SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Social games publisher Zynga Inc confirmed on Monday that it has carried out 11 of the planned shutdowns of 13 game titles, with 'Petville' being the latest game on which it pulled the plug.
Zynga in October said it would shut down 13 underperforming titles after warning that its revenues were slowing as gamers fled from its once-popular titles published on the Facebook platform in large numbers and sharply revised its full-year outlook.
The San Francisco-based company announced the 'Petville' shutdown two weeks ago on its Facebook page. All the 11 shutdowns occurred in December.
The 11 titles shut down or closed to new players include role-playing game 'Mafia Wars 2,' 'Vampire Wars,' 'ForestVille' and 'FishVille.'
'In place of 'PetVille,' we encourage you to play other Zynga games like 'Castleville,' 'Chefville,' 'Farmville 2,' 'Mafia Wars' and 'Yoville,'' the company told players on its 'PetVille' Facebook page. 'PetVille' players were offered a one-time, complimentary bonus package for virtual goods in those games.
'Petville,' which lets users adopt virtual pets, has 7.5 million likes on Facebook but only 60,000 daily active users, according to AppData. About 1,260 users commented on the game's Facebook page, some lamenting the game's shutdown.
Zynga has said it is shifting focus to capture growth in mobile games. It also applied this month for a preliminary application to run real-money gambling games in Nevada.
Zynga is hoping that a lucrative real-money market could make up for declining revenue from games like 'FarmVille' and other fading titles that still generate the bulk of its sales.
Zynga shares were up 1 percent at $2.36 in afternoon trade on Monday on the Nasdaq.
(Reporting By Malathi Nayak; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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Monday, December 31, 2012
Ban on demanding Facebook passwords among new 2013 state laws
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Employers in California and Illinois will be prohibited from demanding access to workers' password-protected social networking accounts and teachers in Oregon will be required to report suspected student bullies thanks to new laws taking effect in 2013.
In all, more than 400 measures were enacted at the state level during 2012 and will become law in the new year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
Some of the statutes, which deal with everything from consumer protection to gun control and healthcare, take effect at the stroke of midnight. Others will not kick in until later in the year.
The raft of measures includes a new abortion restriction in New Hampshire, public-employee pension reform in California and Alabama, same-sex marriage in Maryland, and a requirement that private insurers in Alaska cover autism in kids and young adults, NCSL said.
In New Hampshire, a rarely used form of late-term abortion will become illegal except to save the life of the mother - and even then only if two doctors from separate hospitals certify the procedure is medically necessary.
John Lynch, the state's outgoing Democratic governor, had vetoed the measure, saying it would threaten the lives of women in rural areas. But the state's Republican-controlled legislature later overrode him.
In California and Illinois, laws that take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time will make it illegal for bosses to request social networking passwords or non-public online account information from their employees or job applicants.
Michigan's Republican Governor Rick Snyder signed a similar measure into law earlier this month that took effect immediately. The Michigan law also penalizes educational institutions for dismissing or failing to admit a student who does not provide passwords and other account information used to access private internet and email accounts, including social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
But workers and job seekers in all three states will still need to be careful what they post online: Employers may continue to use publicly available social networking information. So inappropriate pictures, tweets and other social media indiscretions can still come back to haunt them.
Gun violence - in places where it's all too common, such as Chicago, and in places where it's unexpected, such as Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut - was big news in 2012. But only a handful of new state firearms laws are set to take effect in 2013.
In Michigan, the definition of a 'pistol' under the law will now include any firearm less than 26 inches in length. The new definition encompasses some rifles with folding stocks and will make the weapons subject to the same restrictions as pistols.
In Illinois, certain guns currently regulated by state law, including paintball guns, will be excluded from the definition of a firearm and participants in military re-enactments will be exempt from some weapons laws.
Another big story in 2012 was the effort by lawmakers in a number of cash-strapped states to put their public employee pension funds on a sounder financial footing.
In California and Alabama, reforms designed to begin to address the unfunded liabilities of those retirement systems will take effect in 2013.
Among the other new laws on the books in 2013:
* In California, prison workers and peace officers will now be prohibited from having sex with inmates and prisoners in transport.
* In Illinois, sex offenders will be prohibited from distributing candy on Halloween, or playing Santa or the Easter Bunny.
* In Oregon, employers won't be allowed to advertise a job vacancy if they won't consider applicants who are currently out of work.
* In Kentucky, residents will be prohibited from releasing feral or wild hogs back into the wild and Illinois will ban the possession and sale of shark fins.
* And in Florida, the term 'motor vehicle' will no longer apply to the specialized all-terrain vehicles with over-sized tires known as 'swamp buggies' that are popular in some parts of the state.
(Reporting by James B. Kelleher; Editing by Greg McCune and Nick Zieminski)
This article is brought to you by BUY A NEW COMPUTER.
In all, more than 400 measures were enacted at the state level during 2012 and will become law in the new year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
Some of the statutes, which deal with everything from consumer protection to gun control and healthcare, take effect at the stroke of midnight. Others will not kick in until later in the year.
The raft of measures includes a new abortion restriction in New Hampshire, public-employee pension reform in California and Alabama, same-sex marriage in Maryland, and a requirement that private insurers in Alaska cover autism in kids and young adults, NCSL said.
In New Hampshire, a rarely used form of late-term abortion will become illegal except to save the life of the mother - and even then only if two doctors from separate hospitals certify the procedure is medically necessary.
John Lynch, the state's outgoing Democratic governor, had vetoed the measure, saying it would threaten the lives of women in rural areas. But the state's Republican-controlled legislature later overrode him.
In California and Illinois, laws that take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time will make it illegal for bosses to request social networking passwords or non-public online account information from their employees or job applicants.
Michigan's Republican Governor Rick Snyder signed a similar measure into law earlier this month that took effect immediately. The Michigan law also penalizes educational institutions for dismissing or failing to admit a student who does not provide passwords and other account information used to access private internet and email accounts, including social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
But workers and job seekers in all three states will still need to be careful what they post online: Employers may continue to use publicly available social networking information. So inappropriate pictures, tweets and other social media indiscretions can still come back to haunt them.
Gun violence - in places where it's all too common, such as Chicago, and in places where it's unexpected, such as Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut - was big news in 2012. But only a handful of new state firearms laws are set to take effect in 2013.
In Michigan, the definition of a 'pistol' under the law will now include any firearm less than 26 inches in length. The new definition encompasses some rifles with folding stocks and will make the weapons subject to the same restrictions as pistols.
In Illinois, certain guns currently regulated by state law, including paintball guns, will be excluded from the definition of a firearm and participants in military re-enactments will be exempt from some weapons laws.
Another big story in 2012 was the effort by lawmakers in a number of cash-strapped states to put their public employee pension funds on a sounder financial footing.
In California and Alabama, reforms designed to begin to address the unfunded liabilities of those retirement systems will take effect in 2013.
Among the other new laws on the books in 2013:
* In California, prison workers and peace officers will now be prohibited from having sex with inmates and prisoners in transport.
* In Illinois, sex offenders will be prohibited from distributing candy on Halloween, or playing Santa or the Easter Bunny.
* In Oregon, employers won't be allowed to advertise a job vacancy if they won't consider applicants who are currently out of work.
* In Kentucky, residents will be prohibited from releasing feral or wild hogs back into the wild and Illinois will ban the possession and sale of shark fins.
* And in Florida, the term 'motor vehicle' will no longer apply to the specialized all-terrain vehicles with over-sized tires known as 'swamp buggies' that are popular in some parts of the state.
(Reporting by James B. Kelleher; Editing by Greg McCune and Nick Zieminski)
This article is brought to you by BUY A NEW COMPUTER.
Olympics, elections and horsing around in odd 2012
LONDON (Reuters) - Presidential preening, golden Olympic gaffes, a royal windfall for a skydiving British queen on her diamond jubilee and the endless end of days marked the odd stories in 2012 which pranced across the news in Gangnam Style.
The year opened with a tale that flocks of magpies and bears had been spotted in mourning for North Korea's 'Dear Leader', Kim Jong-il who died in December 2011 and was succeeded by his 20-something son Kim Jong-un.
Winter weather was so cold in Brussels that the Manneken-Pis, a bronze statue of a young boy urinating had to stop peeing because of sub-zero temperatures.
There was slightly warming news about Mondays in Germany, where crematoriums are struggling to adapt to an increasingly obese population and a boom in extra-large coffins.
'We burn particularly large coffins on Monday mornings when the ovens are cold,' one crematorium said.
In March Polish media reported that kite surfer Jan Lisewski fought off repeated shark attacks and overcame thirst and exhaustion in a two-day battle of survival on the Red Sea with just his trusty knife as protection.
'I was stabbing them in the eyes, the nose and gills.'
In other animal news, dairy cows across the world mourned the loss of 'Jocko', the world's third most-potent breeding bull and Yvonne the German cow who evaded helicopter searches and dodged hunters landed a film deal: 'Cow on the Run'.
A Nepali man who was bitten by a cobra snake bit it back and killed the reptile after it attacked him in his rice paddy.
'I could have killed it with a stick but bit it with my teeth instead because I was angry,' Mohamed Salmo Miya said.
A scathing resignation letter of a Goldman Sachs executive published in the New York Times inspired a sheaf of online spoofs, including Star Wars villain Darth Vader.
'The Empire today has become too much about shortcuts and not enough about remote strangulation. It just doesn't feel right to me anymore,' Vader wrote in a published letter.
Austerity in Europe saw a once-thriving Greek sex industry become the latest victim of the country's debt crisis with Greeks spending less on erotic toys, pornography and lingerie.
But lust appeared to be in the rudest of health elsewhere.
Turkish emergency workers rescued an inflatable sex doll floating in the Black Sea and a German disc jockey vowed to press charges against a woman who locked him in her apartment and ravaged him for hours until he rang the police.
'She was sex mad and there was no way out of the flat,' Dieter S. told police.
@ROYALFETUS
Britain's Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 60th year on the throne with Diamond Jubilee celebrations that saw a 1,000-ship rain-sodden flotilla sail down the River Thames, a massive party in front of Buckingham Palace, street parties across the country and a spoof incarnation of her majesty on Twitter.
'OK, fire up the Bentley. Let's rock,' tweeted 'Elizabeth Windsor', the comic online alter ego of the British monarch in a typical tweet from the spoof Twitter account @Queen_UK, a virtual monarch with a razor-sharp wit and a penchant for gin.
And Twitter positively exploded with spoof royal accounts later in the year when Elizabeth's grandson William and his wife Kate announced she was pregnant with a future monarch.
'I may not have bones yet, but I'm already more important than everyone reading this,' was the tweet from @RoyalFetus.
Leadership and change was a theme which ran through a year in which socialist Francois Hollande defeated incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy and Mimi the clown to become French president, Vladimir Putin was elected Russian president again and U.S. President Barack Obama won re-election over Republican Mitt Romney.
Amid the tight election race, Obama met a gaffe-prone Romney for an exchange at a charity dinner ahead of the November poll, where America's first black president poked fun at Hollywood actor Clint Eastwood for lecturing an empty chair as if it were Obama during the Republican convention.
'Please take your seats,' Obama told the crowd, 'or else Clint Eastwood will yell at them.'
'THE MODFATHER'
Sporting news was dominated by the London Olympics during the summer, where the opening ceremony included a vignette of Queen Elizabeth being escorted by James Bond before apparently skydiving into the Olympic stadium for her arrival.
'Good evening Mr. Bond,' was her only line.
Olympic embarrassments were few, but they began early with organizers forced into apologies for displaying the South Korean flag on a video screen for North Korea's women's soccer team.
British cycling sensation Bradley 'the Modfather' Wiggins became the first Briton to win the Tour de France, sparking a craze among fans for cutout cardboard sideburns modeled on his own and shouting 'here Wiggo' as he raced to Olympic gold.
London's eccentric and loquacious Mayor Boris Johnson fell rather awkwardly silent when he got stuck dangling from a zip wire, waving two Union flags in drizzling rain.
Olympic chiefs urged youthful athletes to drink 'sensibly'.
But there was anything but restraint for Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who declared an early night at one point only to be photographed later with three members of the Swedish women's handball team. Early one Sunday morning Bolt also dazzled dancers at a London night club with a turn in the DJ booth.
'I am a legend,' Bolt shouted out to a packed dance floor from the decks with his arms raised in the air.
Towards the close of the year, tens of thousands of mystics, hippies and tourists celebrated in the shadow of ancient Maya pyramids in southeastern Mexico as the Earth survived a day billed by doomsday theorists as the end of the world.
'It's pure Hollywood,' said Luis Mis Rodriguez, 45, a Maya selling obsidian figurines and souvenirs.
Finally, a chubby, rapping singer with slicked-back hair and a tacky suit became the latest musical sensation to burst upon the world from South Korea, via a YouTube music video that has been seen more than a billion times.
Decked out in a bow tie and suit jackets varying from pink to baby blue, as well as a towel for one sequence set in a sauna, Psy busts funky moves based on horse-riding in venues ranging from playgrounds to subways.
The video by Psy has been emulated by everyone from Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei to students at Britain's elite Eton College, gurning politicians, spotty teens and embarrassing dads worldwide.
'My goal in this music video was to look uncool until the end. I achieved it,' Psy told Reuters.
(Reporting by Paul Casciato; editing by Mike Collett-White)
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE GOSSIP NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
The year opened with a tale that flocks of magpies and bears had been spotted in mourning for North Korea's 'Dear Leader', Kim Jong-il who died in December 2011 and was succeeded by his 20-something son Kim Jong-un.
Winter weather was so cold in Brussels that the Manneken-Pis, a bronze statue of a young boy urinating had to stop peeing because of sub-zero temperatures.
There was slightly warming news about Mondays in Germany, where crematoriums are struggling to adapt to an increasingly obese population and a boom in extra-large coffins.
'We burn particularly large coffins on Monday mornings when the ovens are cold,' one crematorium said.
In March Polish media reported that kite surfer Jan Lisewski fought off repeated shark attacks and overcame thirst and exhaustion in a two-day battle of survival on the Red Sea with just his trusty knife as protection.
'I was stabbing them in the eyes, the nose and gills.'
In other animal news, dairy cows across the world mourned the loss of 'Jocko', the world's third most-potent breeding bull and Yvonne the German cow who evaded helicopter searches and dodged hunters landed a film deal: 'Cow on the Run'.
