of those forum-dwelling whiners pining for the days when games "belonged" to gamers or whatever.

Anyway, now's not the time to be jaded; not with all these great vidya games lying about. TSS's resident geeks felt compelled to share their favorite games with you, the readers, for you to agree, disagree and bicker about in the comments. Check out our picks and give them a try if you haven't yet.

Walking Dead: The Game (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac OSX, iOS) ? Tell Tale Games

The Walking Dead is an emotional roller coaster where the story compels you so much that you actually question your own realistic morals and values. Its objectives and decisions range from who gets the last rations, to who do you save first before their intestines are ripped out by a group of bloodthirsty zombies. The quicktime events, art direction, storyline, game stability and sound are all perfect, making this adventure title a sure classic. And once you?re done you will understand the 3.8 million units moved and the Twitter phenomena #ForClementine.

Mass Effect 3 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) ? EA Games

This epic Sci-Fi space saga not-named Star Wars was all the rage in 2012. ME3 went down as being the most anticipated game this year, as well as the most infamous. The gameplay was even better than before, with more fluid controls, intense action and cream-of-the-crop graphics, all coated with its well-crafted story. All controversy aside, this title was damn good from the beginning making this trilogy something gamers can be proud of for years to come.

The Last Story (Wii) - Xseed Games

With the Wii on it's last leg in 2012, the port of The Last Story to North America bought much surprise. This was because we here stateside don't generally get JRPG games with a plot we can relate with or gameplay that keeps our short attention spans. This game, though, incorporated many of Final Fantasy's in-depth story style and real-time battles. Compile a fun control-scheme with the Wiimotes, the best graphics the Wii has to offer, a not-so-weird-Japanese love story, and you got yourself one of the best games in 2012 and in the Wii's catalog.

Hotline Miami (PC, Mac OSX) - Devolver Digital

This game right here... is one of the most gruesome and violent games released commercially in the US since Manhunt 2 in 2007, and embodies graphics from the 16-bit era. It's got an eerie, good Fight Club-style story, with twitchy, fast-paced gameplay, tons of unlockables, strategy elements, and a challenge level that will have you pulling your hair out and kicking the dog. On top of that, the original soundtrack is excellent, straight out of 1985, placing you right in the action of this crazy game. Once you start, you will not want to quit until you beat it.

Far Cry 3 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) - Ubisoft

The third entry in the Far Cry series sinks its devious hooks into the gamer within the first twisted cut-scene, and doesn't let go. Great gameplay, a beautiful, expansive sandbox-style island to explore and one of the most compelling stories of the year deftly combine to create a clear-cut Game Of The Year. The diehard crowd might try to throw rocks at Ubisoft over a multiplayer that doesn't measure up to Call Of Duty*, but get over it. The amount of polished content packed into the single player more than makes up for it.

*Why the hell would you go anywhere but COD or maybe Halo for multiplayer shooters? Let's just stop making unfair comparisons.

FIFA 2013 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, Wii U, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android, Mac OSX) - EA Games

Same ol' song and dance for EA Sports' flagship? Hardly. FIFA continues to improve, implementing small, subtle additions to gameplay and presentation that add to the game's touted realism. No longer do players on the pitch react uniformly to through balls, lob passes and headers, as decided by EA's newly-implemented first touch system. When paired with teams that are constantly changing with their real-life counterparts, the result is the most realistic depiction of soccer we've ever seen.

Borderlands 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) - 2K Games

Half shooter, half RPG and all awesome, Borderlands 2 easily gives you one of the best bang for your buck values in games this year. The lengthy campaign comes fully fledged with well designed missions, a great villain and plenty of laugh out loud moments via its writing. Good times await potential vault hunters especially if you have friends to play with. Couch and online co op yield all kinds of memorable moments and may make you wonder why you bothered raging at COD all this time.

Forza Horizon (Xbox 360) - Microsoft Studios

Horizon stupendous blend of sim and "arcade" handling makes for plenty of fun races and hours of enjoyable joy riding at your fingertips. Occasional rubber banding kind of sucks later in the game. However adjustable difficulty settings and online play will hold you down if the campaign gets rough. The game world is easy on the eyes and a joy to roll through at your leisure. Heck, even the hipster-trash soundtrack might grow on you. Give the game a chance and, before you know it, you'll start singing Tesla Boy's "Spirit of the Night" in your Miami Vice '88 Countach.

Trials Evolution (Xbox 360) - Microsoft Studios & Ubisoft

Ridiculous courses, a great map share feature, on/offline multiplayer support and a carefree, humorous vibe easily make Trials Evolution a must play for any 360 owner. Trials Evo is also a riot as the jumps, crashes and wacky physics WILL make you laugh like few games can. This downloadable title is so well made I've accidentally opened my disc tray a few times whenever I'm through.

Source: http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2012/12/2012-best-video-games

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Secret cremation for gang-rape victim sparks anger against Indian government

A young woman who died after being gang-raped and beaten on a bus in India's capital was cremated Sunday amid an outpouring of anger by Indians demanding greater protection for women.

By Shivam Vij,?Correspondent / December 30, 2012

An elderly Indian man shouts slogans during a candle-lit vigil to mourn the death of a gang rape victim in New Delhi, India, Sunday. The woman who died after being gang-raped and beaten on a bus in India's capital was cremated Sunday amid an outpouring of anger and grief by millions across the country demanding greater protection for women from sexual violence.

Dar Yasin/AP

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Protests became violent today in Delhi as the youth wing of the opposition Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) pelted stones at police and tried to climb over barricades following news of the secret cremation of the body of the Delhi gang rape victim.

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The young woman was cremated on the outskirts of Delhi Sunday morning, in an effort to prevent the public from swarming the funeral site.?However, this only increased public resentment, reaffirming the growing perception that the government was being hostile to the protests.

Protests began nearly two weeks ago, after the gang-rape and brutal assault of the 23-year-old on Dec. 16,?with an outpouring of anger by Indians demanding greater protection for women from sexual violence. Demonstrators marched to Raisina Hill, which houses the presidential palace. There, on the first day of demonstrations a young girl breached security and entered the palace.?

As protests became more organized on Facebook and by political organizations, more people took to the streets and the relationship between protestors and police grew more strained.

