A giant little step in cancer treatment opening up new therapeutic horizons

Public release date: 27-Feb-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Amanda Wren
awren@vhio.net
34-695-207-886
Vall dHebron Institute of Oncology

A study by the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology reveals a potential new strategy that could offer an unprecedented key to multiplying treatment options

Barcelona, 27 February 2012. A study headed up by the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) heralds a new horizon in the fight against cancer, opening up a parallel dimension to existing treatment options. The data, published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, demonstrate that by combining two drugs that had already been used on a patient in the past but had stopped working, they boost each other's efficacy and at the same time manage to break down the patient's resistance to each of them individually, presenting a third potential treatment option for clinically advanced metastatic tumours.

While this may not initially appear to be an innovation, given that combined treatments are used in cancer as a matter of course, it actually represents a radical change in the use of the existing therapeutic weaponry, an extremely practical solution and a source of hope for many patients. "The novelty factor does not lie in the combination itself, but in the combination of two drugs that had already been administered in the past and had each failed", explained Dr Javier Corts, the Head of the Breast Cancer Programme at the VHIO and main author of this work. This not only offers new alternatives for patients with advanced tumours the most important aspect but also opens up a parallel dimension of new therapeutic options to the existing treatments, given that it offers numerous combinations between existing pharmacological treatments that not only boost each other but also counteract patients' resistance to them. "The study focused on HER2 positive breast cancer, although the concept could be applied to the treatment of other tumours", continued Dr Corts.

Breast tumours occur most frequently in Western women. In Spain alone, some 24,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and it is calculated that one in every eight or nine women in this country will suffer from breast cancer. Although the many advances over recent years in screening, early diagnosis and treatments have dramatically reduced mortality from this disease, there are still breast tumours whose biological characteristics make them more aggressive. Around 15% of breast tumours are HER2 positive and fall into this category. Moreover, they tend to affect younger women. In spite of the fact that this group has benefited tremendously from specific biological therapies targeted at this subtype (monoclonal antibodies), many tumours continue to advance and metastasize. "When a patient with this breast cancer subtype stops responding to the initial drug and the disease progresses, a second drug is administered. It may be that the response to these two treatments is negligible or there may even be no response at all and the tumour continues to grow. If we then treat the patients with the two drugs in combination, even though they ceased to function individually, what we have found is that almost 50% of the tumours responded to this combination and did so very positively, showing a clear improvement or keeping the disease stable for a considerable period of time", concluded Dr Corts.

In the fight against cancer, the combination of treatments is highly common practice. However, the concept described is different: it is not about seeing the results of combining drug A with drug B, but, when A fails to work, B is administered, and if this also fails we return to the starting point and initiate treatment with a combination of the two (A + B). This strategy could offer an unprecedented key to multiplying treatment options.

In the specific case of this study, we administered trastuzumab (the first-choice treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer); when the tumour continued growing we used pertuzumab (currently pending approval) and when the cancer continued to progress we administered the two together. "The results were very positive and highly informative for new studies", said Dr Corts.

###

For further information:

Amanda Wren
Communication Manager
Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
Tel. +34 695 207886
e-mail: awren@vhio.net

---

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?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Public release date: 27-Feb-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Amanda Wren
awren@vhio.net
34-695-207-886
Vall dHebron Institute of Oncology

A study by the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology reveals a potential new strategy that could offer an unprecedented key to multiplying treatment options

Barcelona, 27 February 2012. A study headed up by the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) heralds a new horizon in the fight against cancer, opening up a parallel dimension to existing treatment options. The data, published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, demonstrate that by combining two drugs that had already been used on a patient in the past but had stopped working, they boost each other's efficacy and at the same time manage to break down the patient's resistance to each of them individually, presenting a third potential treatment option for clinically advanced metastatic tumours.

While this may not initially appear to be an innovation, given that combined treatments are used in cancer as a matter of course, it actually represents a radical change in the use of the existing therapeutic weaponry, an extremely practical solution and a source of hope for many patients. "The novelty factor does not lie in the combination itself, but in the combination of two drugs that had already been administered in the past and had each failed", explained Dr Javier Corts, the Head of the Breast Cancer Programme at the VHIO and main author of this work. This not only offers new alternatives for patients with advanced tumours the most important aspect but also opens up a parallel dimension of new therapeutic options to the existing treatments, given that it offers numerous combinations between existing pharmacological treatments that not only boost each other but also counteract patients' resistance to them. "The study focused on HER2 positive breast cancer, although the concept could be applied to the treatment of other tumours", continued Dr Corts.