A Nepali man who was bitten by a cobra snake bit it back and killed the reptile after it attacked him in his rice paddy.
'I could have killed it with a stick but bit it with my teeth instead because I was angry,' Mohamed Salmo Miya said.
A scathing resignation letter of a Goldman Sachs executive published in the New York Times inspired a sheaf of online spoofs, including Star Wars villain Darth Vader.
'The Empire today has become too much about shortcuts and not enough about remote strangulation. It just doesn't feel right to me anymore,' Vader wrote in a published letter.
Austerity in Europe saw a once-thriving Greek sex industry become the latest victim of the country's debt crisis with Greeks spending less on erotic toys, pornography and lingerie.
But lust appeared to be in the rudest of health elsewhere.
Turkish emergency workers rescued an inflatable sex doll floating in the Black Sea and a German disc jockey vowed to press charges against a woman who locked him in her apartment and ravaged him for hours until he rang the police.
'She was sex mad and there was no way out of the flat,' Dieter S. told police.
@ROYALFETUS
Britain's Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 60th year on the throne with Diamond Jubilee celebrations that saw a 1,000-ship rain-sodden flotilla sail down the River Thames, a massive party in front of Buckingham Palace, street parties across the country and a spoof incarnation of her majesty on Twitter.
'OK, fire up the Bentley. Let's rock,' tweeted 'Elizabeth Windsor', the comic online alter ego of the British monarch in a typical tweet from the spoof Twitter account @Queen_UK, a virtual monarch with a razor-sharp wit and a penchant for gin.
And Twitter positively exploded with spoof royal accounts later in the year when Elizabeth's grandson William and his wife Kate announced she was pregnant with a future monarch.
'I may not have bones yet, but I'm already more important than everyone reading this,' was the tweet from @RoyalFetus.
Leadership and change was a theme which ran through a year in which socialist Francois Hollande defeated incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy and Mimi the clown to become French president, Vladimir Putin was elected Russian president again and U.S. President Barack Obama won re-election over Republican Mitt Romney.
Amid the tight election race, Obama met a gaffe-prone Romney for an exchange at a charity dinner ahead of the November poll, where America's first black president poked fun at Hollywood actor Clint Eastwood for lecturing an empty chair as if it were Obama during the Republican convention.
'Please take your seats,' Obama told the crowd, 'or else Clint Eastwood will yell at them.'
'THE MODFATHER'
Sporting news was dominated by the London Olympics during the summer, where the opening ceremony included a vignette of Queen Elizabeth being escorted by James Bond before apparently skydiving into the Olympic stadium for her arrival.
'Good evening Mr. Bond,' was her only line.
Olympic embarrassments were few, but they began early with organizers forced into apologies for displaying the South Korean flag on a video screen for North Korea's women's soccer team.
British cycling sensation Bradley 'the Modfather' Wiggins became the first Briton to win the Tour de France, sparking a craze among fans for cutout cardboard sideburns modeled on his own and shouting 'here Wiggo' as he raced to Olympic gold.
London's eccentric and loquacious Mayor Boris Johnson fell rather awkwardly silent when he got stuck dangling from a zip wire, waving two Union flags in drizzling rain.
Olympic chiefs urged youthful athletes to drink 'sensibly'.
But there was anything but restraint for Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who declared an early night at one point only to be photographed later with three members of the Swedish women's handball team. Early one Sunday morning Bolt also dazzled dancers at a London night club with a turn in the DJ booth.
'I am a legend,' Bolt shouted out to a packed dance floor from the decks with his arms raised in the air.
Towards the close of the year, tens of thousands of mystics, hippies and tourists celebrated in the shadow of ancient Maya pyramids in southeastern Mexico as the Earth survived a day billed by doomsday theorists as the end of the world.
'It's pure Hollywood,' said Luis Mis Rodriguez, 45, a Maya selling obsidian figurines and souvenirs.
Finally, a chubby, rapping singer with slicked-back hair and a tacky suit became the latest musical sensation to burst upon the world from South Korea, via a YouTube music video that has been seen more than a billion times.
Decked out in a bow tie and suit jackets varying from pink to baby blue, as well as a towel for one sequence set in a sauna, Psy busts funky moves based on horse-riding in venues ranging from playgrounds to subways.
The video by Psy has been emulated by everyone from Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei to students at Britain's elite Eton College, gurning politicians, spotty teens and embarrassing dads worldwide.
'My goal in this music video was to look uncool until the end. I achieved it,' Psy told Reuters.
(Reporting by Paul Casciato; editing by Mike Collett-White)
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE GOSSIP NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Hunger strike pressures Canada PM, aboriginal protests spread
OTTAWA (Reuters) - A Canadian aboriginal chief in the third week of a hunger strike is urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to 'open his heart' and meet with native leaders angered by his policies as small impromptu protests spread beyond Canada's borders.
Chief Theresa Spence from the remote northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat has been fasting since December 11 and has vowed to continue until Harper personally commits to the talks on a litany of complaints, including new legislation that she says will harm native lands.
'He's a person with a heart but he needs to open his heart. I'm sure he has faith in the Creator himself and for him to delay this, it's very disrespectful, I feel, to not even meet with us,' she said in an interview in Ottawa.
Spence is at the center of an unprecedented Canadian aboriginal protest movement called 'Idle No More' that began with four women in the province of Saskatchewan raising awareness about the Conservative government's budget bill, which was passed earlier this month.
The bill, which has also been heavily criticized by opposition politicians for its broad reach, scales back environmental protections for lakes and rivers and makes it easier to sell reserve lands.
Aided by Facebook and Twitter, their protest proliferated faster than anyone had imagined and is now drawing comparisons to the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement.
'Flash mob' protests with traditional dancing and drumming have erupted in dozens of shopping malls across North America. There have been rallies, marches and highway blockades by aboriginal groups across Canada and supporters have emerged from as far away as New Zealand and the Middle East.
The campaign aims to draw attention to the dismal living conditions faced by many of the country's 1.2 million natives, including poverty, unsafe drinking water, inadequate housing, addiction and high suicide rates.
'I'M WILLING TO DIE'
Camped out in a traditional teepee within sight of Ottawa's Parliament buildings, Spence appeared weak and short of breath but resolute on Thursday, Day 17 of her hunger strike, staying warm by a wood stove as a snow storm raged outside.
To critics who question her strategy and say her demands are too vague, Spence replies that she has run out of patience.
'I know it's hard for people to understand what I'm doing but it's for this pain that's been going on too long with our people,' she said, sitting on her makeshift bed and flanked by supporters.
Blankets hung from the inside walls of the teepee and a faint aroma of cedar rose from branches spread on the ground. Spence is consuming only water, fish broth and a medicinal tea.
'It has to stop and I'm willing to suffer until the meeting goes on. Even if I don't make it, people will continue my journey. Like I keep saying, I'm willing to die for the people of First Nations because the suffering is too much,' Spence said.
Spence was in the headlines last year when a severe housing crisis in her community forced people to live in tents in temperatures of minus 40 Fahrenheit (minus 40 Celsius).
The Canadian government suggested taxpayer funds were being squandered and appointed an outside adviser to oversee the town's finances, a move seen as insensitive and later rejected by the courts.
Harper met with native leaders in January but Spence says he had his own agenda and that this time the aboriginal leaders want to bring their issues to the table.
'Why are they so afraid to meet with us?' she said.
Harper's office declined to comment. A spokesman for Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan said the minister has tried repeatedly to reach Chief Spence with no success.
'We will continue trying to engage the chief and other First Nation leaders to discuss how we can build on the progress we have made since 2006,' said the spokesman, Jason MacDonald.
MacDonald said Ottawa had built and renovated schools and homes, invested in safe drinking water, introduced legislation to protect the rights of women on reserves and settled over 80 land claims.
Harper also formally apologized in 2008 on behalf of Canada for having in the past forced 150,000 aboriginal children into residential schools, where many were abused.
SIMILAR TO 'OCCUPY' MOVEMENT?
Meanwhile, with the help of social media the Idle No More movement has taken on a life of its own in much the same way the first 'Occupy Wall Street' camp gave birth to a multitude of 'occupy' protests with no specific demand or leadership.
Events listed on the group's Web site for Friday include rallies in Los Angeles and London, where protesters plan to present Queen Elizabeth with a letter.
But organizers say they've lost track. Their initial Facebook page has 33,000 members and the Twitter hash tag was mentioned 40,000 times in a single day at its peak on December 21.
'This has spread in ways that we wouldn't even have imagined,' said Sheelah McLean, an instructor at the University of Saskatchewan who was one of the four women who originally coined the 'Idle No More' slogan.
'I don't think the hash tag is the most important thing that has happened,' she said.
'What this movement is supposed to do is build consciousness about the inequalities so that everyone is outraged about what is happening here in Canada. Every Canadian should be outraged.'
(Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson and Vicki Allen)
This article is brought to you by BUY A USED COMPUTER.
Chief Theresa Spence from the remote northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat has been fasting since December 11 and has vowed to continue until Harper personally commits to the talks on a litany of complaints, including new legislation that she says will harm native lands.
'He's a person with a heart but he needs to open his heart. I'm sure he has faith in the Creator himself and for him to delay this, it's very disrespectful, I feel, to not even meet with us,' she said in an interview in Ottawa.
Spence is at the center of an unprecedented Canadian aboriginal protest movement called 'Idle No More' that began with four women in the province of Saskatchewan raising awareness about the Conservative government's budget bill, which was passed earlier this month.
The bill, which has also been heavily criticized by opposition politicians for its broad reach, scales back environmental protections for lakes and rivers and makes it easier to sell reserve lands.
Aided by Facebook and Twitter, their protest proliferated faster than anyone had imagined and is now drawing comparisons to the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement.
'Flash mob' protests with traditional dancing and drumming have erupted in dozens of shopping malls across North America. There have been rallies, marches and highway blockades by aboriginal groups across Canada and supporters have emerged from as far away as New Zealand and the Middle East.
The campaign aims to draw attention to the dismal living conditions faced by many of the country's 1.2 million natives, including poverty, unsafe drinking water, inadequate housing, addiction and high suicide rates.
'I'M WILLING TO DIE'
Camped out in a traditional teepee within sight of Ottawa's Parliament buildings, Spence appeared weak and short of breath but resolute on Thursday, Day 17 of her hunger strike, staying warm by a wood stove as a snow storm raged outside.
To critics who question her strategy and say her demands are too vague, Spence replies that she has run out of patience.
'I know it's hard for people to understand what I'm doing but it's for this pain that's been going on too long with our people,' she said, sitting on her makeshift bed and flanked by supporters.
Blankets hung from the inside walls of the teepee and a faint aroma of cedar rose from branches spread on the ground. Spence is consuming only water, fish broth and a medicinal tea.
'It has to stop and I'm willing to suffer until the meeting goes on. Even if I don't make it, people will continue my journey. Like I keep saying, I'm willing to die for the people of First Nations because the suffering is too much,' Spence said.
Spence was in the headlines last year when a severe housing crisis in her community forced people to live in tents in temperatures of minus 40 Fahrenheit (minus 40 Celsius).
The Canadian government suggested taxpayer funds were being squandered and appointed an outside adviser to oversee the town's finances, a move seen as insensitive and later rejected by the courts.
Harper met with native leaders in January but Spence says he had his own agenda and that this time the aboriginal leaders want to bring their issues to the table.
'Why are they so afraid to meet with us?' she said.
Harper's office declined to comment. A spokesman for Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan said the minister has tried repeatedly to reach Chief Spence with no success.
'We will continue trying to engage the chief and other First Nation leaders to discuss how we can build on the progress we have made since 2006,' said the spokesman, Jason MacDonald.
MacDonald said Ottawa had built and renovated schools and homes, invested in safe drinking water, introduced legislation to protect the rights of women on reserves and settled over 80 land claims.
Harper also formally apologized in 2008 on behalf of Canada for having in the past forced 150,000 aboriginal children into residential schools, where many were abused.
SIMILAR TO 'OCCUPY' MOVEMENT?
Meanwhile, with the help of social media the Idle No More movement has taken on a life of its own in much the same way the first 'Occupy Wall Street' camp gave birth to a multitude of 'occupy' protests with no specific demand or leadership.
Events listed on the group's Web site for Friday include rallies in Los Angeles and London, where protesters plan to present Queen Elizabeth with a letter.
But organizers say they've lost track. Their initial Facebook page has 33,000 members and the Twitter hash tag was mentioned 40,000 times in a single day at its peak on December 21.
'This has spread in ways that we wouldn't even have imagined,' said Sheelah McLean, an instructor at the University of Saskatchewan who was one of the four women who originally coined the 'Idle No More' slogan.
'I don't think the hash tag is the most important thing that has happened,' she said.
'What this movement is supposed to do is build consciousness about the inequalities so that everyone is outraged about what is happening here in Canada. Every Canadian should be outraged.'
(Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson and Vicki Allen)
This article is brought to you by BUY A USED COMPUTER.
China tightens Internet controls, legalizes post deletion
BEIJING (Reuters) - China unveiled tighter Internet controls on Friday, legalizing the deletion of posts or pages which are deemed to contain 'illegal' information and requiring service providers to hand over such information to the authorities for punishment.
The rules signal that the new leadership headed by Communist Party chief Xi Jinping will continue muzzling the often scathing, raucous online chatter in a country where the Internet offers a rare opportunity for debate.
The new regulations, announced by the official Xinhua news agency, also require Internet users to register with their real names when signing up with network providers, though, in reality, this already happens.
Chinese authorities and Internet companies such as Sina Corp have long since closely monitored and censored what people say online, but the government has now put measures such as deleting posts into law.
'Service providers are required to instantly stop the transmission of illegal information once it is spotted and take relevant measures, including removing the information and saving records, before reporting to supervisory authorities,' the rules state.
The restrictions follow a series of corruption scandals amongst lower-level officials exposed by Internet users, something the government has said it is trying to encourage.
Li Fei, deputy head of parliament's legislative affairs committee, said the new rules did not mean people needed to worry about being unable to report corruption online. But he added a warning too.
'When people exercise their rights, including the right to use the Internet, they must do so in accordance with the law and constitution, and not harm the legal rights of the state, society ... or other citizens,' he told a news conference.