One protester was filmmaker Anusha Rizvi, who witnessed left-wing groups form a circle and peacefully protest within it. ?By afternoon we heard policemen announce loudly in their walkie talkies that they would start charging on the crowd. The regular police went behind and the police criss-crossed through the group of people in the circle.?

The police then charged the crowds with batons, fired tear gas and water canons. The government later said the police had little choice because the protests had become violent. However, many witnesses say the police charged on nonviolent crowds who were sitting on the road.

?I couldn?t see anything. I just heard the two cracks of a split bamboo stick on my back, butt, and thighs. Then I heard the police screaming ... and then I saw a boot kicking my knees and shin,? wrote graphic designer Sangeeta Das in a widely circulated Facebook note.

Lokesh, an activist with the feminist organization Streemukti Sangathan, said that a few people were seen pelting stones out of frustration but the rest tried to stop them. ?I don?t know who they were,? she said, ?but ... the government was ignoring us and not responding to the protests.?

That the police wanted to disperse the protests and not simply respond to stray stone-pelting became clear when it also attacked media personnel and their vehicles, say observers.

?News channels had declined [a] government request to leave the site and [so] they showered our broadcast vans [with a water hose] to make us leave,? said one journalist on condition of anonymity. Another journalist was injured when a tear gas shell exploded near her. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry later issued an ?advisory? asking news channels to show restraint with their reporting, threatening action if they didn?t.

Metro stations in central Delhi were closed for nearly a week. India Gate and Raisina Hill were cordoned off from most traffic.?

?This is how the government handles public protest across India, even firing directly at protestors and killing them,? says political scientist Nivedita Menon. ?Be it agitations against nuclear plants or land grabs, this is the language of the government,? she says echoing the views of many Indians as the protest movement has become as much about police repression as it has been about the safety of women.

To quell popular anger?

The government has appointed a special commission designed to give recommendations on how to keep women safe and has made various statements to assuage public anger to little avail.?

?The government didn?t have to take the burden of guilt in this case, it could have shared people?s grief,? says political commentator Ajoy Bose, adding that since the anticorruption protests of 2011 the government has showed it has become scared of demonstrations. ?There is a huge disconnect between the government and the people, the government no longer knows how to interact,? he said adding that that, too, has angered Indians.

Barkha Dutt, editor of the NDTV news channel, tweeted, ?From day one the government needed to (and didn't) show Compassion, Communication and Commonsense. Now their attempts seem forced, puny, insincere.?

Still, say some, directing anger at the government is misplaced. ?The protestors are taking the easy way out by blaming government apathy. The state only reflects a deeply misogynistic society ? the protestors need to look within, not without,? said columnist Mihir Sharma.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/j-DeCyVQPXU/Secret-cremation-for-gang-rape-victim-sparks-anger-against-Indian-government

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Best SEO tips: Travel and Leisure Back packs for Ladies - telola's

There are various sorts of travel backpacks for ladies designed for those who desire to choose backpacking for holiday. Traveling alone isn't just for guys, women these days travel on their own just about everywhere. Nevertheless the majority of individual or the what is known as solo vacation relating to backpacking is usually tailored for men Ladies really are exclusive since we really need to combat unneeded attention particularly when we vacation alone and it may be rather demanding for many people.

Women from time to time opt to vacation alone due to numerous aspects. A few factors which I could picture will probably be somebody who just turned single again, desires to break free on her own for a short period, gain strength and possibly to provide evidence she can get it done on their own, probably looking for religious experience or simply really wants to do things in a different way. Recommended for you would be to go backpacking and find a special constr ucted vacation backpacks for ladies. Schedule your holiday perfectly and exercise lodging safety and always arrange to reach a location during day time. Remember to keep your traveling document secure and also be sure you dress adequately to prevent yourself from undesired notice. Actually do communicate with family members and good friends as you vacation and also a smart and efficient way would be to post your travel and leisure blogs.
A well specially designed holiday backpacks for women should be capable of support the actual shoulder blades pad as women are generally lighter weight compare with males and this will be more ergonomics to manage it. It shall be wiser to decide on light-weight backpacking due to the fact is really a safer choice compare to traditional holiday backpack simply because it helps to reduce chance of injuries for example sprained shoulder joint, back discomfort and knee complications.

A lighter in weight travel backpacks for girls also allow women vacationer to be far more reactive with regards to urgent situation. It's quicker to duck and also run away if you have a less heavy load on your back especially if you encounter natural disaster like mudslide or even crashing branches. Apart from that you can enjoy your vacation and traveling far more distance as well as take pleasure in the mobility and also independence when you vacation light. Single vacationers espe cially ladies require the simplicity and luxury as opposed to struggling with aching muscles and also lower back pain as a result of a sub standard travel and leisure backpack. Therefore, prior to start the journey it's a good idea to search and also look around online backpacks for additional information prior to selecting one.

Single female vacationers face far more danger and also it's imperative to apply essential traveling safeguards. Take a compass and guide of course, if you can invest a Gps navigation that is loaded with the latest map which is extra reliable. Try and stay with a familiar path that's incredibly well visited to make sure that when you are confronted by misfortune aid is available out quicker. Once you have all your travel backpacks for ladies all securely filled you are prepared to enjoy the vacation!

Cloudysky has been travelling around for vacations and is giving tips on how to choose travel backpacks for women. For more infor mation abouttravels backpacks for women please read this review.

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Source: http://amyplund517.blogspot.com/2012/12/travel-and-leisure-back-packs-for-ladies.html

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Source: http://amyhoarwash.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-seo-tips-travel-and-leisure-back.html

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Top 25 Best 3DS Games of 2012 - Video Games Blogger

The Top 25 best 3DS games of 2012 have been revealed! Is your favorite 3DS game part of the list of the greatest the Nintendo 3DS & DS handhelds had to offer in 2012? The year is almost over, so we?ve compiled this list of the top-quality AAA must-own titles of the year!

Index of Top 25 Best Games of 2012 Lists:

We?ve included the few top DS games there were this year in this 3DS list, since the 3DS is backwards compatible with all DS games.

Is there a game that didn?t make the list, that you think deserves a spot? Leave a comment and let us know your own list!

Runners-Up:

Marvel Pinball 3D, Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (3DS Exclusive), Zuma?s Revenge! (DS Version; Plays On 3DS), Fractured Soul (3DS Exclusive), Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D, LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, Order Up!!, Rayman Origins (3DS Version), Aero Porter, and CRUSH3D (3DS Version).