Breast tumours occur most frequently in Western women. In Spain alone, some 24,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and it is calculated that one in every eight or nine women in this country will suffer from breast cancer. Although the many advances over recent years in screening, early diagnosis and treatments have dramatically reduced mortality from this disease, there are still breast tumours whose biological characteristics make them more aggressive. Around 15% of breast tumours are HER2 positive and fall into this category. Moreover, they tend to affect younger women. In spite of the fact that this group has benefited tremendously from specific biological therapies targeted at this subtype (monoclonal antibodies), many tumours continue to advance and metastasize. "When a patient with this breast cancer subtype stops responding to the initial drug and the disease progresses, a second drug is administered. It may be that the response to these two treatments is negligible or there may even be no response at all and the tumour continues to grow. If we then treat the patients with the two drugs in combination, even though they ceased to function individually, what we have found is that almost 50% of the tumours responded to this combination and did so very positively, showing a clear improvement or keeping the disease stable for a considerable period of time", concluded Dr Corts.

In the fight against cancer, the combination of treatments is highly common practice. However, the concept described is different: it is not about seeing the results of combining drug A with drug B, but, when A fails to work, B is administered, and if this also fails we return to the starting point and initiate treatment with a combination of the two (A + B). This strategy could offer an unprecedented key to multiplying treatment options.

In the specific case of this study, we administered trastuzumab (the first-choice treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer); when the tumour continued growing we used pertuzumab (currently pending approval) and when the cancer continued to progress we administered the two together. "The results were very positive and highly informative for new studies", said Dr Corts.

###

For further information:

Amanda Wren
Communication Manager
Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
Tel. +34 695 207886
e-mail: awren@vhio.net

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-02/vdio-agl022712.php

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AllWaltrip: Good Morning America, twitterville, race fans all over the world, don't worry about the weather, it will not rain on our parade, I guarantee

Good Morning America, twitterville, race fans all over the world, don't worry about the weather, it will not rain on our parade, I guarantee about 2 hours ago via HootSuite

Source: http://twitter.com/AllWaltrip/statuses/173740207701626880

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Investment Finance and Business: A lesson on student loans ...

A lesson on student loans
Student Financial Education Services presents students with advice for dealing with loans.
by STUDENT FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

This article originally appeared in The Tiger on February 24, 2012 | PRINT

Understanding Your Student Loans
The majority of college students have them: student loans. Student loans have increased in popularity in recent years, mostly due to the increasing tuition rates seen across the country. As you near the end of your tenure here at Clemson, there are a few things to keep in mind that will better prepare you to deal with your student loans.
Where do I find my loans?
If you are like many students, you remember receiving the many pieces of mail over the past four years detailing your loans, but now you cannot seem to find the information. You most likely know your loans by the types of loans they are, like Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan and others. These loans are not all made by one company, but are sold off and serviced by a wide variety.
There is an easy-to-use resource to help locate all of your student loans and who they are owned or serviced by. The website to help you locate your student loans is http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/.
If you have private loans, such as those often made by banks or financial companies such as Discover, Citi, Bank of America or others, you may need to contact that financial institution directly, as their information is sometimes not located in the online database.
How do I pay my loans?
Once you graduate, you should be proactive about finding out when you need to start paying your student loans back.
Graduating from college can be a hectic time, and with all the address changes that you may be going through, it?s easy for mail to get misplaced or sent to the wrong address. It is the responsibility of the borrower, which would be you, to make contact with the owner or servicer of your loan(s) in order to find out when payments begin.
The owner or servicer of your loan will most likely offer you several options for repaying your loans, although not all companies offer these options, and some companies may offer more options. Here are a few basic options:
Standard Repayment: Think of this payment option as a standard loan, you make fixed payments that do not change from month to month for the standard repayment period (which is typically 10 years).
Extended Repayment: This payment option is similar to the standard payment option, except the payment period (which is the time it takes to pay back the loan) will be longer than the standard period. This type of repayment plan may be beneficial to those who have extremely large amounts of student loans and cannot afford the monthly payment under the standard repayment plan.
Graduated Repayment: A graduated repayment plan offers the advantage of allowing you to make lower monthly payments right when you get out of school with the monthly payment increasing every set period of time (such as every two or three years). This type of repayment plan is based on the ideal that your income will increase over time.
Income Dependent Repayment: This payment plan is available in certain government loan situations and allows the borrower to pay a certain percentage of their income toward the loan until the loan is paid off or until a time limit of 25 years is reached. If the time limit of 25 years is reached, the government will forgive the remaining balance on the debt, although tax implications may apply.
Although these are just a few of the standard payment options, it is important to keep your current situation in mind when determining which payment plan is right for you. It is also important to think of the payment plan in terms of which will cost you the most in interest, as opposed to those repayment plans that will accrue the least amount of interest. Students are responsible for verifying the information in this article prior to making financial decisions.
If you would like additional information on student loan payment plans or help understanding your student loan situation, please visit the Student Financial Education Office located in The Union, Office 805. You can set up an appointment by emailing us at sfes1@clemson.edu or calling us at (864) 656-7337.
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Source: http://witlines1.blogspot.com/2012/02/lesson-on-student-loans.html