Chinese Internet users already cope with extensive censorship measures, especially over politically sensitive topics like human rights and elite politics, and popular foreign sites Facebook, Twitter and Google-owned YouTube are blocked.
Earlier this year, the government began forcing users of Sina's wildly successful Weibo microblogging platform to register their real names.
The new rules were quickly condemned by some Weibo users.
'So now they are getting Weibo to help in keeping records and reporting it to authorities. Is this the freedom of expression we are promised in the constitution?' complained one user.
'We should resolutely oppose such a covert means to interfere with Internet freedom,' wrote another.
The government says tighter monitoring of the Internet is needed to prevent people making malicious and anonymous accusations online, disseminating pornography and spreading panic with unfounded rumors, pointing out that many other countries already have such rules.
Despite periodic calls for political reform, the party has shown no sign of loosening its grip on power and brooks no dissent to its authority.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Sally Huang; Editing by Nick Macfie)
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The rules signal that the new leadership headed by Communist Party chief Xi Jinping will continue muzzling the often scathing, raucous online chatter in a country where the Internet offers a rare opportunity for debate.
The new regulations, announced by the official Xinhua news agency, also require Internet users to register with their real names when signing up with network providers, though, in reality, this already happens.
Chinese authorities and Internet companies such as Sina Corp have long since closely monitored and censored what people say online, but the government has now put measures such as deleting posts into law.
'Service providers are required to instantly stop the transmission of illegal information once it is spotted and take relevant measures, including removing the information and saving records, before reporting to supervisory authorities,' the rules state.
The restrictions follow a series of corruption scandals amongst lower-level officials exposed by Internet users, something the government has said it is trying to encourage.
Li Fei, deputy head of parliament's legislative affairs committee, said the new rules did not mean people needed to worry about being unable to report corruption online. But he added a warning too.
'When people exercise their rights, including the right to use the Internet, they must do so in accordance with the law and constitution, and not harm the legal rights of the state, society ... or other citizens,' he told a news conference.
Chinese Internet users already cope with extensive censorship measures, especially over politically sensitive topics like human rights and elite politics, and popular foreign sites Facebook, Twitter and Google-owned YouTube are blocked.
Earlier this year, the government began forcing users of Sina's wildly successful Weibo microblogging platform to register their real names.
The new rules were quickly condemned by some Weibo users.
'So now they are getting Weibo to help in keeping records and reporting it to authorities. Is this the freedom of expression we are promised in the constitution?' complained one user.
'We should resolutely oppose such a covert means to interfere with Internet freedom,' wrote another.
The government says tighter monitoring of the Internet is needed to prevent people making malicious and anonymous accusations online, disseminating pornography and spreading panic with unfounded rumors, pointing out that many other countries already have such rules.
Despite periodic calls for political reform, the party has shown no sign of loosening its grip on power and brooks no dissent to its authority.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Sally Huang; Editing by Nick Macfie)
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Thursday, December 27, 2012
Number of e-book readers increasing in United States: survey
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The popularity of electronic books is increasing in the United States, with nearly one-quarter of American bibliophiles reading e-books, according to a survey released on Thursday.
The number of e-readers aged 16 years and older jumped from 16 percent in 2011 to 23 percent this year, while print readers fell from 72 to 67 percent in 2012, in a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center.
'The move toward e-book reading coincides with an increase in ownership of electronic book reading devices,' the organization said. Its report analyzed reading trends among the 75 percent of Americans who read at least one book in the last year.
'In all, the number of owners of either a tablet computer or e-book reading device ... grew from 18 percent in late 2011 to 33 percent in 2012.'
E-book owners increased from 4 percent in May 2010 to 19 percent in November 2012, while people with tablets jumped from 3 percent to 25 percent during the same period, according to the report.
People most likely to read e-books are well-educated, 30- to 49-year-olds who live in households earning $75,000 or more.
More women, 81 percent, read books, compared to 70 percent of men, and the number of readers declines as people age. The trend toward e-books impacted libraries, which stocked and loaned more e-books.
'The share of recent library users who have borrowed an e-book from a library has increased from 3 percent last year to 5 percent this year,' according to Pew.
Even awareness that library stock e-books has grown, from 24 percent late last year to 31 percent now.
The findings were based on a telephone survey of 2,252 people, aged 16 years and older, across the United States and a similar poll the year before. It had a 2.7 percent margin of error.
(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Piya Sinha-Roy and Cynthia Osterman)
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The number of e-readers aged 16 years and older jumped from 16 percent in 2011 to 23 percent this year, while print readers fell from 72 to 67 percent in 2012, in a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center.
'The move toward e-book reading coincides with an increase in ownership of electronic book reading devices,' the organization said. Its report analyzed reading trends among the 75 percent of Americans who read at least one book in the last year.
'In all, the number of owners of either a tablet computer or e-book reading device ... grew from 18 percent in late 2011 to 33 percent in 2012.'
E-book owners increased from 4 percent in May 2010 to 19 percent in November 2012, while people with tablets jumped from 3 percent to 25 percent during the same period, according to the report.
People most likely to read e-books are well-educated, 30- to 49-year-olds who live in households earning $75,000 or more.
More women, 81 percent, read books, compared to 70 percent of men, and the number of readers declines as people age. The trend toward e-books impacted libraries, which stocked and loaned more e-books.
'The share of recent library users who have borrowed an e-book from a library has increased from 3 percent last year to 5 percent this year,' according to Pew.
Even awareness that library stock e-books has grown, from 24 percent late last year to 31 percent now.
The findings were based on a telephone survey of 2,252 people, aged 16 years and older, across the United States and a similar poll the year before. It had a 2.7 percent margin of error.
(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Piya Sinha-Roy and Cynthia Osterman)
This news article is brought to you by MUSIC UNITED 1 - where latest news are our top priority.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Netflix blames Amazon for Christmas Eve outage
NEW YORK (Reuters) - An outage at one of Amazon's web service centers hit users of Netflix Inc's streaming video service on Christmas Eve and was not fully resolved until Christmas Day, a spokesman for the movie rental company said on Tuesday.
The outage impacted Netflix subscribers across Canada, Latin America and the United States, and affected various devices that enable users to stream movies and television shows from home, Netflix spokesman Joris Evers said. Such devices range from gaming consoles like the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 to Blu-ray DVD players.
Netflix, which is based in Los Gatos, California, has 30 million streaming subscribers worldwide, of which more than 27 million are in the Americas region that was exposed to the outage and could have potentially been affected, Evers said.
Evers said the issue was the result of an outage at an Amazon Web Services' cloud computing center in Virginia and started at about 12:30 p.m. PST (2030 GMT) on Monday and was fully restored before 8:00 a.m. PST Tuesday morning, although streaming was available for most users by 11:00 p.m. PST on Monday.
The event marks the latest in a series of outages from Amazon Web Services, with one occurring in April of last year that knocked out such sites as Reddit and Foursquare.
'We are investigating exactly what happened and how it could have been prevented,' Evers of Netflix said.
'We are happy that people opening gifts of Netflix or Netflix capable devices can watch TV shows and movies and apologize for any inconvenience caused last night,' he added.
Officials at Amazon Web Services were not available for comment. Evers, the Netflix spokesman, declined to comment on the company's contracts with Amazon.
(Reporting by Sam Forgione; Editing by Leslie Gevirtz and Matt Driskill)
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The outage impacted Netflix subscribers across Canada, Latin America and the United States, and affected various devices that enable users to stream movies and television shows from home, Netflix spokesman Joris Evers said. Such devices range from gaming consoles like the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 to Blu-ray DVD players.
Netflix, which is based in Los Gatos, California, has 30 million streaming subscribers worldwide, of which more than 27 million are in the Americas region that was exposed to the outage and could have potentially been affected, Evers said.
Evers said the issue was the result of an outage at an Amazon Web Services' cloud computing center in Virginia and started at about 12:30 p.m. PST (2030 GMT) on Monday and was fully restored before 8:00 a.m. PST Tuesday morning, although streaming was available for most users by 11:00 p.m. PST on Monday.
The event marks the latest in a series of outages from Amazon Web Services, with one occurring in April of last year that knocked out such sites as Reddit and Foursquare.
'We are investigating exactly what happened and how it could have been prevented,' Evers of Netflix said.
'We are happy that people opening gifts of Netflix or Netflix capable devices can watch TV shows and movies and apologize for any inconvenience caused last night,' he added.
Officials at Amazon Web Services were not available for comment. Evers, the Netflix spokesman, declined to comment on the company's contracts with Amazon.
(Reporting by Sam Forgione; Editing by Leslie Gevirtz and Matt Driskill)
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Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Netflix suffers Christmas Eve outage, points to Amazon
NEW YORK (Reuters) - An outage at one of Amazon's web service centers hit users of Netflix Inc.'s streaming video service on Christmas Eve and was not fully resolved until Christmas day, a spokesman for the movie rental company said on Tuesday.
The outage impacted Netflix subscribers across Canada, Latin America and the United States, and affected various devices that enable users to stream movies and television shows from home, Netflix spokesman Joris Evers said. Such devices range from gaming consoles such as Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 to Blu-ray players.
Evers said that the issue was the result of an outage at an Amazon Web Services' cloud computing center in Virginia, and started at about 12:30 p.m. PST (2030 GMT) on Monday and was fully restored Tuesday morning, although streaming was available for most users late on Monday.
'We are investigating exactly what happened and how it could have been prevented,' Evers said.
'We are happy that people opening gifts of Netflix or Netflix capable devices can watch TV shows and movies and apologize for any inconvenience caused last night,' he added.
An outage at Amazon Web Services, or AWS, knocked out such sites as Reddit and Foursquare in April of last year.
Amazon Web Services was not immediately available for comment. Evers, the Netflix spokesman, declined to comment on the company's contracts with Amazon.
(Reporting by Sam Forgione; Editing by Leslie Gevirtz)
This news article is brought to you by PARENTING KIDS - where latest news are our top priority.
The outage impacted Netflix subscribers across Canada, Latin America and the United States, and affected various devices that enable users to stream movies and television shows from home, Netflix spokesman Joris Evers said. Such devices range from gaming consoles such as Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 to Blu-ray players.
Evers said that the issue was the result of an outage at an Amazon Web Services' cloud computing center in Virginia, and started at about 12:30 p.m. PST (2030 GMT) on Monday and was fully restored Tuesday morning, although streaming was available for most users late on Monday.
'We are investigating exactly what happened and how it could have been prevented,' Evers said.
'We are happy that people opening gifts of Netflix or Netflix capable devices can watch TV shows and movies and apologize for any inconvenience caused last night,' he added.
An outage at Amazon Web Services, or AWS, knocked out such sites as Reddit and Foursquare in April of last year.
Amazon Web Services was not immediately available for comment. Evers, the Netflix spokesman, declined to comment on the company's contracts with Amazon.
(Reporting by Sam Forgione; Editing by Leslie Gevirtz)
This news article is brought to you by PARENTING KIDS - where latest news are our top priority.
Tajikistan blocks scores of websites as election looms
DUSHANBE (Reuters) - Tajikistan blocked access to more than 100 websites on Tuesday, in what a government source said was a dress rehearsal for a crackdown on online dissent before next year's election when President Imomali Rakhmon will again run for office.
Rakhmon, a 60-year-old former head of a Soviet cotton farm, has ruled the impoverished Central Asian nation of 7.5 million for 20 years. He has overseen constitutional amendments that allow him to seek a new seven-year term in November 2013.
The Internet remains the main platform where Tajiks can air grievances and criticize government policies at a time when the circulation of local newspapers is tiny and television is tightly controlled by the state.
Tajikistan's state communications service blocked 131 local and foreign Internet sites 'for technical and maintenance works'.
'Most probably, these works will be over in a week,' Tatyana Kholmurodova, deputy head of the service, told Reuters. She declined to give the reason for the work, which cover even some sites with servers located abroad.
The blocked resources included Russia's popular social networking sites www.my.mail.ru and VKontakte (www.vk.com), as well as Tajik news site TJKnews.com and several local blogs.
'The government has ordered the communications service to test their ability to block dozens of sites at once, should such a need arise,' a senior government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
'It is all about November 2013,' he said, in a clear reference to the presidential election.
Other blocked websites included a Ukrainian soccer site, a Tajik rap music site, several local video-sharing sites and a pornography site.
VOLATILE NATION
Predominantly Muslim Tajikistan, which lies on a major transit route for Afghan drugs to Europe and Russia, remains volatile after a 1992-97 civil war in which Rakhmon's Moscow-backed secular government clashed with Islamist guerrillas.
Rakhmon justifies his authoritarian methods by saying he wants to oppose radical Islam. But some of his critics argue repression and poverty push many young Tajiks to embrace it.
Tighter Internet controls echo measures taken by other former Soviet republics of Central Asia, where authoritarian rulers are wary of the role social media played in revolutions in the Arab world and mass protests in Russia.
The government this year set up a volunteer-run body to monitor Internet use and reprimand those who openly criticize Rakhmon and other officials.
In November, Tajikistan blocked access to Facebook, saying it was spreading 'mud and slander' about its veteran leader.
The authorities unblocked Facebook after concern was expressed by the United States and European Union, the main providers of humanitarian aid for Tajikistan, where almost a half of the population lives in abject poverty.
Asomiddin Asoyev, head of Tajikistan's association of Internet providers, said authorities were trying to create an illusion that there were no problems in Tajik society by silencing online criticism.
'This is self-deception,' he told Reuters. 'The best way of resolving a problem is its open discussion with civil society.'
Moscow-based Central Asia expert Arkady Dubnov told Reuters that Rakhmon's authoritarian measures could lead to a backlash against the president in the election. 'Trying to position itself as the main guarantor of stability through repression against Islamist activists, the Dushanbe government is actually achieving the reverse - people's trust in it is falling,' he said.
(Writing by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by Pravin Char)
This news article is brought to you by TAXES BLOG - where latest news are our top priority.
Rakhmon, a 60-year-old former head of a Soviet cotton farm, has ruled the impoverished Central Asian nation of 7.5 million for 20 years. He has overseen constitutional amendments that allow him to seek a new seven-year term in November 2013.
The Internet remains the main platform where Tajiks can air grievances and criticize government policies at a time when the circulation of local newspapers is tiny and television is tightly controlled by the state.