#25 ? Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning (3DS Exclusive)
#24 ? Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS Exclusive)
#23 ? Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS Exclusive)
#22 ? Tales of the Abyss (3DS Version)
#21 ? Crimson Shroud (3DS Exclusive)
#20 ? Rhythm Thief & the Emperor?s Treasure
#19 ? Ketzal?s Corridors (3DS Exclusive)
#18 ? New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS Exclusive)
#17 ? Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
#16 ? Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
#15 ? ZEN Pinball 3D
#14 ? The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave (3DS Exclusive)
#13 ? Transformers Prime: The Game
#12 ? Mutant Mudds
#11 ? Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 (DS Exclusive; Plays On 3DS)

#10 ? Pokemon Conquest (DS Exclusive; Plays On 3DS)

#9 ? Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone (3DS Exclusive)

#8 ? NightSky

#7 ? Art of Balance Touch! (3DS Exclusive)

#6 ? Pokemon Black & White Version 2 (DS Exclusive; Plays On 3DS)

Find out which 3DS game is #1 in 2012 as our countdown continues on the next page?

Continue Reading on: Page 1 Page 2

About the author

By Ferry Groenendijk: He is the founder and editor of Video Games Blogger. He loved gaming from the moment he got a Nintendo with Super Mario Bros. on his 8th birthday. Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook and at Google+.

Source: http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2012/12/28/top-25-best-3ds-games-of-2012.htm

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Eco Friendly House Improvement Tips | House Plans

These days people go with environmentally friendly methods when planning home improvement projects. Thinking in this way is not only beneficial for the environment but it?s also good for your wallet as your energy bills will go down and you?ll be more likely to reuse things instead of buying new ones. This article contains some handy advice for those who wish to enhance their home in a way that is good for the environment.

It is certainly good to take a look at your home furnishings when you are wanting to make some environmentally friendly decisions. Instead of going out and purchasing brand new pieces of furniture you can simply fix your old broken bits. It?s not only green but it will save you money too. If you can?t fix it and you do need to buy some new furniture you can buy second hand items. You can usually find nice and interesting bits of furniture, as well as accessories at auctions which tend to be held in most places. You can pick up some good furniture that has plenty of character at a good price at auctions, so long as you?re not buying a high end antique.

Powerful stuff, we think ? what are your thoughts? There is a great deal in the body of knowledge surrounding green home improvement projects. Yes, it is correct that so many find this and other similar subjects to be of fantastic value. You should be careful about making too many presumptions until the big picture is more clear. It is always a good idea to determine what your circumstances call for, and then go from that point. The rest of our talk will add to what we have mentioned so far.

How you have your lights in your home really does have an impact on the atmosphere and the look, as well as having an impact on your bills. By using energy efficient bulbs, you can save money simply because they can last up to ten times longer than ordinary ones. You shouldn?t go for bulbs that are more powerful than you need.If you do have light bulbs that are powerful you can change their brightness with a dimmer so that you can use more light only when you need it. It also matters on how bothered you are about not wasting electricity. When there?s nobody in a room simply turn off the lights.

With the rising costs of conventional power, more people are looking into alternatives such as solar heating and wind power. These natural, renewable energy sources can be more economical ways to make your home more energy efficient. You can either buy DIY kits to install solar panels, or you could get in a professional. Depending on where you are you may have many options when it comes to wind turbines. Wind turbines and solar panels are worth the investment if you?re very serious about making your house environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, it makes a lot of sense to think ?green? when planning your home improvements. It is more economical and will offer you more comfort when you choose in this way. Case in point, if your home is insulated with good insulation, it will help with the cost of heating your home as well as keeping you warmer. These are just a few helpful suggestions for eco-friendly home improvement. Once you give it some thought, you can probably come up with many more ideas of your own.

The author is an online marketing specialist ? who writes on various home maintenance related topics corresponding to commercial roofing companies Austin, commercial roofing contractor Austin, and roofing contractor Austin. ?Quality Austin Roofing Services ? 7703 North Lamar Blvd., # 680 Austin, Texas 78752 (512) 201-2987

Source: http://houseplans.kir.cc/2012/12/28/eco-friendly-house-improvement-tips/

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Building Your Dream Home in Mexico ? Communication ...

I always say that when buying Mexico real estate, one of the key items for the buyers is to work with a?Mexico agent who offers excellent communication.? Good communication using all the technology we have out there now is a key factor in gaining the best end result ? a dream property in Mexico.? The same is true for the process of building a home in Mexico.

If property owners choose to work with a professional construction coordinator, one of the most important points which they will have to consider is that of communication and tracking progress from a distance.

Communication

A growing number of construction professionals in the Riviera Maya (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, etc.), for example, work primarily with non-Mexican clients who are out of the country for most of the construction process.? Architect Gian Luca says that he has had numerous clients where he has actually never met them in person!? While most property owners will want to meet these professionals in person, it demonstrates the amount of flexibility and ease of communication that has developed.

Most professionals who work with such clients make heavy use of the internet, often offering a secure system with a password where clients can review all details of the construction progress.? These reports include:

• up-to-date expenditures
• pictures of current progress
• commentaries and notes

In such a system, clients can log in any time they want and review the details.? Reports are usually made at regular intervals ? weekly and biweekly are common.? With cell phones, laptops, digital cameras and digital video cameras on site, the construction professionals can contact the client immediately in the event of important news or change (see below), offering pictures of any advancement or situation immediately; clients can also make nearly immediate contact to clarify any questions.

Webcams and programs like Skype also make video conferencing free.

For those who are used to using the latest internet services, the process is fairly straight forward.? For those who aren?t, as Hawthorne Flaherty, who works primarily in the?Tulum real estate area, says, ?Sometimes it?s a little more laborious, but once you get the swing of it, it?s not so hard.?

Of course, those who aren?t comfortable with the latest technology can request to have updates by phone call and e-mails for pictures and numbers.

Doug Morgan was born in Dayton, Ohio and went to college at Buckeye State. Moving to Louisiana after college, he became President of his New York Stock Exchange company at the age of 28. His later career shifted to Florida and the investment business, where he was a financial advisor and branch manager for over 30 years. He bought his first condominium in Mexico in 2008 (from Top Mexico Real Estate), initially as a vacation home, but a year later he retired and moved full time to Playa del Carmen. Contact Doug at (512) 879-6546.