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Source: http://ukgada.posterous.com/investment-finance-and-business-a-lesson-on-s

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Slideshow: When iPad 3's coming, what it may have

Maria Georgescu illiustration

Apple is expected to introduce the next generation of its iPad in March. Click through the photo gallery to see what it may have.

Rumors and reports have picked up speed ahead of the expected introduction next month of the next generation of Apple Inc.? ? Apple Inc. Latest from The Business Journals DBJ Tech Watch for Friday: News of Google, Apple, Dish, Liberty and moreChinese iPad trademark fight lands in U.S.J.C. Penney records million loss in fourth quarter Follow this company 's category dominating iPad.

Most assume that it will be called iPad 3 and be unveiled in San Francisco on or about March 7.

It's also expected to include a higher resolution display, the Siri voice-controlled personal assistant and wireless connectivity to high-speed 4G and LTE networks.

But after that the speculation starts to divide.

Will there be one iPad or two?

Will the price continue to start at $499 or will competition from Amazon.com Inc.? ? Amazon.com Inc. Latest from The Business Journals SunGard?s cloud-computing to be in CanadaDBJ Tech Watch for Friday: News of Google, Apple, Dish, Liberty and moreAmazon, Apple to duel in two tablet-size markets Follow this company 's $199 Kindle Fire force some sort of reduction?

Click through the accompanying photo gallery, which will be updated as new information comes in, right up to the day that Apple actually pulls the covers off their new tablet.

Written by Cromwell Schubarth. Contact him at cschubarth@bizjiournals.com or 408.299.1823.

Click here to read more Business Journal coverage of the iPad 3.

Rumors and reports have picked up speed ahead of the expected introduction next month of the next generation of Apple Inc.? ? Apple Inc. Latest from The Business Journals DBJ Tech Watch for Friday: News of Google, Apple, Dish, Liberty and moreChinese iPad trademark fight lands in U.S.J.C. Penney records million loss in fourth quarter Follow this company 's category dominating iPad.

Most assume that it will be called iPad 3 and be unveiled in San Francisco on or about March 7.

It's also expected to include a higher resolution display, the Siri voice-controlled personal assistant and wireless connectivity to high-speed 4G and LTE networks.

But after that the speculation starts to divide.

Will there be one iPad or two?

Will the price continue to start at $499 or will competition from Amazon.com Inc.? ? Amazon.com Inc. Latest from The Business Journals SunGard?s cloud-computing to be in CanadaDBJ Tech Watch for Friday: News of Google, Apple, Dish, Liberty and moreAmazon, Apple to duel in two tablet-size markets Follow this company 's $199 Kindle Fire force some sort of reduction?

Click through the accompanying photo gallery, which will be updated as new information comes in, right up to the day that Apple actually pulls the covers off their new tablet.

Written by Cromwell Schubarth. Contact him at cschubarth@bizjiournals.com or 408.299.1823.