Tajikistan's state communications service blocked 131 local and foreign Internet sites 'for technical and maintenance works'.
'Most probably, these works will be over in a week,' Tatyana Kholmurodova, deputy head of the service, told Reuters. She declined to give the reason for the work, which cover even some sites with servers located abroad.
The blocked resources included Russia's popular social networking sites www.my.mail.ru and VKontakte (www.vk.com), as well as Tajik news site TJKnews.com and several local blogs.
'The government has ordered the communications service to test their ability to block dozens of sites at once, should such a need arise,' a senior government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
'It is all about November 2013,' he said, in a clear reference to the presidential election.
Other blocked websites included a Ukrainian soccer site, a Tajik rap music site, several local video-sharing sites and a pornography site.
VOLATILE NATION
Predominantly Muslim Tajikistan, which lies on a major transit route for Afghan drugs to Europe and Russia, remains volatile after a 1992-97 civil war in which Rakhmon's Moscow-backed secular government clashed with Islamist guerrillas.
Rakhmon justifies his authoritarian methods by saying he wants to oppose radical Islam. But some of his critics argue repression and poverty push many young Tajiks to embrace it.
Tighter Internet controls echo measures taken by other former Soviet republics of Central Asia, where authoritarian rulers are wary of the role social media played in revolutions in the Arab world and mass protests in Russia.
The government this year set up a volunteer-run body to monitor Internet use and reprimand those who openly criticize Rakhmon and other officials.
In November, Tajikistan blocked access to Facebook, saying it was spreading 'mud and slander' about its veteran leader.
The authorities unblocked Facebook after concern was expressed by the United States and European Union, the main providers of humanitarian aid for Tajikistan, where almost a half of the population lives in abject poverty.
Asomiddin Asoyev, head of Tajikistan's association of Internet providers, said authorities were trying to create an illusion that there were no problems in Tajik society by silencing online criticism.
'This is self-deception,' he told Reuters. 'The best way of resolving a problem is its open discussion with civil society.'
Moscow-based Central Asia expert Arkady Dubnov told Reuters that Rakhmon's authoritarian measures could lead to a backlash against the president in the election. 'Trying to position itself as the main guarantor of stability through repression against Islamist activists, the Dushanbe government is actually achieving the reverse - people's trust in it is falling,' he said.
(Writing by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by Pravin Char)
This news article is brought to you by TAXES BLOG - where latest news are our top priority.
Monday, December 24, 2012
British retailers start online sales early
LONDON (Reuters) - British retailers have brought forward their Christmas clearance sales online in the hope that shoppers will log on to buy bargains and offset lackluster spending in stores.
Marks & Spencer launched its sale online at midday on Monday, it said on its website, while department store John Lewis said it would cut online prices when its stores close at 1700 GMT. Debenhams has already started its online sale.
Retailers in recent years have started sales online on Christmas Day, ahead of the clearances in stores from Boxing Day, but are increasingly launching their online offers before Christmas after delivery deadlines for the day have passed.
Hard-pressed shoppers have been leaving it later to buy presents in the hope that retailers would slash prices, the British Retail Consortium said.
It was forecasting that 5 billion pounds ($8.1 billion) would be spent in the shops on Saturday and Sunday combined, the last weekend before Christmas.
Richard Dodd, the BRC's head of Media and Campaigns, said weekend trading had met expectations.
'Christmas, ultimately once all the final sums are done, will turn out to be acceptable but not exceptional,' he said.
He said the sector expected a modest increase in cash spending against a year go, but not necessarily any significant increase in real terms once inflation was stripped out.
Many British families' budgets are stretched, according to a survey from Markit that showed the biggest deterioration in household finances for seven months.
Analyst Howard Archer at IHS Global Insight said the weakening in household finances could not come at a worse time for retailers, and it highlighted why many people appeared to have been careful in their Christmas shopping this year.
'The suspicion has to be that consumers will be especially keen to take advantage of genuine major bargains in the sales to acquire items that they cannot otherwise afford or are reluctant to make at the moment,' he said.
'However, we suspect that people will likely to be more careful in buying - or reluctant to buy - items that they don't really want or need in the sales.'
($1 = 0.6180 British pounds)
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Louise Heavens)
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Marks & Spencer launched its sale online at midday on Monday, it said on its website, while department store John Lewis said it would cut online prices when its stores close at 1700 GMT. Debenhams has already started its online sale.
Retailers in recent years have started sales online on Christmas Day, ahead of the clearances in stores from Boxing Day, but are increasingly launching their online offers before Christmas after delivery deadlines for the day have passed.
Hard-pressed shoppers have been leaving it later to buy presents in the hope that retailers would slash prices, the British Retail Consortium said.
It was forecasting that 5 billion pounds ($8.1 billion) would be spent in the shops on Saturday and Sunday combined, the last weekend before Christmas.
Richard Dodd, the BRC's head of Media and Campaigns, said weekend trading had met expectations.
'Christmas, ultimately once all the final sums are done, will turn out to be acceptable but not exceptional,' he said.
He said the sector expected a modest increase in cash spending against a year go, but not necessarily any significant increase in real terms once inflation was stripped out.
Many British families' budgets are stretched, according to a survey from Markit that showed the biggest deterioration in household finances for seven months.
Analyst Howard Archer at IHS Global Insight said the weakening in household finances could not come at a worse time for retailers, and it highlighted why many people appeared to have been careful in their Christmas shopping this year.
'The suspicion has to be that consumers will be especially keen to take advantage of genuine major bargains in the sales to acquire items that they cannot otherwise afford or are reluctant to make at the moment,' he said.
'However, we suspect that people will likely to be more careful in buying - or reluctant to buy - items that they don't really want or need in the sales.'
($1 = 0.6180 British pounds)
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Louise Heavens)
This news article is brought to you by LINUXOS.PRO - where latest news are our top priority.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Sri Lanka arrests 100 Chinese for cyber fraud, police say
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka on Saturday arrested at least 100 Chinese nationals accused of an internet fraud scheme targeting people in their home country, a police spokesman said.
The accused, all in Sri Lanka on tourist visas, are suspected of hacking into computers in China and then demanding their owners transfer them money, police spokesman Prishantha Jayakodi told Reuters.
Chinese police requested help from Sri Lanka, he said.
Officials at the Chinese embassy in Colombo were not available for comment.
China has been the top lender to Sri Lanka since the end of a 25-year war in May 2009 and thousands of Chinese are working in the country on Chinese-funded infrastructure projects.
(Reporting by Shihar Aneez; editing by Jason Webb)
The accused, all in Sri Lanka on tourist visas, are suspected of hacking into computers in China and then demanding their owners transfer them money, police spokesman Prishantha Jayakodi told Reuters.
Chinese police requested help from Sri Lanka, he said.
Officials at the Chinese embassy in Colombo were not available for comment.
China has been the top lender to Sri Lanka since the end of a 25-year war in May 2009 and thousands of Chinese are working in the country on Chinese-funded infrastructure projects.
(Reporting by Shihar Aneez; editing by Jason Webb)
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saudi website editor could face death for apostasy-rights group
RIYADH (Reuters) - The editor of a Saudi Arabian website could be sentenced to death after a judge cited him for apostasy and moved his case to a higher court, the monitoring group Human Rights Watch said on Saturday.
Raif Badawi, who started the Free Saudi Liberals website to discuss the role of religion in Saudi Arabia, was arrested in June, Human Rights Watch said.
Badawi had initially been charged with the less serious offence of insulting Islam through electronic channels, but at a December 17 hearing a judge referred him to a more senior court and recommended he be tried for apostasy, the monitoring group said.
Apostasy, the act of changing religious affiliation, carries an automatic death sentence in Saudi Arabia, along with crimes including blasphemy.
Badawi's website included articles that were critical of senior religious figures, the monitoring group said.
A spokesman for Saudi Arabia's Justice Ministry was not available to comment.
The world's top oil exporter follows the strict Wahhabi school of Islam and applies Islamic law, or sharia.
Judges base their decisions on their own interpretation of religious law rather than on a written legal code or on precedent.
King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia's ruler, has pushed for reforms to the legal system, including improved training for judges and the introduction of precedent to standardize verdicts and make courts more transparent.
However, Saudi lawyers say that conservatives in the Justice Ministry and the judiciary have resisted implementing many of the changes that he announced in 2007. (Reporting By Angus McDowall; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
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Raif Badawi, who started the Free Saudi Liberals website to discuss the role of religion in Saudi Arabia, was arrested in June, Human Rights Watch said.
Badawi had initially been charged with the less serious offence of insulting Islam through electronic channels, but at a December 17 hearing a judge referred him to a more senior court and recommended he be tried for apostasy, the monitoring group said.
Apostasy, the act of changing religious affiliation, carries an automatic death sentence in Saudi Arabia, along with crimes including blasphemy.
Badawi's website included articles that were critical of senior religious figures, the monitoring group said.
A spokesman for Saudi Arabia's Justice Ministry was not available to comment.
The world's top oil exporter follows the strict Wahhabi school of Islam and applies Islamic law, or sharia.
Judges base their decisions on their own interpretation of religious law rather than on a written legal code or on precedent.
King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia's ruler, has pushed for reforms to the legal system, including improved training for judges and the introduction of precedent to standardize verdicts and make courts more transparent.
However, Saudi lawyers say that conservatives in the Justice Ministry and the judiciary have resisted implementing many of the changes that he announced in 2007. (Reporting By Angus McDowall; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
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Friday, December 21, 2012
Find The Best Coupons and Daily Deals at Gotdailydeals.info
Finding the Best Coupons and Daily Deals is easier for consumers at Gotdailydeals. Visitors also benefit from hundreds of expert tips, advice and filing options.
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
GotDailyDeals, the preferred online shopping resource for millions of savvy consumers, presents Best Coupons and Daily Deals featuring the hottest deals and coupons . The promotional page, along with a comprehensive up-to-the-minute tax software summary in the GotDailyDeals website , features current coupons and offers from tax software merchants, including the lowest available prices on the highest rated tax software packages.Smart shoppers will also utilize Gotdailydeals to review all of the participating stores' deals, coupons to find the biggest savings possible . "We want our members to find more than just a list of stores offering free shipping,"said Brian Gardner, Gotdailydeals Spokesperson. "Stores also have significant sales and added savings this week and Gotdailydeals makes it easy for shoppers to find, compare and combine store offers with best coupons and daily deals .'
Today through end of year, dozens of hottest coupons and deals store participants, like Target, Best Buy, 6PM, Kate Spade and Walmart, Amazon, Bloomingdales, Macy's, are offering free shipping store-wide with no minimum purchase. Others, like Kohl's, Kmart, Sears and JCPenney, require a specific purchase amount for free shipping to kick in. Shoppers can quickly check the Gotdailydeals website for a master list of ' Best Coupons and Daily Deals. ' And really savvy shoppers will visit the Gotdailydeals Hot Deals forum where deal hunters will be scouting and sharing the best deals with free shipping all week with their fellow consumers.
About Gotdailydeals, As the preferred online shopping resource for millions of smart consumers and home of the best Black Friday deals, Gotdailydeals.info works closely with 1,500+ retailers like HP, Newegg, Walmart and Amazon to publish special offers, daily deals, coupon codes to bring reward and discount to its members .The much celebrated Gotdailydeals website represent the pulse of an evolving online marketplace where smart consumers gather to share and learn .
Jeffrey Epperson
585-207-0605
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE CRITIC NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
GotDailyDeals, the preferred online shopping resource for millions of savvy consumers, presents Best Coupons and Daily Deals featuring the hottest deals and coupons . The promotional page, along with a comprehensive up-to-the-minute tax software summary in the GotDailyDeals website , features current coupons and offers from tax software merchants, including the lowest available prices on the highest rated tax software packages.Smart shoppers will also utilize Gotdailydeals to review all of the participating stores' deals, coupons to find the biggest savings possible . "We want our members to find more than just a list of stores offering free shipping,"said Brian Gardner, Gotdailydeals Spokesperson. "Stores also have significant sales and added savings this week and Gotdailydeals makes it easy for shoppers to find, compare and combine store offers with best coupons and daily deals .'
Today through end of year, dozens of hottest coupons and deals store participants, like Target, Best Buy, 6PM, Kate Spade and Walmart, Amazon, Bloomingdales, Macy's, are offering free shipping store-wide with no minimum purchase. Others, like Kohl's, Kmart, Sears and JCPenney, require a specific purchase amount for free shipping to kick in. Shoppers can quickly check the Gotdailydeals website for a master list of ' Best Coupons and Daily Deals. ' And really savvy shoppers will visit the Gotdailydeals Hot Deals forum where deal hunters will be scouting and sharing the best deals with free shipping all week with their fellow consumers.
About Gotdailydeals, As the preferred online shopping resource for millions of smart consumers and home of the best Black Friday deals, Gotdailydeals.info works closely with 1,500+ retailers like HP, Newegg, Walmart and Amazon to publish special offers, daily deals, coupon codes to bring reward and discount to its members .The much celebrated Gotdailydeals website represent the pulse of an evolving online marketplace where smart consumers gather to share and learn .
Jeffrey Epperson
585-207-0605
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE CRITIC NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
The Best Holiday Deals and The Most Popular Christmas Gift Ideas for 2012 at Christmasgiftsfor.info
The recently relaunched website announces some of the ways it can help visitors find the Best Holiday Deals and the most popular Christmas gift ideas for 2012 fast this festive season.
New York,NY (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
With Christmas day now rapidly approaching, any time that can be saved during the search for Christmas gift ideas may be very welcome at such a busy time of the year. The Christmas gifts website offers a few ways which may help.
Christmasgiftsfor has specialized in custom gifts over 20 years, carrying a wide selection of traditional and more modern engraved and personalized gifts. Keepsakes that are engraved or personalized with the individual's name and date serve as a memorable gift.
This year, Christmasgiftsfor has released the top 100 most popular gift ideas for 2012 to help its customers find all your gifting needs, stress free.
'Personalized, traditional gifts tend to be very popular around this time of the year," explained Steve Deters, President at Christmasgiftsfor.info. "Families want to give their loved ones something unique and special.'
Among the many gift categories included are gifts for her, gifts for him, toys and games, specialist gift websites, personalized gifts, chocolate and food gifts, various electronics gifts including e Readers and tablet computers ...