The TOP Mexico Real Estate Network; ?Mexico?s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!?

Tagged as: Building your home in Mexico, Tulum Real Estate

Source: http://www.topmexicorealestate.com/blog/2012/12/29/building-your-dream-home-in-mexico-communication-monitoring-from-a-distance/

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Christopherson Business Travel ? AirPortal 360?: Providing a 360? ...

With the newly developed AirPortal 360?, Christopherson Business Travel?s powerful collection of corporate travel management software is delivered directly your company?s travel manager, in an intelligent dashboard with a fully-customized view.

Built for ease, convenience, and improved travel management, AirPortal 360 provides all the advanced tools you need to reduce travel spend, guarantee traveler security, keep track of unused tickets, access traveler profiles, ensure policy compliance, and more.

Quite simply, AirPortal 360? is the panoramic view you need to keep all your company?s travel details in line and in the black.

• Manage your entire company?s travel program from one, single sign-on, intelligent dashboard
• Access to advanced tools to manage travel spend, duty of care, unused airline tickets, traveler profiles, & travel policy compliance
• Movable widgets, customizable Quick Links, and mega menu provide immediate access to what?s most important to you
• Capability to set up multiple travel managers within an organization
• Ability to restrict travel manager access to company divisions, departments, teams, or areas of responsibility
• Generate reports based on the structure of your company
• Analyze travel spend for the entire company or by department, division, or team
• Ability to drill down from a high-level, comprehensive view of travel program data to single transactions

*AirPortal 360 is just one of the many valuable business travel tools Christopherson provides through our integrated technology platform, AirPortal?. To learn more about AirPortal, AirPortal 360, and how Christopherson can save your company time and money on business travel, please contact one of our representatives.

---

Source: http://blog.cbtravel.com/?p=8187

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Enable a Hidden Topographical Layer in Google Maps on Jailbroken iPhones

iOS (jailbroken): Google's new Maps app for iOS is pretty great, but it has one hidden feature that makes it even better. Here's how to enable hidden topographical maps on your jailbroken iPhone.

This tweak was discovered by iOS developer Ryan Petrich, so you'll need to enable his repository to install the tweak. Just open up Cydia and head to Manage > Sources, then add http://rpetri.ch/repo/ as a new source. After refreshing Cydia, you should be able to find it by searching for "Topography for Google Maps" in Cydia.

Once enabled, open up Google Maps and open the drawer on the right. You should see a new "Topography" option at the bottom, which gives you a more Google Earth-eque view. We aren't sure why Google left this disabled, but we assume there may still be a few bugs with it, so use at your own risk.

So Google's new Maps app has a hidden topography mode? | @rpetrich via Cult of Mac

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/V0kyulz3FkM/enable-a-hidden-topographical-layer-in-google-maps-on-jailbroken-iphones

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Rebels besiege airports in northern Syria

In this image taken from video obtained from the Shaam News Network, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, smoke rises from buildings from heavy shelling in Homs, Syria, on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Shaam News Network via AP video)

In this image taken from video obtained from the Shaam News Network, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, smoke rises from buildings from heavy shelling in Homs, Syria, on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Shaam News Network via AP video)

In this image taken from video obtained from the Shaam News Network, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, smoke rises from buildings from heavy shelling in Homs, Syria, on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Shaam News Network via AP video)

BEIRUT (AP) ? Syrian rebels stepped up their siege of a government helicopter base and clashed with soldiers near Aleppo's international airport on Friday, part of an effort to chip away at the air power that poses the biggest challenge to their advances against the regime of President Bashar Assad.

That airborne threat came into stark relief the same day, when a government airstrike on a northern town killed 14 people ? most of them women and children, activists said. More than 21-months into Syria's conflict, the Assad regime is counting more than ever on its air force to block rebel gains.

Rebels in the north, a region largely clear of government troops, realize this and have launched campaigns to seize all the area's airports, hoping such a move will protect their forces and the civilians who back them.

This push in many ways represents the mismatched nature of Syria's civil war, with numerous but lightly armed rebels fighting a highly sophisticated army, albeit one badly weakened by defections.

Rebels say they have surrounded four airports in the northern province of Aleppo. In recent days, they have posted dozens of videos online showing fighters shooting mortars, homemade rockets and sniper rifles at targets inside the bases.

It remains unclear whether rebels will be able to seize any of the bases soon, but they have managed to stop air traffic at one and limit movement at others by firing on all approaching aircraft with heavy machine guns.

"The airports are now considered the most important thing the rebels can focus on because all of the strikes now come from the air," said Aleppo activist Mohammed Saeed via Skype.

Saeed said clashes between rebels and government soldiers raged until Friday morning around the Mannagh helicopter base near the Turkish border. He said other rebel groups continued to hold positions around the Kuwiras military airport southwest of the city of Aleppo and clashed with soldiers near Aleppo's international airport and neighboring Nerab military airport.

Rebels have numerical superiority and support from most of the population in the far north, making it easy for them to surround and cut the ground supply lines to government military bases.

But Assad's forces still control the air, responding to rebel gains with airstrikes on their positions or residential areas, a tactic rebels consider collective punishment against civilians who back the revolt.

The rebels remain largely helpless against regime airpower, and credible reports of them shooting down government aircraft are rare. But many groups now have heavy caliber anti-aircraft guns they say act as a deterrent to low-flying aircraft.

Activist Hazem al-Azazi said via Skype that rebels have surrounded the Mannagh airport near the Turkish border and have stopped helicopter traffic in and out of the base for about a week.

On Friday, a government helicopter tried to drop food and ammunition to troops in the base, but the supplies fell to rebels, he said. The day before, a group of rebels sneaked into the base and destroyed two tanks. One rebel was killed and four injured before they got out, he added.

The fall of any of Aleppo's airports would give a psychological boost the areas rebels and give them greater freedom of moment since ground forces often shell from inside the airports.

It would not, however, stop the airstrikes, most of which are carried out by jets from the central province of Hama or near the capital Damascus.

The airstrike on Friday killed 14 people in the town of al-Safira south of Aleppo, activists said.

The town, frequently hit by airstrikes, sits next to a large military complex with factories, air defense and artillery bases. Rebels have been attacking the base for weeks, and activists say the regime has been striking the town in revenge.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the dead included two women and eight children.

An Aleppo activist who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons provided names of the dead and said the town was hit because of the rebel attacks on the nearby base.