Click here to read more Business Journal coverage of the iPad 3.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vertical_26/~3/whtRMxKSlOI/slideshow-when-ipad-3s-coming-what.html

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Oil rises to fresh 9-month high near $109 in Asia (AP)

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AP - Oil prices rose to a fresh nine-month high near $109 a barrel Friday in Asia amid signs the U.S. economy is improving against a backdrop of elevated tensions in the Middle East over Iran's nuclear program.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/economy/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120224/ap_on_bi_ge/oil_prices

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Spike in HIV infections in Alaska blamed on ... - Men Health Wizard

A recent spike in HIV infections in Alaska has been linked to military men finding sex partners online, according to newly released public health data.

Since January 2011, newly-reported cases of HIV in Fairbanks have more than doubled,?the Alaska Dispatch cited?Susan Jones, Alaska?s HIV/STD program manager, as saying.

The paper wrote that while between two and four new cases a year were reported in Fairbanks, at least nine people were newly diagnosed as HIV positive last year.

The Alaskan Department of Health and Social Services, meantime, issued a public health bulletin to alert the state to not only the HIV outbreak, but syphilis also, the Alaska Native News reported.

The reports specified the cases were reported in Fairbanks and Anchorage, the paper reported, adding that of the nine cases of HIV reported in Fairbanks:

• Seven of those cases involved anonymous sexual partners online.
• Seven involved members of the US Army or sexual partners who were in the Army.
• Four of the cases involved individuals 20 years of age or younger.
• Eight of the cases involved men having sex with men.

Sex-seeking Internet sites had been a major conduit for high-risk sex linked to STD infection in the Lower 48 also, the Associated Press cited Jones as saying.?

?People used to find sex partners in bathhouses and on the street and now it?s on Craigslist.?

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Bill Coppernoll told the AP that the military required HIV screening of soldiers every two years, as well as before and after deployments.

While HIV-positive soldiers could continue on active duty in the military, they weren?t allowed to serve overseas and were also ordered to inform future sex partners of their infection.

Coppernoll said that soldiers were briefed on ?high-risk behaviors? like unprotected sex that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120223/hiv-syphilis-sexually-transmitted-disease-std-alaska

Article source: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120223/hiv-syphilis-sexually-transmitted-disease-std-alaska

from your own site.

Source: http://www.menhealthwizard.com/spike-in-hiv-infections-in-alaska-blamed-on-military-men-finding-sex-online/

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Serbs shun Jolie's directorial debut (AP)

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AP - Serb screenings of Angelina Jolie's directorial debut have attracted just a handful of viewers, say local media — "more than the movie deserves," one daily reported Friday.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/celebrity/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120224/ap_on_en_mo/eu_serbia_jolie_movie

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'American Idol' Announces 14 Semifinalists

Heejun Han was among the contestants who will move on to the live episodes; 10 more will be announced Thursday.
By Adam Graham

Reed Grimm celebrates on "American Idol"
Photo: Fox

Rest easy, America. Heejun Han made it through.

Han, the biggest personality to emerge on "American Idol" so far this season, was revealed on Wednesday's (February 22) episode as one of the 24 seminfinalists who will make it through to the live episodes, which begin next week. From a final pool of 42, 14 semifinalists were unveiled during Wednesday's episode; the final 10 will be made public during Thursday's one-hour episode.

Joining Han — producers cued "Hey Jude," which almost sounds like "Heejun," when he made it through — on the guys' side are the incredibly named Phillip Phillips; tiny soul man Creighton Fraker; former family band singer Reed Grimm; gospel-voiced Joshua Ledet; and the mohawk-mulleted Colton Dixon. Representing for the ladies are Erika Van Pelt, Jen Hirsh, Haley Johnsen, Elise Testone, Chelsea Sorrell, Baylie Brown, Jessica Sanchez and Brielle Von Hugel.

This being "American Idol," however, a simple "you made it!" is never quite dramatic enough. Instead, the judges have to drag out their decisions, cruelly suggesting the contestants have been cut and telling them everything short of, "You'll never sing in this town again, baby," before waiting a beat and then adding, "because this town's no longer big enough for you, because you made it through!"

Consider Randy Jackson's speech on Wednesday to Ledet. "You know what, sometimes in life, you know, you do these shows and you do these things, and sometimes the better singers don't quite make it, because everything doesn't quite line up," Jackson told him. "You know, it's heartbreaking for us, you know what I mean? It's like, that's why this day is so hard, because we have to say 'bye' to so many people that we love that are so talented, that everything just didn't line up. And this season's definitely tough, you know; we're trying to find the exact right 24. So for you man, you made it bro." Ledet reacted to the news by singing, "Thank you, Jesus."