Here, The Best Holiday Deals and The Most Popular Christmas Gift Ideas for 2012
Top Pick Gift Ideas for Mom:
-Beauty Products
-Jewelry Sets
-Heated Throws
Top Pick Gift Ideas for Dad
-Grilling Tools
-History & Political
-Camcorders
Top Pick gift Ideas for Girlfriend / Wife :
-Diamond Jewelry
-Cute Sandals
-Chick Flicks
Top Pick gift Ideas for Boyfriend / Husband:
-Stylish Watches
-Classic Rock
-Poker Night
Top Pick gift Ideas for Kids:
-Plush Animals
-Play-Doh
-Nerf
And more.
Also included on the website is a Christmas gift guide which offers a few additional pointers, hints, tips and gift ideas suggestions that may be helpful to readers.
You can save money when buying Christmas gifts by buying them earlier before the rush of gift buying during the December month. When you buy at this times, the prices of the gift items might be low as compared to the days nearing the big day. If you don't have cash at these low key days, then consider taking advantage of the special discount offers on gift items are will no doubt be available on the retail shops and buy your gifts at a lower rate.
About ChristMasGiftsFor
First launched in 2012, ChristMasGiftsFor is an online resource dedicated to all things technology and shopping. By offering informative customer reviews, the team that owns and operates this website is able to find some of the web's best deals and stock levels. Shoppers that are searching for unbiased information about products before purchasing them as gifts use the christmasgiftsfor website to become informed online. Apart from holiday best sellers lists, the Christmasgiftsfor team writes informative blog posts and recommends top products for sale.
Michael Ryckman
mryckman@imlobbyreview.us
9282010451
Email Information
New York,NY (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
With Christmas day now rapidly approaching, any time that can be saved during the search for Christmas gift ideas may be very welcome at such a busy time of the year. The Christmas gifts website offers a few ways which may help.
Christmasgiftsfor has specialized in custom gifts over 20 years, carrying a wide selection of traditional and more modern engraved and personalized gifts. Keepsakes that are engraved or personalized with the individual's name and date serve as a memorable gift.
This year, Christmasgiftsfor has released the top 100 most popular gift ideas for 2012 to help its customers find all your gifting needs, stress free.
'Personalized, traditional gifts tend to be very popular around this time of the year," explained Steve Deters, President at Christmasgiftsfor.info. "Families want to give their loved ones something unique and special.'
Among the many gift categories included are gifts for her, gifts for him, toys and games, specialist gift websites, personalized gifts, chocolate and food gifts, various electronics gifts including e Readers and tablet computers ...
Here, The Best Holiday Deals and The Most Popular Christmas Gift Ideas for 2012
Top Pick Gift Ideas for Mom:
-Beauty Products
-Jewelry Sets
-Heated Throws
Top Pick Gift Ideas for Dad
-Grilling Tools
-History & Political
-Camcorders
Top Pick gift Ideas for Girlfriend / Wife :
-Diamond Jewelry
-Cute Sandals
-Chick Flicks
Top Pick gift Ideas for Boyfriend / Husband:
-Stylish Watches
-Classic Rock
-Poker Night
Top Pick gift Ideas for Kids:
-Plush Animals
-Play-Doh
-Nerf
And more.
Also included on the website is a Christmas gift guide which offers a few additional pointers, hints, tips and gift ideas suggestions that may be helpful to readers.
You can save money when buying Christmas gifts by buying them earlier before the rush of gift buying during the December month. When you buy at this times, the prices of the gift items might be low as compared to the days nearing the big day. If you don't have cash at these low key days, then consider taking advantage of the special discount offers on gift items are will no doubt be available on the retail shops and buy your gifts at a lower rate.
About ChristMasGiftsFor
First launched in 2012, ChristMasGiftsFor is an online resource dedicated to all things technology and shopping. By offering informative customer reviews, the team that owns and operates this website is able to find some of the web's best deals and stock levels. Shoppers that are searching for unbiased information about products before purchasing them as gifts use the christmasgiftsfor website to become informed online. Apart from holiday best sellers lists, the Christmasgiftsfor team writes informative blog posts and recommends top products for sale.
Michael Ryckman
mryckman@imlobbyreview.us
9282010451
Email Information
Famous Wheels Now Has a Sleek New Design Online
Famous Wheels is pleased to announce the addition of new features on their streamlined website, all wrapped up with a stylish and sleek new look. Buying tires, wheels and rims online from top performing brands like Diablo, Anella Wheels, Tyfun has never been easier or looked this good.
Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
Famous Wheels brings the tire, wheel, and rim ordering experience right to the customer, and offers products for everyday use to the high performance vehicle. Their easy to use website includes quick access to easy ordering, product details, search tools, and fast, easy shipping. Customers can find the best deals on wheels, rims, and tires, with a wide inventory of brands and features, including package deals, specials, and rebates. By ordering online, car-enthusiasts can search Famous Wheels customer-friendly database of their huge inventory to find the best selection of car wheels and truck wheels, tires and rims. The sleek new design puts the customer into the driver seat, showcasing wheels unmatched in beauty and quality. Customers can easily check out wheel specials, search for wheels and tires, and benefit from the latest news and tips on wheels, tires, car care and more. Products can be easily searched for by finish, bolt pattern, size and more, and compared by full specs including full color pictures and prices on most items. Quotes can be requested directly online or by phone, providing the best price on the right item without gimmicks or hidden costs.
Finding car or truck tires online has never been easier, with deals on wheels and rims, and packages to complete all needs and uses. Famous Wheels is a leading online dealer for all types of tires, wheels, and rims for a variety of vehicles, uses, and budgets. From luxury cars, sports cars, SUVs, Trucks, Tuner types and more, Famous Wheels has it all. Customers can shop and choose tires online that will suit their individual needs. Specializing in top name brands and quality products, Famous Wheels makes the promise that if they do not carry what the customer is looking for, they will find it for them. For more information about amazing package deals, current specials, or to contact Famous Wheels directly, log on to http://famouswheels.com today.
About Famous Wheels: Famous Wheels is a premier online tire and wheel distributer for cars, trucks, SUVs, luxury vehicles, sports cars and more. Specializing in quality and name brands such as Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Falken, Lexani, Perilli and others, Famous Wheels has the right tire or wheel, at the right price in stock.
Written by Sharron Gibbs, an automotive expert in the tire industry from Famous Wheels. Visit their website today for the best deals on truck and car wheels online.
Sharron Gibbs
Famous Wheels
626-813-2077
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A USED COMPUTER.
Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
Famous Wheels brings the tire, wheel, and rim ordering experience right to the customer, and offers products for everyday use to the high performance vehicle. Their easy to use website includes quick access to easy ordering, product details, search tools, and fast, easy shipping. Customers can find the best deals on wheels, rims, and tires, with a wide inventory of brands and features, including package deals, specials, and rebates. By ordering online, car-enthusiasts can search Famous Wheels customer-friendly database of their huge inventory to find the best selection of car wheels and truck wheels, tires and rims. The sleek new design puts the customer into the driver seat, showcasing wheels unmatched in beauty and quality. Customers can easily check out wheel specials, search for wheels and tires, and benefit from the latest news and tips on wheels, tires, car care and more. Products can be easily searched for by finish, bolt pattern, size and more, and compared by full specs including full color pictures and prices on most items. Quotes can be requested directly online or by phone, providing the best price on the right item without gimmicks or hidden costs.
Finding car or truck tires online has never been easier, with deals on wheels and rims, and packages to complete all needs and uses. Famous Wheels is a leading online dealer for all types of tires, wheels, and rims for a variety of vehicles, uses, and budgets. From luxury cars, sports cars, SUVs, Trucks, Tuner types and more, Famous Wheels has it all. Customers can shop and choose tires online that will suit their individual needs. Specializing in top name brands and quality products, Famous Wheels makes the promise that if they do not carry what the customer is looking for, they will find it for them. For more information about amazing package deals, current specials, or to contact Famous Wheels directly, log on to http://famouswheels.com today.
About Famous Wheels: Famous Wheels is a premier online tire and wheel distributer for cars, trucks, SUVs, luxury vehicles, sports cars and more. Specializing in quality and name brands such as Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Falken, Lexani, Perilli and others, Famous Wheels has the right tire or wheel, at the right price in stock.
Written by Sharron Gibbs, an automotive expert in the tire industry from Famous Wheels. Visit their website today for the best deals on truck and car wheels online.
Sharron Gibbs
Famous Wheels
626-813-2077
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A USED COMPUTER.
SaleSpider Media Gets Ready for 2013
SaleSpider Media had an extremely successful 2012 and looks to bring that success into 2013.
toronto, ON (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
SaleSpider Media had an extremely successful 2012 and looks to bring that success into 2013. Over the past year each of SaleSpider Media's social networks have growth substantially. SaleSpider.com, North America's largest SMB social network, grew by over 500% in 2012. SaleSpider Media's other properties, HomeOwnersCircle.com and WealthMason.com, each grew by over 2000% in traffic over the same time period. The substantial growth of SaleSpider Media can be attributed to the company's digital innovations in the past year, here is a quick snapshot:
About Sales Spider Media:
SaleSpider Media is a leading internet company with multiple fast-growing, highly-related brands serving loyal consumer and business audiences...our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over North America and The World.
SaleSpider Media's exclusive web properties have millions of unique visitors and opt-in members and are growing by over 90% each quarter. The company has deep reach to in-market buyers in Auto, Travel, Finance, Insurance, Technology, B2B, and many more!
SaleSpider Media works with top Fortune 100 companies and is a leader in...
PR
Sales Spider Inc.
4162210447
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by LINUXOS.PRO - where latest news are our top priority.
toronto, ON (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
SaleSpider Media had an extremely successful 2012 and looks to bring that success into 2013. Over the past year each of SaleSpider Media's social networks have growth substantially. SaleSpider.com, North America's largest SMB social network, grew by over 500% in 2012. SaleSpider Media's other properties, HomeOwnersCircle.com and WealthMason.com, each grew by over 2000% in traffic over the same time period. The substantial growth of SaleSpider Media can be attributed to the company's digital innovations in the past year, here is a quick snapshot:
- Social Marketing Toolkit: A simple and free tool to help members promote themselves and generate leads for their businesses.
- Digital Trophy system: Increasing user engagement and experience, while guiding members on simple ways to get the most out of each social network.
- Optimized UI: Helping members find what they need in the most user friendly and efficient way possible.
About Sales Spider Media:
SaleSpider Media is a leading internet company with multiple fast-growing, highly-related brands serving loyal consumer and business audiences...our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over North America and The World.
SaleSpider Media's exclusive web properties have millions of unique visitors and opt-in members and are growing by over 90% each quarter. The company has deep reach to in-market buyers in Auto, Travel, Finance, Insurance, Technology, B2B, and many more!
SaleSpider Media works with top Fortune 100 companies and is a leader in...
- First Party Data Targeting reaching "ready to buy" consumers
- Reaching Business Decision Makers by company size, industry, title and geography
- Social Media, multiple platforms including the largest small business social network in North America
PR
Sales Spider Inc.
4162210447
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by LINUXOS.PRO - where latest news are our top priority.
Sweat It Out Announces CoolMax Gear Through Social Media Special Offer
Sweat it Out is excited to announce their new special promotions through their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. For customers who spend $40 or more, they will receive a CoolMax t-shirt with their holiday season purchase.
(PRWEB) December 21, 2012
Sweat it Out is excited to announce their new special promotions through their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. For customers who spend $40 or more, they will receive a CoolMax t-shirt with their holiday season purchase. With the basketball season in full swing, Sweat it Out's basketball sleeves make a great gift for those who need maintain their stamina and accurate performance. The giving season upon us and Sweat it Out is feeling extra generous with this special promotion. The professionals at Sweat it Out find great value in giving customers a free CoolMax shirt along with their purchase. They want their customers to try all of their beneficial products so they see the advantage of lycra shorts, baseball, football sleeves and much more. All of their Facebook Fans and Twitter followers will be able to take advantage of this special offer and have the added bonus of staying cool and energized. There are numerous gifts to choose one from that will be great for any athlete who is training or simply those who use them while exercising.
The free gift is a token of Sweat it Out's appreciation for loyal customers who stay true to their product. This also makes for a great time for those who have been dying to try the CoolMax shirt, since they will get it free of charge with a $40 purchase. They strive to build long lasting relationships with their clients and keep them for life as they anticipate future specials. So, get ahead with the holiday shopping if not for a friend or loved one than for oneself. Social media fans have the opportunity to stock up now on basketball sleeves and lycra shorts along with a cool surprise.
About the Company:
Sweat it Out also specializes in football sleeves, basketball sleeves and baseball sleeves. Sweat it Out garments offer true compression for the body, stretching 360 degrees, so the garment can even stretch more than the body does, so no movement is inhibited. Sweat it Out stretches vertically and horizontally, which gives the body quick recovery time. With compression sportswear a person will get a light yet durable support.
For more information about Sweat it Out and its products visit http://www.sweatitout.com/.
Sweat It Out
Sweat It Out
1-800-343-8960
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A NEW COMPUTER.
(PRWEB) December 21, 2012
Sweat it Out is excited to announce their new special promotions through their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. For customers who spend $40 or more, they will receive a CoolMax t-shirt with their holiday season purchase. With the basketball season in full swing, Sweat it Out's basketball sleeves make a great gift for those who need maintain their stamina and accurate performance. The giving season upon us and Sweat it Out is feeling extra generous with this special promotion. The professionals at Sweat it Out find great value in giving customers a free CoolMax shirt along with their purchase. They want their customers to try all of their beneficial products so they see the advantage of lycra shorts, baseball, football sleeves and much more. All of their Facebook Fans and Twitter followers will be able to take advantage of this special offer and have the added bonus of staying cool and energized. There are numerous gifts to choose one from that will be great for any athlete who is training or simply those who use them while exercising.
The free gift is a token of Sweat it Out's appreciation for loyal customers who stay true to their product. This also makes for a great time for those who have been dying to try the CoolMax shirt, since they will get it free of charge with a $40 purchase. They strive to build long lasting relationships with their clients and keep them for life as they anticipate future specials. So, get ahead with the holiday shopping if not for a friend or loved one than for oneself. Social media fans have the opportunity to stock up now on basketball sleeves and lycra shorts along with a cool surprise.