A video posted online that purported to show the site of the strike showed a large area covered with the rubble and the walls sheared off of a row of buildings nearby.

The video appeared genuine and corresponded to other AP reporting.

Activists also reported large clashes near Damascus and in the southern town of Busra al-Harir. They also said rebel forces seized the al-Tanak oil field near the Iraqi border to the east.

International diplomacy has failed to slow Syria's crisis, which anti-regime activists say has killed more than 40,000 people since March 2011.

Also on Friday, Russia's foreign minister said Moscow had proposed talks with the main Syrian opposition coalition, even though it has criticized Western countries for recognizing the group.

Sergey Lavrov told reporters that Russia has contacted the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces through the Russian Embassy in Egypt to suggest a meeting with coalition leader Mouaz al-Khatib.

Al-Khatib criticized the invitation.

"If we don't represent the Syrian people, why is he inviting us?" he said in an interview with Al-Jazeera TV, calling Assad's ouster "a main condition in any negotiations."

"The Syrian people haven't heard one fair word from Russia to the Syrian people, especially to the children, innocent people and civilians who are killed every day with Russian weapons," he said.

Russia is one of Assad's strongest backers, although top officials have recently expressed some resignation to the idea that he could fall. Still, Russia opposes international calls for his ouster and wants a negotiated solution to the conflict.

The international envoy charged with pushing to end the civil war is due to meet Russian officials in Moscow this weekend.

During a visit to Damascus this week, Lakhdar Brahimi called for a transitional government.

The rebels have rejected his plan, and the Syrian government has not commented.

____

Associated Press writer Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed reporting.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-12-28-Syria/id-062ec1ff7e894729b4cb093b1ac2fc92

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Wild Dolphins Give Gifts To Researchers Studying Them In Tangalooma, Australia

'Tis the season for giving, but in Australia, wild dolphins have been documented offering gifts to the researchers studying them for quite some time.

We hope those "gifts" came with a receipt, though, as the offerings seem likely to trigger the gag reflex in some humans. So far, the presents include eels, tuna, squid, at least one octopus and a variety of other fin fish. Discovery News reports the gifts are highly valued food sources for dolphins.

The first gift, from an adult male dolphin named Fred, was a dead moray eel, offered in July 1998, the Daily Mail notes.

According to a recently released report in the journal Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of the Interactions of People & Animals, a group of wild bottlenose dolphins near the resort of Tangalooma, in Australia, have offered gifts to the biologists studying them at least 22 more times since the first incident with Fred. The paper notes that "[gift] giving has become an established but infrequent part of the culture" of that particular group of dolphins.

While food-sharing is not all that uncommon among animals of the same species, inter-species sharing (aside from the dead birds your cat tracks into the house) is a rare occurrence, Discovery News notes.

As of yet, researchers in Australia aren't 100 percent sure what triggered the dolphins' generosity, but according to EarthSky, they believe it may be some form of play behavior. Other explanations include a desire on the dolphins' part to give back, as the researchers have been feeding them for quite some time. The dolphins may also see the researchers as incompetent hunters that require an occasional handout.

(Image courtesy Flickr user Hans Pama)

Also on HuffPost:

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/27/dolphins-give-humans-gifts_n_2372219.html

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Video: Five Top ETFs for 2013: Matt Hougan

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Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/cnbc/50300257/

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Growth in national holiday sales bleak, local retail reports mixed ...

The 2012 holiday season may have been the worst for retailers since the financial crisis, with sales growth far below expectations, forcing many to offer massive post-Christmas discounts in hopes of shedding excess inventory.

While chains like Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Gap Inc are thought to have done well, analysts expect much less from the likes of book seller Barnes & Noble Inc and department store chain J. C. Penney Co.

In Eastern Iowa, count M.C. Ginsberg: Objects of Art, 110 E. Washington St., Iowa City., in the win category.

?I was really happy to see the luxury market was still vibrant,? said Mark Ginsberg of M.C. Ginsberg: Objects of Art.

The store is known for custom-crafted and unique jewelry items. The store sold several Swiss-made Patek Philippe wrist watches that run into the ?high five figures? price category, and demand remained good for custom crafted jewelry.

Sales were up almost 30 percent for the season at the store, Ginsberg said, although part of that was due to non-holiday retail sales of medical device prototypes and models. Some sales spill over, Ginsberg said, when researchers who work with his company on prototypes for medical devices become jewelry customers.

On the other hand, it wasn?t such a good year to sell University of Iowa Hawkeye logo apparel and products.

?A lot of how our sales go has to do with how the (Hawkeyes?) season does,? said Deb Heck, manager of the Black & Gold shop, 1000 25th Ave., Coralville ? There?s no bowl game this year for the first time in ? I?m not exactly sure.?

Because of the reduced fan attention, Heck did not think sales will be up to last year?s levels. The year wasn?t a washout, however. When there?s less football action to drive sales, she said sales tend to revolve more around more generic Iowa apparel that?s suitable for occasions other than games.

Growth was always expected to slow this season nationwide, though an improving employment picture and rising home values had helped mitigate the worst fears.

But then Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast in late October, mild weather blunted sales of winter clothing and rising concern about the ?fiscal cliff? became more of a reality, dragging down already pessimistic forecasts.

The latest sign of trouble came from MasterCard Advisors Spending Pulse, which reported holiday-related sales rose 0.7 percent from Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, compared with a 2 percent increase last year.

SpendingPulsesaid it?s the weakest holiday performance since 2008 when sales dropped sharply, although the company did not know by how much.

The preliminary estimate from SpendingPulse was in line with other estimates showing weak growth during the holiday season, when retailers can book about 30 percent of annual sales ? and in many cases, half of their profits.

The National Retail Federation, the nation?s largest retail trade group, said Wednesday the trade group is sticking to its forecast for sales in the November and December period to be up 4.1 percent to $586.1 billion this year. That?s more than a percentage point lower than the growth in each of the past two years, and the smallest increase since 2009 when sales were up just 0.3 percent.

Tami Smith of Fashions by the Hall Tree, a women?s apparel store in Collins Road Square shopping Center in Marion, said her store was holding its own this holiday season.

She called it ?a decent year? that probably won?t stack up a whole lot different from last year.