Likewise, when Jennifer Lopez told Van Pelt the news that she'd made it through, she framed it by telling her — deep breath — "You know, watching everybody over the past few days, we were just saying some people just blew us away, but we had a lot of people who didn't do as amazing as we thought they were gonna do, and unfortunately you were one of those people. Because we had our eye on you so much from the beginning, because of that voice that comes out of that body, you know? And we're all such fans, and so yesterday was difficult, 'cause we have to decide who we're gonna take a chance on and who we're gonna say, 'Maybe next time.' " Then she told dropped the hammer: "We're gonna take one more chance on you, Erika." Well, at least it's more dramatic than just texting the singers, "congrats, u made it!"

"Idol" also got rid of a few familiar faces during Wednesday's episode, and this year's resident cowboy contestant Richie Law was one of the singers shown the door. Others who were cut included St. Louis standout Lauren Gray and an assortment of contestants who haven't received much camera time, including Blaire Sieber, Naomi Gillies, Neco Starr, Clayton Farhat, River St. James and Caleb Johnson. Most of them seemed to be delivered the news in a less-harsh manner than the ones who made it to the next round.

Thursday's episode is set to showcase the rest of this year's semifinalists, as well as reveal the fate of Adam Brock, the family man whose destiny hung in the balance during Wednesday's cliffhanger ending.

What did you think of Wednesday's "Idol," and are you ready to vote for Heejun already? Let us know in the comments!

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679717/american-idol-semifinalists.jhtml

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Promote Your Business Site Online, Choose Search Engine Marketing

Any company online must have the help of search engine marketing to earn sales and profit from it. Search engine marketing is not a one part concept but is divided into lots of things. To promote your company online is never easy especially for novice users like you. It needs a lot of knowledge and efforts. To be triumphant in the search engine marketing, what you need is to know the major search engines and great markets for your business.

But you must not do everything in a rush, rather, take it slowly and learn step by step. It can be easy for as long as you know your way with the search engine marketing and then you can be helped with it.

This is basically a simple channel leading you to search engine marketing. This can be used and learned by both the new ones in the area as well as those advanced search engine sellers. This can be their source of reference. The basic concepts on each part will be presented first then you will further read about the resources to be used for extensive research.

The basics of search engine marketing will be understood as long as you take it slowly, understand each concept fully, and you can definitely use it wisely in the later part. Indeed, no matter how small your online business company can be, it can be competed to any big online sites with the help of the search engine marketing.

The Search Words and Use of Keywords

Firstly, you must be aware of the keywords which most likely would be used by your clients in the search boxes of the engines. The search engine marketing firm will take these words and be used to promote and expose your online site throughout the internet.

How important are these keywords

In knowing the most correct keywords, there are search engine marketing devices which can be utilized.

You can also look for word lists that are useful for dotting the marketing styles.

The second step is the SEO or the search engine optimization. This can let your site be friendlier to search engines and it can also increase the way you promote your website to the internet. It can all do these through changing your website design.

Different involvement of the search engine marketing

1. There can be a big difference when you put keywords in your domain name. 2. You must not forget the importance of the title tag. 3. Meta description is actually considered to be a tool of search engine marketing. 4. Before, Meta keyword tags were so much important, however they are not regarded as essential now. 5. To earn a higher rank, you have to see to it that you are able to come up with a good writing content on your search engine marketing. 6. Search engines may be particular in terms of Alt tags. 7. Site maps can be important or not, depending on the case. 8. Search engine marketing does not really go for flashes. 9. For some marketing situations, file formats may help. 10. The framed pages and sites are how search engines view your pages.

The Search Engine Submission

The next step to do when you have finally reflected and learned the process of search engine optimization is to list your site on the several directories and other search engines. This step is so important because this can be your chance of being known to your clients so never forget this one.

Source: http://www.jsjlsbwg.com/promote-your-business-site-online-choose-search-engine-marketing/

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Oscars 2012 Predictions: Best Original Screenplay | National ...

One of the major complaints about this year?s Academy Awards race is that most of the winners feel decided already. Sure, ?The Artist? is going to win Best Picture. Viola Davis probably already has Best Actress locked up. But the competition for Best Original Screenplay doesn?t even feel like a competition at all. The Academy has already spoken, and they?re going with an Oscar favorite.