About the Company:
Sweat it Out also specializes in football sleeves, basketball sleeves and baseball sleeves. Sweat it Out garments offer true compression for the body, stretching 360 degrees, so the garment can even stretch more than the body does, so no movement is inhibited. Sweat it Out stretches vertically and horizontally, which gives the body quick recovery time. With compression sportswear a person will get a light yet durable support.
For more information about Sweat it Out and its products visit http://www.sweatitout.com/.
Sweat It Out
Sweat It Out
1-800-343-8960
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A NEW COMPUTER.
CCEI Individual, Online Child Care Training Subscriptions Receive Year-End Discount
Online child care training subscriptions for individuals allow unlimited access to over 100 online courses for an entire year with ChildCare Education Institute.
Duluth, GA (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), an accredited, distance learning institution, announces that individual, annual subscriptions with unlimited access to the online child care training course catalog are now only $79 through December 31, 2012! Child care professionals in a variety of roles and states utilize CCEI's online training to fulfill their continuing education and professional development requirements annually. Students enjoy CCEI because the courses are self-paced, available in English and Spanish, and conveniently accessible at any time. Coursework is user-friendly, engaging, and competency-based to facilitate retention. CCEI's 100+ child care training courses cover a range of applicable topics including Diversity, Nutrition, Classroom Management, Family and Parenting, various forms of development, and more. Each course hour grants 0.1 IACET CEU, and CEU credit is included in the cost of the program. Once courses have been completed successfully, certificates of completion are immediately available for printing and documentation.
This limited time offer is available to anyone without a current annual subscription until 12:00 am on December 31, 2012. Existing account holders may purchase a subscription when they log in to their account, select Professional Development along the left navigation bar, enter the promo code TRAIN2012, and follow the onscreen prompts to complete their purchase. New users will first need to create a training account and verify their account through the email sent to them by CCEI before purchasing the discounted subscription with the instructions above.
"Professional development requirements continue to increase for many states and recognition programs, and we're proud to offer over 100 online courses at only $79 for an entire year of training," said Maria C. Taylor, President and CEO of CCEI. "CCEI is a leader in online child care training and we're helping to improve educator performance in child care programs across the industry."
About CCEI
ChildCare Education Institute provides affordable, online continuing education programs for professionals in a range of child care settings, including family child care, preschool, prekindergarten, nanny care, and more. Over 100 English and Spanish online child care training courses are available to meet licensing, recognition program, and Head Start requirements. Additionally, CCEI offers online certificate programs, such as the Online Child Development Associate (CDA), Online Director Credentials, Early Childhood Credential, and more. CCEI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), approved by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training to award IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and authorized under the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990, license number 837.
For more information, visit http://www.cceionline.edu or call 1.800.499.9907.
Janice Rice
ChildCare Education Institute
1.800.499.9907 531
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A COMPUTER.
Duluth, GA (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), an accredited, distance learning institution, announces that individual, annual subscriptions with unlimited access to the online child care training course catalog are now only $79 through December 31, 2012! Child care professionals in a variety of roles and states utilize CCEI's online training to fulfill their continuing education and professional development requirements annually. Students enjoy CCEI because the courses are self-paced, available in English and Spanish, and conveniently accessible at any time. Coursework is user-friendly, engaging, and competency-based to facilitate retention. CCEI's 100+ child care training courses cover a range of applicable topics including Diversity, Nutrition, Classroom Management, Family and Parenting, various forms of development, and more. Each course hour grants 0.1 IACET CEU, and CEU credit is included in the cost of the program. Once courses have been completed successfully, certificates of completion are immediately available for printing and documentation.
This limited time offer is available to anyone without a current annual subscription until 12:00 am on December 31, 2012. Existing account holders may purchase a subscription when they log in to their account, select Professional Development along the left navigation bar, enter the promo code TRAIN2012, and follow the onscreen prompts to complete their purchase. New users will first need to create a training account and verify their account through the email sent to them by CCEI before purchasing the discounted subscription with the instructions above.
"Professional development requirements continue to increase for many states and recognition programs, and we're proud to offer over 100 online courses at only $79 for an entire year of training," said Maria C. Taylor, President and CEO of CCEI. "CCEI is a leader in online child care training and we're helping to improve educator performance in child care programs across the industry."
About CCEI
ChildCare Education Institute provides affordable, online continuing education programs for professionals in a range of child care settings, including family child care, preschool, prekindergarten, nanny care, and more. Over 100 English and Spanish online child care training courses are available to meet licensing, recognition program, and Head Start requirements. Additionally, CCEI offers online certificate programs, such as the Online Child Development Associate (CDA), Online Director Credentials, Early Childhood Credential, and more. CCEI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), approved by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training to award IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and authorized under the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990, license number 837.
For more information, visit http://www.cceionline.edu or call 1.800.499.9907.
Janice Rice
ChildCare Education Institute
1.800.499.9907 531
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A COMPUTER.
Instagram retreats on some service terms after backlash
(Reuters) - Instagram, the popular photo-sharing service, has retreated from some but not all of the controversial changes in its terms of service that prompted a fierce backlash from users earlier this week.
In a blog post on Thursday, Instagram founder and CEO Kevin Systrom apologized for a failure to 'communicate our intentions clearly.' The terms of service changes pertaining to advertising have been reversed, Systrom said, and restored to what they had been before the changes announced on Monday.
Instagram, which allows people to add filters and effects to photos and share them easily on the Internet, was acquired by Facebook earlier this year for $715 million.
Some top users of Instagram, including National Geographic magazine, said they would stop using the service after the new rules were announced on Monday.
Language that had appeared to allow Instagram advertisers to display user photos without compensation have been removed from updated terms of service posted on Thursday.
The updated terms also do not appear to contain a controversial provision which had stated that if a child under the age of 18 used the service, it implied his or her parent had tacitly agreed to Instagram's terms.
However, the new terms still contain a mandatory arbitration clause, which is not included in terms of service for other leading social media companies like Twitter, Google, YouTube or even Facebook itself. That immunizes Instagram from many forms of liability, according to legal experts.
Internet experts said Instagram had been very aggressive in asserting its rights to user information and inviting anyone who did not agree to delete their accounts within a few weeks.
The updated terms still say that anyone who accesses Instagram agrees to be bound by the new terms which are slated to go into effect on January 19.
Also, Instagram kept language which gave it the ability to place ads in conjunction with user content, and 'that we may not always identify paid services, sponsored content, or commercial communications as such.'
Instagram representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.
Systrom stressed in the blog post that the company had no intention of selling the photos that users post on the service. Many users had read the new terms of service as an indication that the company was reserving the right to do that.
'Going forward, rather than obtain permission from you to introduce possible advertising products we have not yet developed, we are going to take the time to complete our plans, and then come back to our users and explain how we would like for our advertising business to work,' Systrom said.
(Reporting by Jonathan Weber and Dan Levine; Editing by Paul Tait and Michael Perry)
This article is brought to you by AFFORDABLE COMPUTERS.
In a blog post on Thursday, Instagram founder and CEO Kevin Systrom apologized for a failure to 'communicate our intentions clearly.' The terms of service changes pertaining to advertising have been reversed, Systrom said, and restored to what they had been before the changes announced on Monday.
Instagram, which allows people to add filters and effects to photos and share them easily on the Internet, was acquired by Facebook earlier this year for $715 million.
Some top users of Instagram, including National Geographic magazine, said they would stop using the service after the new rules were announced on Monday.
Language that had appeared to allow Instagram advertisers to display user photos without compensation have been removed from updated terms of service posted on Thursday.
The updated terms also do not appear to contain a controversial provision which had stated that if a child under the age of 18 used the service, it implied his or her parent had tacitly agreed to Instagram's terms.
However, the new terms still contain a mandatory arbitration clause, which is not included in terms of service for other leading social media companies like Twitter, Google, YouTube or even Facebook itself. That immunizes Instagram from many forms of liability, according to legal experts.
Internet experts said Instagram had been very aggressive in asserting its rights to user information and inviting anyone who did not agree to delete their accounts within a few weeks.
The updated terms still say that anyone who accesses Instagram agrees to be bound by the new terms which are slated to go into effect on January 19.
Also, Instagram kept language which gave it the ability to place ads in conjunction with user content, and 'that we may not always identify paid services, sponsored content, or commercial communications as such.'
Instagram representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.
Systrom stressed in the blog post that the company had no intention of selling the photos that users post on the service. Many users had read the new terms of service as an indication that the company was reserving the right to do that.
'Going forward, rather than obtain permission from you to introduce possible advertising products we have not yet developed, we are going to take the time to complete our plans, and then come back to our users and explain how we would like for our advertising business to work,' Systrom said.
(Reporting by Jonathan Weber and Dan Levine; Editing by Paul Tait and Michael Perry)
This article is brought to you by AFFORDABLE COMPUTERS.
Kuvu Tutors to Launch Live Online Tuition Platform in January 2013
New online tutoring company gives international students anywhere on the globe access to world class educational support.
Cambridge, UK (PRWEB UK) 21 December 2012
Kuvu Tutors joins a host of top education bodies that have moved toward harnessing the internet to reach a wider student base and to create a more agile and accessible learning environment. The dotcom is the first company to use the new Saypage online video conferencing platform. This not only allows a High Definition video and audio link between learner and teacher, it also has a built-in payment system, allowing for safe and convenient financial transactions, and teaching tools, such as instant document-sharing, meaning that tutors have at their fingertips everything they need for running effective sessions.
The company is in many ways the first of its kind. It specialises in one-to-one online support for students studying the IB Diploma Programme, International A-Level and IGCSE. Unlike other tutoring companies, though, Kuvu also offers support for students seeking help in experiential and practical learning, such as public speaking, community service projects, students journalism, and language learning. Finally, tutors are on hand to provide guidance in the all-important field of university applications. Kuvu prides itself on recruiting only the best international teachers, all of whom are experienced, qualified, and passionate professionals, and are used the rigorous demands of the international education world.
Tutors also offer live online 'events', which are accessible via iPhones, iPads, and other mobile devices, and participants can interact with proceedings, ask questions, and respond to the ideas of others.
Kuvu has signed up around 60 teachers already, and has established links with prestigious international schools in order to help raise the academic performance of their students. Users have commented on the ease of use of the platform, and the way in which it allows for 'precision targeting' of problem areas that can quickly be resolved and mastered. In addition, there is the sense that Kuvu has succeeded in creating a community of international users, where experiences and learning strategies are shared, and ideas and tips passed on so that others can benefit from them.
Co-Founder, Michael Dunn says, 'Kuvu is about three things: first, supporting students as they contend with the challenges of tough educational programmes, second, promoting the values of internationalism, and third, helping students to extend their skills beyond the classroom.'
Kuvu Tutors is the leading online tutoring service specialising in International Baccalaureate, International A-Level and IGCSE. Founded in 2012, the website offers international high school students access to the world's best tutors online. To learn more about Kuvu Tutors click here.
Lea Garrett
Kuvu Tutors
+44 (0)1223 314260
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A COMPUTER.
Cambridge, UK (PRWEB UK) 21 December 2012
Kuvu Tutors joins a host of top education bodies that have moved toward harnessing the internet to reach a wider student base and to create a more agile and accessible learning environment. The dotcom is the first company to use the new Saypage online video conferencing platform. This not only allows a High Definition video and audio link between learner and teacher, it also has a built-in payment system, allowing for safe and convenient financial transactions, and teaching tools, such as instant document-sharing, meaning that tutors have at their fingertips everything they need for running effective sessions.
The company is in many ways the first of its kind. It specialises in one-to-one online support for students studying the IB Diploma Programme, International A-Level and IGCSE. Unlike other tutoring companies, though, Kuvu also offers support for students seeking help in experiential and practical learning, such as public speaking, community service projects, students journalism, and language learning. Finally, tutors are on hand to provide guidance in the all-important field of university applications. Kuvu prides itself on recruiting only the best international teachers, all of whom are experienced, qualified, and passionate professionals, and are used the rigorous demands of the international education world.
Tutors also offer live online 'events', which are accessible via iPhones, iPads, and other mobile devices, and participants can interact with proceedings, ask questions, and respond to the ideas of others.
Kuvu has signed up around 60 teachers already, and has established links with prestigious international schools in order to help raise the academic performance of their students. Users have commented on the ease of use of the platform, and the way in which it allows for 'precision targeting' of problem areas that can quickly be resolved and mastered. In addition, there is the sense that Kuvu has succeeded in creating a community of international users, where experiences and learning strategies are shared, and ideas and tips passed on so that others can benefit from them.
Co-Founder, Michael Dunn says, 'Kuvu is about three things: first, supporting students as they contend with the challenges of tough educational programmes, second, promoting the values of internationalism, and third, helping students to extend their skills beyond the classroom.'
Kuvu Tutors is the leading online tutoring service specialising in International Baccalaureate, International A-Level and IGCSE. Founded in 2012, the website offers international high school students access to the world's best tutors online. To learn more about Kuvu Tutors click here.
Lea Garrett
Kuvu Tutors
+44 (0)1223 314260
Email Information
This article is brought to you by BUY A COMPUTER.
Pay It Square experiences 20% growth during 2012: Prepares for holiday fundraising season
Exciting growth and holiday opportunities from Pay It Square
Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
Pay It Square - The easiest way to collect money online, reports exciting growth for 2012. In the past year, over 5,000 new registered users collected money from more than 30,000 online payers, making it the best year on record for Pay It Square. The site announced that it has helped users collect more than $3 million over the course of the year. The largest area of Pay It Square growth has been from collecting money through Facebook. Pay It Square allows users to connect their collect money page to their Facebook fan page, and share their pages with fans. "We've seen around 80% growth in that area, it is really a useful tool, especially for fundraisers with great causes behind them" says Pay it Square founder Brian Anderson, " We love it when good people get the help they need through Pay It Square fundraisers"
One player has brought major attention to Pay It Square, Hugh Jackman, after he donated two tickets to the group Everyone Matters out of Los Angeles. The group's founder, HeathCliff Rothman, decided to use Pay it Square because of its ability to easily merge a social media campaign with a fundraising campaign. He created a page on Pay It Square and had it published to his Facebook page within minutes. During the two-week period, Rothman's page saw over $4,000 in donations to win the tickets.