Smith said the weather was a little better for coat sales than during the mild holiday portion of the 2011 winter, and last-minute gift card sales went better than a year ago. Fashions by the Hall Tree also has stores in Urbandale, Pella, Ankeny and Sioux City.

?This story was compiled from reports from By Dave DeWitte of The Gazette and the Associated Press and Reuters news services

Source: http://thegazette.com/2012/12/26/growth-in-national-holiday-sales-bleak-local-retail-reports-mixed/

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Factbox: Biggest U.S. news events of 2012

(Reuters) - The following were some of the top news stories in the United States during 2012.

FEBRUARY

Trayvon Martin shooting. Martin, an unarmed black teenager was shot dead in Florida by neighborhood watch patrol volunteer George Zimmerman. Zimmerman said he shot Martin in self defense during a struggle, but will stand trial next June for murder.

Whitney Houston, among the top singers of the 1980s and 1990s, died at age 48.

MARCH

Deadly Midwest tornadoes. A spate of tornadoes and thunderstorms tore across the South and Midwest, killing dozens of people and injuring hundreds of others.

The killer storms were followed by devastating spring and summer wildfires in the West that claimed several lives, torched hundreds of homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.

APRIL

Dick Clark, whose long-running television dance show "American Bandstand" helped rock 'n' roll win acceptance in mainstream America, died at age 82.

MAY

Gay marriage. President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to say same-sex couples should be allowed to wed. In the November election, Maine, Maryland and Washington approved same-sex marriage by popular vote. In December, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review two key same-sex marriage cases.

Facebook IPO. The historic initial public offering of Facebook Inc did not go as planned, due to an overly optimistic valuation and trading glitches. The stock fell to less than half of its IPO value in three months, and the offering became the subject of numerous lawsuits.

JUNE

Penn State. Jerry Sandusky, 68, Penn State University's former defensive coordinator, was convicted of 45 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys over 15 years. He was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison. The scandal sparked a national debate over child sex abuse, embarrassed the university and implicated a number of its top officials including legendary football head coach, the late Joe Paterno.

Supreme Court Healthcare law ruling. A sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court upheld the centerpiece of President Obama's signature healthcare overhaul law that requires that most Americans get insurance by 2014 or pay a financial penalty. The vote was 5-4.

Niagara Falls crossing. Aerialist Nik Wallenda made a historic tightrope crossing over Niagara Falls, stepping onto safe ground in Canada to wild cheers after completing his journey through wind and mist on a 2-inch (5-cm) diameter cable.

Rodney King, whose videotaped beating made him a symbol of police brutality and led to racially charged riots in Los Angeles, died at the age of 47.

JULY

Mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado. A gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises" in suburban Denver, killing 12 people and wounding 58 others. Police identified former neuroscience graduate student James Holmes as the suspect in a crime that renewed debate about the sale of powerful semi-automatic rifles and extended capacity magazines.

August

Shooting at Wisconsin Sikh temple. A gunman killed six people and critically wounded three others at a Sikh temple before police shot him dead.

Empire State Building shooting. An out-of-work fashion designer fatally shot a former co-worker near the Empire State Building and was then killed in a blaze of gunshots by police, stunning tourists and commuters outside of one of New York's most popular landmarks.

U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong, who took a giant leap for mankind when he became the first person to walk on the moon, died at the age of 82.

SEPTEMBER

Benghazi attack. Militants stormed the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington, killing U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.

The attack - the first to kill a U.S. ambassador in the line of duty since 1979 - sparked criticism of the Obama administration. An official inquiry found widespread failures in both security planning and internal management.

OCTOBER

Superstorm Sandy. More than 130 people were killed when Hurricane Sandy pummeled the east coast of the United States. Thousands more were left homeless as the storm tore through areas of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, causing an estimated $50 billion in damage.

Lance Armstrong. Disgraced cycling champion Armstrong had his seven Tour de France victories scratched from the records and was banned from cycling for life after the International Cycling Union (UCI) ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions against him. A USADA report said Armstrong had been involved in the "most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."

Record-setting skydiver. Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner leapt into the stratosphere from a balloon near the edge of space 24 miles above Earth and safely landed, setting a record for the highest skydive and breaking the sound barrier in the process.

NOVEMBER

U.S. general election. Democratic U.S. President Obama beat Republican rival Mitt Romney to win a second term in the White House. Obama's reelection was clinched with the votes of minority Hispanic and black voters, marking a shift in electoral demographics.

Resignation of CIA Director. David Petraeus, the head of the spy agency and warrior-scholer who played a key role in the Iraq war, led the U.S. Central Command and commanded U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, stepped down after admitting he had engaged in an extramarital affair.

DECEMBER

Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Adam Lanza shot dead 20 children and six staff members at the school in Newtown, Connecticut, before killing himself. He also killed his mother. The mass shooting once again prompted vigorous debate on gun laws.

(Sources: Reuters; Pew Research Center for the People & the Press)

(Reporting by Tim Gaynor; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Leslie Gevirtz)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/factbox-biggest-u-news-events-2012-192905659--spt.html

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SPOILER ALERT: Twist awaits US fans of 'Downton'

NEW YORK (AP) ? British fans of "Downton Abbey" are feeling blue after Tuesday's conclusion of Season 3, even as the U.S. audience eagerly anticipates this third cycle on PBS' "Masterpiece" beginning Jan. 6.

(ANY "ABBEY" DEVOTEES WHO PREFER NOT TO LEARN WHAT AWAITS THEM ARE URGED TO STOP READING RIGHT NOW.)

___

One of the stars of this wildly popular British costume drama is leaving the series after its third season. Dan Stevens had opted not to continue beyond his initial commitment, the British network ITV confirmed Wednesday.

His character, Matthew Crawley, has been written out with what ITV called an "untimely and tragic death" in the season finale. That episode will air in the U.S. in February.

Michelle Dockery will be returning in Season 4 as Matthew's soon-to-be widow, Lady Mary.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/spoiler-alert-twist-awaits-us-fans-downton-221749220.html

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Workers with iPods: the downside ? Business Management Daily ...

It is estimated that approximately one-third of employees listen to music at work using an iPod, MP3 player, or other portable music device. Employees claim that listening to music improves their job satisfaction and productivity, so it may be beneficial to allow workers to use their iPods, etc., in the office.

However, you should be aware of the potential negative effects that iPods and other portable music devices could have on communication, performance and safety.