What?s really unfortunate here is not that the category is so predictable, but that the Academy didn?t venture more into independent film to find their nominees. ?A Separation? stands out as one of the more refreshing nominees, but as the obligatory ?indie? nominee, ?Margin Call? could easily be swapped out for the likes of Jeff Nichols? ?Take Shelter? or Sean Durkin?s ?Martha Marcy May Marlene.?

Of all the films nominated for original writing, here are our predictions for the category in 2012:

Who Will Win: Woody Allen for ?Midnight in Paris.? After 40-plus years of making movies, Allen delivered a film that went on to become his most financially successful ever. An achievement by a writer/director of his caliber will rarely go unrewarded at the Oscars, and deservedly so. ?Midnight in Paris? is perfectly all right with being ridiculous, even going as far as to not explain the main character?s time-traveling abilities. More importantly, the film was about something, the allure and emptiness of nostalgia, in a year that?s been obsessed with traveling back in time emotionally. Even if the plot became repetitive at times, even the most cynical viewers had to find some joy in watching the like of Hemingway and the Fitzgeralds speaking words written by Allen.

Who Should Win: Asghar Farhadi for ?A Separation.? Anytime the Academy has an opportunity to do something utterly unexpected, that?s where my heart will lie. A win for the Iranian film would not only buck old Academy stereotypes, but reward a truly deserving film. ?A Separation? follows a married couple as they decided whether to stay in Iran and care for an ailing parent or leave to better the life of their young daughter. Launching from that already provocative starting point, the film goes unexpected places while keeping the audience?s attention every step of the way.

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 26, tune into MTV.com at 5:30 p.m. ET for our three-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night?s big winners.

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Source: http://nea-ny.org/oscars-2012-predictions-best-original-screenplay/

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Euro steady but cautious after Greek deal (Reuters)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Reuters - The euro steadied after an initial jump and European stocks were lower after the agreement of a second bailout deal for Greece removed the threat of a disorderly bond default but left markets unconvinced it could avoid further turmoil.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/eurobiz/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120221/bs_nm/us_markets_global

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Geithner: IMF should support agreement on Greece (Reuters)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Reuters - Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said on Sunday the United States would encourage the International Monetary Fund to support an agreement on Greek economic reforms that had been agreed to by Greek leaders.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/economy/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120219/bs_nm/us_usa_geithner_greece

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Regarding Health Insurance | Insurance Quotes

In the world today, there are all kinds of dangers which we must be aware of, from natural disasters and global conflicts, to powerful viruses and diseases. When nothing is for sure, the best way to get by is to be as prepared for as many possible situations as one can ideally be. Following this line of thinking, many people have invested in a quality health insurance plan, protecting their physical and financial health in case something negative were to happen.

The first thing to consider is your budget and what you can afford to spend. More than likely you?ll want to make sure you cover your other financial obligations before you begin spending money on health insurance, so it?s best to figure out what you are spending and how much you will have left over. Health insurance won?t do you any good if you haven?t paid your premiums, so you have to find a plan you can afford. Take the following advice to heart and use it to guide you on your search for your perfect health insurance policy.

People are now able to search for and contact health insurance providers by phone, email, and internet almost whenever they want, rather than having to visit an actual insurance salesperson during usually inconvenient office hours. The internet allows people to take as much time as they can to examine as much coverage and plan information as they possibly can, thereby making an informed decision without any pressure or time constraints. There are even some insurance companies and specialty sites that will have a number of surveys, opinions, and other comparison information to help people come to a more informed health care choice. Especially when your health and finances are concerned, there is no way someone can have too much information.

Before contacting any health insurance provider, you must know how much coverage you need and how much you can afford, as this will determine the particular rate quote or estimate a company will give you. After you do begin to get a list of quotes, you can start eliminating those companies that are too expensive or otherwise incompatible for your needs. You must also be sure to quickly identify and cut out those companies that, for one reason or another, have built poor corporate reputations. Since you can never have too much insurance coverage, your aim should be to get as much coverage as you can reasonably afford.

While no one should have to go broke to do so, protecting your physical health and well-being should be priority number one. As you look for ideal health insurance coverage, you must remember that no one should have to choose between their physical health and their financial health.