"I am very proud of how far we've come in less than 5 months with Pay It Square", stated Raechel Carr, who started the fundraiser Help4Raechel to pay her family's medical bills. With the help of Pay It Square, Raechel has raised over $37,000, and has set her new goal to $50,000. Raechel also utilizes the Pay It Square on Facebook tool for her fundraiser, and has raised thousands of dollars by connecting with donors through social media.
Lately, Pay It Square organizers have been gearing up for the holiday season by collecting donations for fundraisers and pooling resources for gifts. Many organizers already use Pay it Square to collect for parties and other events, all of which can be started on the site and sent to friends and family within minutes.
Dan Frank wanted a way for his neighborhood association to collect money online for a gift for the president of their association. In years' past, he had tried collecting money from members during association meetings but couldn't collect enough for a decent gift. This Year, Dan found Pay It Square and created a page. It only took one weekend for him to collect $200. "That's more than I could have collected by simply asking and it's the most we've ever gotten for the President's gift, ever" Dan was able to present the gift to the association President, saying "Brett has gone above and beyond what you would expect of a Board president, and while $200 doesn't compare to the amount of work he has contributed to the board, I believe it would have been almost impossible without Pay it Square"
###
About Pay It Square:
Founder Brian Anderson came up with the idea for Pay It Square after many years of playing soccer in different leagues. He realized how much effort it was for the team captains to manage the team's registration every season. In many cases, the team managers or organizers just paid the entire registration fee. Then, they would pester people for weeks to collect all of the money. Often, they were not able to collect everyone's payments and sometimes even lost track of what payments were made; this is where Pay It Square comes into play. It allows organizers to set up a dedicated web page with content about what they are collecting for, amount they need per person and a system to manage those payments.
For more information visit http://www.payitsquare.com, visit them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @payitsquare.
Visit http://www.PayItSquare.com to learn more about using the site for holiday fundraising.
About OST:
OST (Open Systems Technologies) is a $68 million company with offices in Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Minneapolis and London, England. OST has been focused on providing IT infrastructure services and products for over fifteen years; in addition OST offers security services, custom application development services, managed services, and business process services. Since 2003, the company has grown it revenue at a compounded rate of over 35% annually. In 2007, 2008, 2009 2010, 2011, and 2012 OST was recognized in INC. magazine's 5,000's Fastest Growing Private Companies. OST was also listed on CRN's Tech Elite 250 in 2010 and 2011, and CRN's FastGrowth100 in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and on the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch in 2009.
For more information visit http://www.ostusa.com
Mike Lomonaco
Pay It Square
616-574-3500
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE CRITIC NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
Pay It Square - The easiest way to collect money online, reports exciting growth for 2012. In the past year, over 5,000 new registered users collected money from more than 30,000 online payers, making it the best year on record for Pay It Square. The site announced that it has helped users collect more than $3 million over the course of the year. The largest area of Pay It Square growth has been from collecting money through Facebook. Pay It Square allows users to connect their collect money page to their Facebook fan page, and share their pages with fans. "We've seen around 80% growth in that area, it is really a useful tool, especially for fundraisers with great causes behind them" says Pay it Square founder Brian Anderson, " We love it when good people get the help they need through Pay It Square fundraisers"
One player has brought major attention to Pay It Square, Hugh Jackman, after he donated two tickets to the group Everyone Matters out of Los Angeles. The group's founder, HeathCliff Rothman, decided to use Pay it Square because of its ability to easily merge a social media campaign with a fundraising campaign. He created a page on Pay It Square and had it published to his Facebook page within minutes. During the two-week period, Rothman's page saw over $4,000 in donations to win the tickets.
"I am very proud of how far we've come in less than 5 months with Pay It Square", stated Raechel Carr, who started the fundraiser Help4Raechel to pay her family's medical bills. With the help of Pay It Square, Raechel has raised over $37,000, and has set her new goal to $50,000. Raechel also utilizes the Pay It Square on Facebook tool for her fundraiser, and has raised thousands of dollars by connecting with donors through social media.
Lately, Pay It Square organizers have been gearing up for the holiday season by collecting donations for fundraisers and pooling resources for gifts. Many organizers already use Pay it Square to collect for parties and other events, all of which can be started on the site and sent to friends and family within minutes.
Dan Frank wanted a way for his neighborhood association to collect money online for a gift for the president of their association. In years' past, he had tried collecting money from members during association meetings but couldn't collect enough for a decent gift. This Year, Dan found Pay It Square and created a page. It only took one weekend for him to collect $200. "That's more than I could have collected by simply asking and it's the most we've ever gotten for the President's gift, ever" Dan was able to present the gift to the association President, saying "Brett has gone above and beyond what you would expect of a Board president, and while $200 doesn't compare to the amount of work he has contributed to the board, I believe it would have been almost impossible without Pay it Square"
###
About Pay It Square:
Founder Brian Anderson came up with the idea for Pay It Square after many years of playing soccer in different leagues. He realized how much effort it was for the team captains to manage the team's registration every season. In many cases, the team managers or organizers just paid the entire registration fee. Then, they would pester people for weeks to collect all of the money. Often, they were not able to collect everyone's payments and sometimes even lost track of what payments were made; this is where Pay It Square comes into play. It allows organizers to set up a dedicated web page with content about what they are collecting for, amount they need per person and a system to manage those payments.
For more information visit http://www.payitsquare.com, visit them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @payitsquare.
Visit http://www.PayItSquare.com to learn more about using the site for holiday fundraising.
About OST:
OST (Open Systems Technologies) is a $68 million company with offices in Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Minneapolis and London, England. OST has been focused on providing IT infrastructure services and products for over fifteen years; in addition OST offers security services, custom application development services, managed services, and business process services. Since 2003, the company has grown it revenue at a compounded rate of over 35% annually. In 2007, 2008, 2009 2010, 2011, and 2012 OST was recognized in INC. magazine's 5,000's Fastest Growing Private Companies. OST was also listed on CRN's Tech Elite 250 in 2010 and 2011, and CRN's FastGrowth100 in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and on the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch in 2009.
For more information visit http://www.ostusa.com
Mike Lomonaco
Pay It Square
616-574-3500
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE CRITIC NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
Buxton Online Is Completed and the Team Responsible for Rescuing the Peak District Website Which was Borrowed and Brought Safely Home, Now Toasts Its Relaunch
Http://http://www.buxtononline.net was once a very popular website once upon a time, but it was unfortunately turned offline earlier this year. The team at Peak District Online welcome home a website which was exported temporarily, but which now sits very happily within a peakapedia portfolio dedicated to the Peak District National Park. Buxton Online is live again as the team of researchers and writers complete their mammoth task of restoring it to its former glory.
Peak District, UK (PRWEB UK) 21 December 2012
Http://http://www.buxtononline.net has been rescued from the Far East by a team of intrepid Derbyshire explorers and brought home to be re-branded. 'We've recently acquired a website which we have admired for a number of years and we can't wait to boast about it,' explains James Dobson, director and wildlife photographer for the hugely popular Peakapedia website all about Derbyshire, Peak District Online. 'Our team of writers and researchers have been beavering away sourcing all the latest up-to-date information about modern day Buxton to fill the site with content, but also going back years to find archived history, facts and figures creating a really compact source of information for anyone interested about this area.'
Thanks to some secret service negotiations which would seriously impress her Majesty, the website which should never have left, is back to the UK with a vengeance. The brand-new revamped website boasting about Buxton goes live, complete, restored and brought back to life with its glorious accompanying photographs, but it wasn't an easy task explains Steve Wake, fellow director and landscape photographer for the website.
'We thought this was a real shame the old site went off-line because it was very resourceful for Buxton residents and visitors to the Peak District,' he said.' We have, for the last few months, been in negotiations with the new owner of the domain name to sell to us, so we could rebuild this great site and bring it back to Britain and more importantly, back to the Peak District.' He continues, 'The owner of the domain name is actually a businessman in Japan, so the team at Peak District Online felt very passionate that they should acquire the website and bring the Buxton website back home where it belongs.'
With over 50 pages now live, the team at Peak District online promise this isn't the end and will endeavour to keep updating the site as they delve into the history and add more pages keeping residents and visitors up-to-date with all the relevant news, events and information for anyone wishing to stay, or visit Buxton and the surrounding area.
Steve went on to explain,' it is still in its infancy really as there is so much to write about Buxton and our researchers and writers are having a lot of fun sourcing all the old, intermediate and brand new up-to-date information to keep the website current but we feel for the moment we have completed a real journey. It is now live and has some really good content and photographs already on it and it is our aim in the early part of next year to keep it growing steadily every week.'
Using their team who are all experts about the Peak District, Buxton Online is aimed at finding out about the town that has everything. With its stunning countryside, its mixture of tiny interesting streets, open spaces and alleyways which would give Harry Potter a good run around on his broomstick they say. It has a mix of hustle and bustle, but the serenity and space to take the time to sit and relax but also has a rich, surprising and entertaining history which is highlighted perfectly in their prose.
Just like Peak District Online, http://www.buxtononline.net will grow and grow with new information as it becomes available, so Steve and James would urge all to please give the site a visit and bookmark it for the future.
James Dobson
Peak District Online
0845 1668022
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by GLOBAL WEATHER NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
Peak District, UK (PRWEB UK) 21 December 2012
Http://http://www.buxtononline.net has been rescued from the Far East by a team of intrepid Derbyshire explorers and brought home to be re-branded. 'We've recently acquired a website which we have admired for a number of years and we can't wait to boast about it,' explains James Dobson, director and wildlife photographer for the hugely popular Peakapedia website all about Derbyshire, Peak District Online. 'Our team of writers and researchers have been beavering away sourcing all the latest up-to-date information about modern day Buxton to fill the site with content, but also going back years to find archived history, facts and figures creating a really compact source of information for anyone interested about this area.'
Thanks to some secret service negotiations which would seriously impress her Majesty, the website which should never have left, is back to the UK with a vengeance. The brand-new revamped website boasting about Buxton goes live, complete, restored and brought back to life with its glorious accompanying photographs, but it wasn't an easy task explains Steve Wake, fellow director and landscape photographer for the website.
'We thought this was a real shame the old site went off-line because it was very resourceful for Buxton residents and visitors to the Peak District,' he said.' We have, for the last few months, been in negotiations with the new owner of the domain name to sell to us, so we could rebuild this great site and bring it back to Britain and more importantly, back to the Peak District.' He continues, 'The owner of the domain name is actually a businessman in Japan, so the team at Peak District Online felt very passionate that they should acquire the website and bring the Buxton website back home where it belongs.'
With over 50 pages now live, the team at Peak District online promise this isn't the end and will endeavour to keep updating the site as they delve into the history and add more pages keeping residents and visitors up-to-date with all the relevant news, events and information for anyone wishing to stay, or visit Buxton and the surrounding area.
Steve went on to explain,' it is still in its infancy really as there is so much to write about Buxton and our researchers and writers are having a lot of fun sourcing all the old, intermediate and brand new up-to-date information to keep the website current but we feel for the moment we have completed a real journey. It is now live and has some really good content and photographs already on it and it is our aim in the early part of next year to keep it growing steadily every week.'
Using their team who are all experts about the Peak District, Buxton Online is aimed at finding out about the town that has everything. With its stunning countryside, its mixture of tiny interesting streets, open spaces and alleyways which would give Harry Potter a good run around on his broomstick they say. It has a mix of hustle and bustle, but the serenity and space to take the time to sit and relax but also has a rich, surprising and entertaining history which is highlighted perfectly in their prose.
Just like Peak District Online, http://www.buxtononline.net will grow and grow with new information as it becomes available, so Steve and James would urge all to please give the site a visit and bookmark it for the future.
James Dobson
Peak District Online
0845 1668022
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by GLOBAL WEATHER NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
24/7 Technology, Inc., Industry Leader in the Service and Sales of Uninterruptible Power Systems, Announces Launch of New Website
The team at 24/7 Technology, Inc. has announced a comprehensive update of their company website. Re-designed from the ground up, the new site will place 24/7 Technology on the forefront for the delivery of services, equipment, and solutions for the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) industry.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
24/7 Technology, Inc., a leader in the field of Uninterruptible Power Services & Systems, has launched a dynamic new company website. The new site, http://www.247technology.com demonstrates the company's capacity for providing nationwide solutions for mission critical power equipment including UPS, UPS/Telecom batteries, DC Plant and Power Distribution Unit equipment. Service capabilities include emergency services (24/7 x 365), preventative maintenance and battery replacements for all major UPS manufacturers. This site also provides visitors with the opportunity to request online price quotes for their own custom services as well as for new, pre-owned or rental equipment. 24/7 Technology, Inc. will continue to carry a vast selection of sparesparts for both current production and legacy UPS systems. 24/7 Technology, Inc. is unique in the UPS service and maintenance industry in that their infrastructure enables them to deliver comprehensive solutions for all critical power needs. Their corporate headquarters, just outside of Atlanta, GA, incorporates all administrative functions including, training, repair, logistics and equipment inventory. As an independent service and sales organization, they are uniquely qualified to recommend unbiased solutions to the critical power industry. They know the strengths and weaknesses of each UPS manufacturer as well as the battery manufacturers. As a result, 24/7 Technology can meet their customers' needs and budget with the most reliable system regardless of manufacturer and regardless of whether it's new or used.
Founded in 2002, 24/7 Technology, Inc. has experienced unprecedented growth over the years. The company started out servicing local companies in the Atlanta area market and has since expanded operations throughout the southeastern U.S. including South Florida which incorporates the Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Martin & Monroe Counties. In the decade since their inception, 24/7 Technology, Inc. has vastly expanded its capabilities and recently moved operations into their third location - an 18,000 square foot facility in Marietta, Georgia.
24/7 Technology prides itself on delivering quality services, highly reliable equipment, and superior solutions for the UPS and Critical Power Industry. The new web site demonstrates the company's commitment to leveraging technology and the internet to deliver the most innovative critical power solutions available today.
For more online information about 24/7 Technology, Inc. visit them at http://www.247technology.com
Contact Info
24/7 Technology, Inc.