• Communication can break down among co-workers because of the difficulty in getting an employee?s attention while he or she is listening to music through earbuds. This sends the message, ?Unless you have something really important to tell me, don?t bother me.?
• If an employee plays an iPod or other portable music device through computer speakers, co-workers near that employee can find it disruptive, hampering their concentration.
• Safety is a concern because employees wearing earbuds may miss alarms, warning signals, or shouts by co-workers informing them of potential harm.

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PFT: John Fox makes case for Peyton as NFL MVP

AP

The NFL Most Valuable Player award seems to be a two-man race heading into Week 17, with Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning the contenders. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier has already gone on the record as saying there?s no doubt that Peterson is the MVP, and it?s not surprising that Fox has now come out to vocally support Manning.

Fox said at his press conference today that he believes Manning deserves the honor because Manning has had to adjust to a new team and new teammates and has made that adjustment flawlessly in his first season in Denver.

?Obviously I might be a little biased and with all due respect to everybody involved, I think what?s unique about Peyton . . . he?s done it in a new city with a new team,? Fox said. ?At that position, in my personal opinion, that?s what separates him from the rest of the field.?

Peterson and Manning each have one more game to attempt to impress the panel of 50 voters the Associated Press assembles to vote on the MVP award, but they appear to be neck and neck through 15 games of the season. Peterson, who has gained 1,898 yards this season, has a huge opportunity to bolster his case by surpassing the the 2,000-yard mark on Sunday, and maybe even breaking Eric Dickerson?s all-time record of 2,105 yards, while potentially leading the Vikings to the playoffs with a win over the Packers. Manning doesn?t have any high-profile statistical benchmarks to meet on Sunday, but he does have the opportunity to lead the Broncos to home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, if they win on Sunday while the Texans lose.

My bet is that if Peterson tops 2,000 yards and the Vikings beat the Packers, Peterson gets the nod. If Peterson falls short and the Vikings lose, that will open the door to Manning winning the MVP for the record fifth time.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/24/john-fox-makes-his-case-for-peyton-manning-for-mvp/related/

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Credit Card 101 ? How to Choose a Credit Card ? Bnr.Co

Here are some ideas to maintain in mind when deciding on a credit card. Whilst in the past finding answers to these questions was like decoding a cipher, recent legislation now demands companies to be significantly much more up front than they would be otherwise. Even so, the language can be convoluted, so read the promotional material cautiously.

Type of card:

If you strategy on paying off the balance each month, then a charge card like American Express is greatest. If you require to obtain items now that you can?t afford to pay for in its entirety, a credit card would be the very best choice. And if you just want to transfer the balance of another credit supply, get a card that offers a low interest rate on balance transfers.

Annual Percentage Rate:

The annual percentage rate is what banks charge you for borrowing their cash and is expressed as a yearly rate. Companies are needed to disclose this quantity and it must be on every statement you get. Verify if the rate is fixed (does not change with out your notification) or variable (changes based on simple economic interest rates). Needless to say, fixed interest prices are almost always in your very best interest.

Grace Period:

The grace period is the quantity of time you have to pay your balance in total just before finance charges are added. This applies primarily only if you pay off your balance every month. The grace period begins when the issuer prepares your statement, not when you obtain it in the mail. Nevertheless, they are required to mail your statement 14 days just before the due date. The grace period is typically 25 days but might be shorter, and examine your fine print for some companies can alter the grace period at their discretion.

Costs:

Utilizing a credit card can result in costs beyond the item bought and interest on the amount borrowed. The most typical are application costs, late costs, annual charges, over-the-limit fees, balance transfer fees, money advance costs and finance charges.

How Finance Charges are Calculated:

Whilst interest rates and how finance charges are calculated vary from a single organization to the subsequent, they are all necessary by law to disclose each. Look on the back of your statement for the explanation. The six techniques they calculate finance charges are Adjusted Balance, Typical Everyday Balance, Every day Balance, Double Billing Cycle, Ending Balance, and Previous Balance. The Adjusted Daily Balance method advantages the customer the most.

Credit Limit:

The credit limit is the quantity you can charge to your account. Charge Cards like American Express generally do not have a limit. Credit Cards, on the other hand, have a certain amount and if you exceed it, you can be in for some hefty charges. Credit Card companies like to increase your limit from time to time, but be wary. This tends to simply make you feel richer and a lot more liable to incur a lot more debt.

Finding out about each and every of these elements can be a convoluted mess (often on goal) to untangle. Credit card companies are required by law to inform you of each and every, but the print my be little or in language only a financial guru would realize. If you are unsure of any of these, call the company and ask then get a card tailored to your certain requirements.

Source: http://www.bnr.co/finance-2/credit-tips/credit-card-101-how-to-choose-a-credit-card/

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calculate ailey: Buying A Luxury Center Console Boat ? Recreation ...

When considering which boat to potentially buy, shoppers must consider several important factors. Whether to go with used or new, prices, maintenance, size, capabilities, and reputation are all equally important. Taking the time to look at several boats and compare these items will better your odds of selecting the most suitable boat for your trips out on the water.

Pricing is the first thing most people look at when it comes to shopping for luxury center console boat because, let?s face it, if you can?t afford it, we don?t need to know much else about the boat. You need to be honest with yourself when it comes to what you can afford. sometimes good financing plans can be had if you have a good relationship with the bank. By doing this, and taking the time to set a budget, buyers will know they are capable of making the minimum monthly payments on the choice they make.

The size of the boat you hope to purchase is also something one has to think about seriously. From the number of people that fit, to the amenities and built in comforts. Thinking about these things before you buy will result in the proper decisions being made, and perfect sizes being purchased by consumers. Is it usually just the family or would you like to entertain Eight to Ten people while out on the water?

There are many brands and models that you need to look at before you can feel really comfortable narrowing it down to four or five great boats. If you want brand names, you must compare all, to ensure the very best ones are chosen in the end. Comparing, and reviewing features, will allow buyers to go with the most suitable boats for their needs. You should probably look at Ten to Fifteen different brands while shopping. Maintenance, and potential costs for care is another important consideration one has to ponder when looking at boats. Depending on how much it costs to maintain, it might be worth choosing something a little less expensive. Conversely, if it has low maintenance costs, you may be able to afford more boat. So, comparing these figures early on, will help you avoid a potentially poor decision when buying your new boat.