Enter in affordable family health insurance into Yahoo; do you find what you need?

Tags: cheap insurance, get Health Insurance, health insurance, Health Insurances

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 18th, 2012 at 2:32 pm and is filed under cheap insurance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Source: http://inzurancequotes.com/regarding-health-insurance/02/2012/

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Report: Rehab on the Way for Bobbi Kristina?

Bobbi Kristina Brown will attend her mother's funeral today in Newark, New Jersey. But sources say her future beyond this memorial is unclear.

Insiders tell TMZ that many members of Whitney Houston's family are pushing for the 18-year old - who was hospitalized twice in the hours following the artist's passing last weekend - to enter a rehab program... but are waiting until after the funeral to express this hope to Bobbi.

A scene outside of Whitney Houston's funeral.

Brown has reportedly battled her own substance abuse problems in the past, as she was supposedly caught snorting cocaine last year.

The family wants to learn from the tragedy of her mother, allegedly, and convince the teenager to seek help before it's too late. But they also want her to properly mourn the parent to whom she was so close first.

It's a complicated situation and we can all just hope Bobbi Kristina comes out of it okay.

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/02/report-rehab-on-the-way-for-bobbi-kristina/

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Grandparents' Rights to Visitation and Child Custody in Texas - Family

Grandparents' Rights to Visitation and Child Custody in Texas

Child custody proceedings are complicated and the process for obtaining custody is not straightforward. Child custody disputes most commonly arise during divorce but may also come up during other types of family estrangements, pitting mothers against fathers and, sometimes, parents against in-laws.

In 2010, a young Austin mother disappeared, leaving behind a 2-year-old daughter, a husband and a doting mother. Within a few months, the detectives investigating her disappearance determined that her husband was a "person of interest" in the case. The missing woman's mother sought, and was granted, unsupervised visitation rights with her granddaughter and she continues to fight for sole custody, worried that the little girl's father may be a danger to his daughter.

In 2011, a central Texas man was convicted of killing his wife. His deceased wife's parents fought for and won custody of the teenage daughters who were living with the man's parents, claiming the paternal grandparents were "brainwashing" the girls against their mother's family. The bitter battle pitted one set of grandparents against another and ultimately removed any parental rights the father had to his children.

Texas laws provide visitation rights to grandparents when one of the child's parents is deceased, deemed incompetent, is in jail or has had his or her parental rights removed. If the custodial parent objects, the grandparents have to sue for those rights.

A grandparent can also bring an action for custody of a grandchild but must prove that the health or wellbeing of the child is in jeopardy and that the custodial parent is a danger to the child. In conservatorship cases, the grandparents must show that the grandchild's physical health or mental development is significantly impaired in his or her current situation.

Each dispute is different and each process has a litany of legal requirements beyond those listed here. In all situations, the best interests of the child prevail, sometimes even going against the express wishes of the child herself, as was the decision with the 2011 case.

Seeking custody or visitation as a grandparent is a complicated process best navigated with the assistance of a lawyer knowledgeable in family law matters. If you are seeking visitation or custody rights with your grandchild or face having those rights stripped from you, contact an experienced attorney and find out what your options are in Texas.

Article provided by Joseph Indelicato, Jr., P.C.
Visit us at http://www.indelicato.com/

Source: http://stayathomemom411.com/archives/2441

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Review: Mario and Sonic at the London Olympic Games (3DS ...

Posted by Lucy Evans on Friday, February 17, 2012 ? Leave a Comment?

Let?s Play

Topically on form, SEGA has brought together two of the world?s most iconic videogame characters in yet another sports-themed title. This time, it?s in honour of the London 2012 Olympics Games, and gamers and Olympic fans alike will be glad to know that there?s a lot of fun to be had with this game, while we wait for the big event this summer. With a huge range of mini-games suitable for any level of gamer, a fun story mode and multiplayer modes, this 3DS game is fun for all of the family.

As any well made mini-game compilation should be, Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games has a wide breadth of activities to keep you entertained for hours. It has all of the most common events including a range of athletics, swimming, cycling and boating, as well as the more special ?Rhythmic Ribbon? and BMX games.?SEGA has really gone the length to ensure there is something for everyone.

Tell Me a Story?