1349 Old 41 Highway, Suite 135
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 770.971.8480
Fax: 770.514.8415
Website: http://www.247technology.com
PR Urgent News. All Rights Reserved
Terms of use | Contact | Advertise
Disclaimer: We accept no responsibility for accuracy and completeness for any information of press releases published on this site as they are submitted directly by different companies/individuals/third parties. We recommend to directly contact the poster through the contact information published on the news release.
Jim Weydman
770-971-8480
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE CRITIC NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
24/7 Technology, Inc., a leader in the field of Uninterruptible Power Services & Systems, has launched a dynamic new company website. The new site, http://www.247technology.com demonstrates the company's capacity for providing nationwide solutions for mission critical power equipment including UPS, UPS/Telecom batteries, DC Plant and Power Distribution Unit equipment. Service capabilities include emergency services (24/7 x 365), preventative maintenance and battery replacements for all major UPS manufacturers. This site also provides visitors with the opportunity to request online price quotes for their own custom services as well as for new, pre-owned or rental equipment. 24/7 Technology, Inc. will continue to carry a vast selection of sparesparts for both current production and legacy UPS systems. 24/7 Technology, Inc. is unique in the UPS service and maintenance industry in that their infrastructure enables them to deliver comprehensive solutions for all critical power needs. Their corporate headquarters, just outside of Atlanta, GA, incorporates all administrative functions including, training, repair, logistics and equipment inventory. As an independent service and sales organization, they are uniquely qualified to recommend unbiased solutions to the critical power industry. They know the strengths and weaknesses of each UPS manufacturer as well as the battery manufacturers. As a result, 24/7 Technology can meet their customers' needs and budget with the most reliable system regardless of manufacturer and regardless of whether it's new or used.
Founded in 2002, 24/7 Technology, Inc. has experienced unprecedented growth over the years. The company started out servicing local companies in the Atlanta area market and has since expanded operations throughout the southeastern U.S. including South Florida which incorporates the Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Martin & Monroe Counties. In the decade since their inception, 24/7 Technology, Inc. has vastly expanded its capabilities and recently moved operations into their third location - an 18,000 square foot facility in Marietta, Georgia.
24/7 Technology prides itself on delivering quality services, highly reliable equipment, and superior solutions for the UPS and Critical Power Industry. The new web site demonstrates the company's commitment to leveraging technology and the internet to deliver the most innovative critical power solutions available today.
For more online information about 24/7 Technology, Inc. visit them at http://www.247technology.com
Contact Info
24/7 Technology, Inc.
1349 Old 41 Highway, Suite 135
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 770.971.8480
Fax: 770.514.8415
Website: http://www.247technology.com
PR Urgent News. All Rights Reserved
Terms of use | Contact | Advertise
Disclaimer: We accept no responsibility for accuracy and completeness for any information of press releases published on this site as they are submitted directly by different companies/individuals/third parties. We recommend to directly contact the poster through the contact information published on the news release.
Jim Weydman
770-971-8480
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by MOVIE CRITIC NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
CebuJobs.PH Declares Mario Estrañero Winner Of iPad 3 Raffle Giveaway
On December 14, 2012, online job portal CebuJobs.PH finally announced the name of the grand prize winner of their Apple iPad 3 Raffle Giveaway. Also in line with the holiday season, a skeletal workforce will be available to provide assistance to companies.
Cebu, CEB (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
This Christmas season, CebuJobs.PH finally announces the grand prize winner of their Apple Ipad 3 Raffle Giveaway contest. After several screening processes from the various entries via social media networks, they have finally selected a winner from the 6,670 entries submitted for the contest. During the big day, the team behind CebuJobs.PH featured a live draw for the announcement of the winner via UStream. As of 2:00pm GMT, they began the countdown in preparation for the official announcement at 4:00pm. In attendance was the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) representative, Ms. Gladys Oro to verify the contest entry details and the winner.
The announcement of the winner of the draw was Managing Director, Ian Callet. "Today, we're proud to finally announce the winner, who'll be taking home with him an Apple iPad 3! The winner of our raffle giveaway is none other than. Mr. Mario Estrañero of Cebu City! He submitted a valid entry via Twitter. Congratulations! Also, thank you so much to Ms. Gladys Oro who is here with us in this booth to witness the contest proper. In behalf of the team, we also thank to all our live viewers and to everyone who participated in our contest."
The winner of the Apple iPad 3 Raffle Giveaway, Mr. Mario Estrañero claimed his prize on December 20, 2012. He was overjoyed by this great surprise and said "this is the best Christmas gift ever." During the brief interview and photo op that occurred on the same date, he shared "Thank you Cebujobs.ph for this gift! For all registered nurses out there, I urge you to check out this site, there are so many jobs for us."
With only a few days left before Christmas day, CebuJobs.PH would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. For employers who wish to advertise their job vacancies during the holiday season, Managing Director, Ian Callet mentions "A skeletal workforce will be available during the holiday season to provide assistance for companies hiring in Cebu and to answer minor fixes from customers." For more information about their products and services during the holidays, you can email them at info@cebujobs.ph.
About
CebuJobs.PH is a subsidiary of Clicking Labs, Inc. Clicking Labs is a Cebu based company founded in 2010 by Jean-Patrick Bisson, Diana Quartin and Jonathan Kennedy. The company specializes in driving search marketing and social media traffic, social web app development and conversion optimization. Each product or service specifically helps small/medium website owners increase online visibility and improve online sales.
Ian Callet
CebuJobs.PH
+6332-266-6070
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by SEXUAL HEALTH NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
Cebu, CEB (PRWEB) December 21, 2012
This Christmas season, CebuJobs.PH finally announces the grand prize winner of their Apple Ipad 3 Raffle Giveaway contest. After several screening processes from the various entries via social media networks, they have finally selected a winner from the 6,670 entries submitted for the contest. During the big day, the team behind CebuJobs.PH featured a live draw for the announcement of the winner via UStream. As of 2:00pm GMT, they began the countdown in preparation for the official announcement at 4:00pm. In attendance was the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) representative, Ms. Gladys Oro to verify the contest entry details and the winner.
The announcement of the winner of the draw was Managing Director, Ian Callet. "Today, we're proud to finally announce the winner, who'll be taking home with him an Apple iPad 3! The winner of our raffle giveaway is none other than. Mr. Mario Estrañero of Cebu City! He submitted a valid entry via Twitter. Congratulations! Also, thank you so much to Ms. Gladys Oro who is here with us in this booth to witness the contest proper. In behalf of the team, we also thank to all our live viewers and to everyone who participated in our contest."
The winner of the Apple iPad 3 Raffle Giveaway, Mr. Mario Estrañero claimed his prize on December 20, 2012. He was overjoyed by this great surprise and said "this is the best Christmas gift ever." During the brief interview and photo op that occurred on the same date, he shared "Thank you Cebujobs.ph for this gift! For all registered nurses out there, I urge you to check out this site, there are so many jobs for us."
With only a few days left before Christmas day, CebuJobs.PH would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. For employers who wish to advertise their job vacancies during the holiday season, Managing Director, Ian Callet mentions "A skeletal workforce will be available during the holiday season to provide assistance for companies hiring in Cebu and to answer minor fixes from customers." For more information about their products and services during the holidays, you can email them at info@cebujobs.ph.
About
CebuJobs.PH is a subsidiary of Clicking Labs, Inc. Clicking Labs is a Cebu based company founded in 2010 by Jean-Patrick Bisson, Diana Quartin and Jonathan Kennedy. The company specializes in driving search marketing and social media traffic, social web app development and conversion optimization. Each product or service specifically helps small/medium website owners increase online visibility and improve online sales.
Ian Callet
CebuJobs.PH
+6332-266-6070
Email Information
This news article is brought to you by SEXUAL HEALTH NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tire Wholesale Direct Announces New Features on Website
Online tire hub, Tire Wholesale Direct, has launched a New Tire FAQ to help customers with commonly asked questions. Pairing a customer-friendly website with quality tires, Tire Wholesale Direct offers online deals with added customer support.
Waterford, NY (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
Tire Wholesale Direct has created new features on their sleek and user-friendly site, to help customers find answers for the most common tire questions. Customers can not only research and educate themselves on tires, but they can also search for and compare a major selection of products from all major tire manufacturers including Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Hankook, and many others from a wide inventory of top-quality brands. Tire Wholesale Direct's new Tire FAQ page features answers to questions like: "How much air should be in my tires?", "What is the size of my tires?", and "Can I over inflate my tires?" The FAQ also features a handy guide to decipher the codes on tires, making sure that customers are savvy shoppers so that the right tire for the job can be purchased without any guess work. The website also showcases easy to use search tools that allow customers to compare, research and purchase all of their tire needs from the comfort of their own home. Product searches can be viewed by vehicle make, model and year. Customers can easily find tires by brand, browse specific lines, and view product details such as speed, warranty, sizes and pricing.
Tire Wholesale Direct's website offers low priced tires on all major brands, provides easy to search for in-stock options, and information on specials and rebates. Tire Wholesale Direct provides a fast and secure checkout process combined with unbeatable shipping, direct to a customer's home, mechanic, or auto shop. With the addition of the new Tire FAQ and Tire 101, customers can educate themselves on all their tire needs. For more information on Tire Wholesale Direct and its low, wholesale prices, visit the customer-friendly website at tirewholesaledirect.com.
About Tire Wholesale Direct: Tire Wholesale Direct is an online hub designed directly with the consumer in mind. Featuring easy state-of-the-art search tools, Tire Wholesale Direct offers unbeatable wholesale prices on all major tire manufacturers, streamlined product guides to research and compare tires, and fast and easy shipping. Buying quality tires at exceptional prices has never been easier. Shop now for the best deals!
http://tirewholesaledirect.com/ was built and powered by Tire Company Solutions (TCS)
Brandon Swenson
Tire Wholesale Direct
518-320-7285
Email Information
This article is brought to you by COMPUTERS.
Waterford, NY (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
Tire Wholesale Direct has created new features on their sleek and user-friendly site, to help customers find answers for the most common tire questions. Customers can not only research and educate themselves on tires, but they can also search for and compare a major selection of products from all major tire manufacturers including Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Hankook, and many others from a wide inventory of top-quality brands. Tire Wholesale Direct's new Tire FAQ page features answers to questions like: "How much air should be in my tires?", "What is the size of my tires?", and "Can I over inflate my tires?" The FAQ also features a handy guide to decipher the codes on tires, making sure that customers are savvy shoppers so that the right tire for the job can be purchased without any guess work. The website also showcases easy to use search tools that allow customers to compare, research and purchase all of their tire needs from the comfort of their own home. Product searches can be viewed by vehicle make, model and year. Customers can easily find tires by brand, browse specific lines, and view product details such as speed, warranty, sizes and pricing.
Tire Wholesale Direct's website offers low priced tires on all major brands, provides easy to search for in-stock options, and information on specials and rebates. Tire Wholesale Direct provides a fast and secure checkout process combined with unbeatable shipping, direct to a customer's home, mechanic, or auto shop. With the addition of the new Tire FAQ and Tire 101, customers can educate themselves on all their tire needs. For more information on Tire Wholesale Direct and its low, wholesale prices, visit the customer-friendly website at tirewholesaledirect.com.
About Tire Wholesale Direct: Tire Wholesale Direct is an online hub designed directly with the consumer in mind. Featuring easy state-of-the-art search tools, Tire Wholesale Direct offers unbeatable wholesale prices on all major tire manufacturers, streamlined product guides to research and compare tires, and fast and easy shipping. Buying quality tires at exceptional prices has never been easier. Shop now for the best deals!
http://tirewholesaledirect.com/ was built and powered by Tire Company Solutions (TCS)
Brandon Swenson
Tire Wholesale Direct
518-320-7285
Email Information
This article is brought to you by COMPUTERS.
Facebook tests charging users to send certain messages
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc unveiled a test on Thursday that charges users to send certain types of messages through the social network, the latest example of the company looking for new sources of revenue and profit.
Until now, Facebook's messaging system sends the most-relevant messages, including those from users' Facebook friends, into an Inbox and siphons off less-relevant messages, such as potential spam, in an 'Other' folder.
'Today we're starting a small experiment to test the usefulness of economic signals to determine relevance,' Facebook said. 'This test will give a small number of people the option to pay to have a message routed to the 'Inbox' rather than the 'Other' folder of a recipient that they are not connected with.'
A Facebook spokesman said the charge for the test is $1 per message, but added that the company is still looking for the 'optimum' price. Users can only receive one of these paid, re-routed messages per week, he noted.
The company said its test service may be useful in certain situations, such as allowing users to send a message to someone they heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or contacting someone about a job opportunity.
Facebook, which went public earlier this year, is under pressure from Wall Street to find new sources of revenue and profit. The company has responded with a series of new services and tests in recent months. In September, the company said it would start charging merchants to run offers on its social network.
The test messaging service is similar to the InMail service from LinkedIn Corp, the professional networking rival to Facebook, which lets users with high-end subscriptions send messages to other LinkedIn members outside their networks.
'For the receiver, this test allows them to hear from people who have an important message to send them,' Facebook added.
(Reporting by Alistair Barr; Editing by Dan Grebler)
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Until now, Facebook's messaging system sends the most-relevant messages, including those from users' Facebook friends, into an Inbox and siphons off less-relevant messages, such as potential spam, in an 'Other' folder.
'Today we're starting a small experiment to test the usefulness of economic signals to determine relevance,' Facebook said. 'This test will give a small number of people the option to pay to have a message routed to the 'Inbox' rather than the 'Other' folder of a recipient that they are not connected with.'
A Facebook spokesman said the charge for the test is $1 per message, but added that the company is still looking for the 'optimum' price. Users can only receive one of these paid, re-routed messages per week, he noted.
The company said its test service may be useful in certain situations, such as allowing users to send a message to someone they heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or contacting someone about a job opportunity.
Facebook, which went public earlier this year, is under pressure from Wall Street to find new sources of revenue and profit. The company has responded with a series of new services and tests in recent months. In September, the company said it would start charging merchants to run offers on its social network.
The test messaging service is similar to the InMail service from LinkedIn Corp, the professional networking rival to Facebook, which lets users with high-end subscriptions send messages to other LinkedIn members outside their networks.
'For the receiver, this test allows them to hear from people who have an important message to send them,' Facebook added.
(Reporting by Alistair Barr; Editing by Dan Grebler)
This article is brought to you by BUY AFFORDABLE COMPUTERS.
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