All these questions and considerations are just par for the course when shopping for new boat. Taking all of them into consideration, and comparison shopping is critical for those who want lower pricing, and the proper final decision being made when the time comes to make the purchase on the new boat. In the end, after all of the facts have been laid out and you are still unsure, get out on the water with the boat and see how you feel then.

Stop by a Scout dealer and find out if our luxury center console boats are right for you.

Source: http://megastore123.com/sports/2012/12/23/buying-a-luxury-center-console-boat/

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Source: http://kaamfeufa.posterous.com/buying-a-luxury-center-console-boat-recreatio

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Source: http://calculate-ailey.blogspot.com/2012/12/buying-luxury-center-console-boat.html

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Anti-tax conservatives say no to tax-increase deal

BOSTON (AP) ? In the city where a protest over tax policy sparked a revolution, modern day tea party activists are cheering the recent Republican revolt in Washington that embarrassed House Speaker John Boehner and pushed the country closer to a "fiscal cliff" that forces tax increases and massive spending cuts on virtually every American.

"I want conservatives to stay strong," says Christine Morabito, president of the Greater Boston Tea Party. "Sometimes things have to get a lot worse before they get better."

Anti-tax conservatives from every corner of the nation echo her sentiment.

In more than a dozen interviews with The Associated Press, activists said they would rather fall off the cliff than agree to a compromise that includes tax increases for any Americans, no matter how high their income. They dismiss economists' warnings that the automatic tax increases and deep spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1 could trigger a fresh recession, and they overlook the fact that most people would see their taxes increase if President Barack Obama and Boehner, R-Ohio, fail to reach a year-end agreement.

The strong opposition among tea party activists and Republican leaders from New Hampshire to Wyoming and South Carolina highlights divisions within the GOP as well as the challenge that Obama and Boehner face in trying to get a deal done.

On Capitol Hill, some Republicans worry about the practical and political implications should the GOP block a compromise designed to avoid tax increases for most Americans and cut the nation's deficit.

"It weakens the entire Republican Party, the Republican majority," Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio, said Thursday night shortly after rank-and-file Republicans rejected Boehner's "Plan B" ? a measure that would have prevented tax increases on all Americans but million-dollar earners.

"I mean it's the continuing dumbing down of the Republican Party and we are going to be seen more and more as a bunch of extremists that can't even get a majority of our own people to support policies that we're putting forward," LaTourette said. "If you're not a governing majority, you're not going to be a majority very long."

It's a concern that does not seem to resonate with conservatives such as tea party activist Frank Smith of Cheyenne, Wyo. He cheered Boehner's failure as a victory for anti-tax conservatives and a setback for Obama, just six weeks after the president won re-election on a promise to cut the deficit in part by raising taxes on incomes exceeding $250,000.

Smith said his "hat's off" to those Republicans in Congress who rejected their own leader's plan.

"Let's go over the cliff and see what's on the other side," the blacksmith said. "On the other side" are tax increases for most Americans, not just the top earners, though that point seemed lost on Smith, who added: "We have a day of reckoning coming, whether it's next week or next year. Sooner or later the chickens are coming home to roost. Let's let them roost next week."

It's not just tea party activists who want Republicans in Washington to stand firm.

In conservative states such as South Carolina and Louisiana, party leaders are encouraging members of their congressional delegations to oppose any deal that includes tax increases. Elected officials from those states have little political incentive to cooperate with the Democratic president, given that most of their constituents voted for Obama's Republican opponent, Mitt Romney.

"If it takes us going off a cliff to convince people we're in a mess, then so be it," South Carolina GOP Chairman Chad Connelly said. "We have a president who is a whiner. He has done nothing but blame President Bush. It's time to make President Obama own this economy."

In Louisiana, state GOP Chairman Roger Villere said that "people are frustrated with Speaker Boehner. They hear people run as conservatives, run against tax hikes. They want them to keep their word."

Jack Kimball, a former New Hampshire GOP chairman, said he was "elated" that conservatives thwarted Boehner. He called the looming deadline a political creation. "The Republicans really need to stand on their principles. They have to hold firm."

Conservative opposition to compromise with Obama does not reflect the view of most Americans, according to recent public opinion polls.

A CBS News survey conducted this month found that 81 percent of adults wanted Republicans in Congress to compromise in the current budget negotiations to get a deal done rather than "stick to their positions even if it means not coming to an agreement." The vast majority of Republicans and independent voters agreed.

Overall, 47 percent in the poll said they blamed Republicans in Congress more than Obama and Democrats for recent "difficulties in reaching agreements and passing legislation in Congress." About one-quarter placed more blame on the Democrats and 21 percent said both were responsible.

Although negotiations broke down last week, Obama still hopes to broker a larger debt-reduction deal that includes tax increases on high earners and Republican-favored cuts to entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security. If a compromise continues to prove elusive, lawmakers could pass a temporary extension that delays the cliff's most onerous provisions and gives Congress more time to work out a longer-term solution.

That's becoming the favored path by some Republicans leery of going over the cliff.

Mississippi Republican Chairman Joe Nosef shares his Southern colleagues' disdain for tax increases. But he stopped short of taking an absolute position.

"I really, really feel like the only way that Republicans can mess up badly is if they come away with nothing on spending or something that's the same old thing where they hope a Congress in 10 years will have the intestinal fortitude to do it," he said.

Matt Kibbe, president of the national organization and tea party ally, FreedomWorks, says that going over the cliff would be "a fiscal disaster." He says "the only rational thing to do" is approve a temporary extension that prevents widespread tax increases.

But his message doesn't seem to resonate with conservative activists in the states.

"If we have to endure the pain of the cliff then so be it," said Mark Anders, a Republican committeeman for Washington state's Lewis County. "While it may spell the end of the Republican Party ... at least we will force the government to cut and cut deep into actual spending."

Back where the Boston Tea Party protest took place in 1773, Morabito wonders whether Boehner will survive the internal political upheaval and says Republicans need to unite against Obama.

"It looked like from the very beginning they were just going to cave to what President Obama wanted," she said of the GOP. "I didn't want that to happen. Now I'm hopeful that they're standing up for taxpaying Americans."

___

Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Rachel La Corte and Michael Baker in Washington state, Thomas Beaumont in Iowa, and AP Director of Polling Jennifer Agiesta in Washington contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/anti-tax-conservatives-no-tax-increase-deal-135031595--finance.html

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