How SEGA would approach their Olympic-inspired story mode was initially quite intriguing (and perhaps cause for concern), but, to be honest, it has done a great job. The somewhat cheesy story centres around how Bowser and Dr Eggman are plotting to take over the London Olympics using a mysterious blue mist. Sure, it?s not the most engaging story, but we can cut SEGA some slack; for the not-so-interested, the story segments are never too lengthy and before you know it, you?re given a mini-game to complete.

After the short introduction, you can either take the path of Mario or Sonic, each with their own story of coming across the blue mist. Then, as your character, you must complete one of two challenges. If you choose the second one and complete it, you?re immediately onto the next stage. One thing to note is that you must complete the stage on the paths for both Mario and Sonic before you can go onto the next one for each character.

Each challenge is different, and includes a range of Olympic games, including sailing, judo, badminton and beach volleyball.

After moving through two stages each for Mario and Sonic, the formula mixes itself up, allowing you to start viewing the story through some of the other characters? eyes. This really helps to keep the story fun and interesting, while also mixing up the gameplay a bit as you cannot rely on the same character from start to finish.

It?s All About the Taking-Part

The great thing about Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games?is that the game uses practically every control variation thinkable, and most of them very suited to the mini-game at hand.

SEGA has used everything at its disposal, from the stylus and ABXY navigation pad to the microphone and actually using your fingers on the lower touchscreen. Using the stylus, you can carry out some ideal gesture-related moves, such as stabbing or swiping in fencing. Clearly, no expense was spared when it came to putting people to work at finding out all the different ways you could control your favourite characters.

That?s not to say that it?s perfect though; the swimming (freestyle, to be specific) requires you to control your character by tapping your left finger then your right continuously. You could just use your thumbs, but, as has always been the case with Olympic-based or Track & Field games, it?s just so much more practical to use your fingers for those button-bashing/screen-tapping endeavours. If you?re on a train or bus, this might prove difficult, and using just the A and B buttons would have meant you can still hold the system with one hand.

Show and Tell

Some games can be very confusing to master, but, not surprisingly, Mario and Sonic at The London 2012 Olympic Games is clear and simple throughout, making it a great game for all ages. SEGA provides a decent amount of information without babying the player, and it?s always clear what the player must do before each mini-game starts. This ranges from where to use the stylus to how you should hold the system when playing.

Once the game has started, it?ll remind you again what the control setup is ? which is ideal, just in case you?ve forgotten or didn?t quite understand it. There are even pop-up reminders throughout the game to alert you if you?re doing something wrong.?For example, in the sailing event, if you?re meant to be moving the sail and not blowing into the microphone (a great use of the control and very appropriate), it?ll politely tell you ?Don?t blow yet!?. ?It?s almost as if the game wants you to win, which is quite a lovely thought!

The Final Verdict

Anyone who, unfortunately, wasn?t able to secure their tickets to the real thing later this year, can find solace in the fact that Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a great collection of mini-games for your 3DS. With a ton of different things to do, and a surprisingly entertaining story mode, it?s quite a comprehensive bundle of gaming fun.

Suitable for all ages and sporting a number of familiar faces, (well with the exception of some of Sonic?s annoying friends), Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the iconic franchises and sports-based mini-games. Go for gold by grabbing it now.

Click?here?to learn more about how we review our games.

Source: http://bnbgaming.com/2012/02/17/review-mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-games-3ds/

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Keeping Sex and Intimacy Alive with Drs. Bill and Ginger Bercaw ...

It?s Valentine?s week, and to commemorate it we have brought Drs. Bill and Ginger Bercaw into the studio to provide some insight into keeping intimacy alive and aflame during parenthood.
Emphasizing the power of open communication, the Bercaws set a bright example for couples wondering how to navigate the balancing act of a relationship with children. From people looking for a ?magic number? of times they should be having sex, to the need for daily accessibility with your partner, this show is choc full of some seemingly simple tips on how to remain intimate with your co-parent.

Source: http://thelip.tv/keeping-sex-and-intimacy-alive-with-drs-bill-and-ginger-bercaw/

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[OOC] Sailor Moon: Lunar Rebellion

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Forum for completely Out of Character (OOC) discussion, based around whatever is happening In Character (IC). Discuss plans, storylines, and events; Recruit for your roleplaying game, or find a GM for your playergroup.

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Expert in ancient art to head LA's Getty Museum (AP)

LOS ANGELES ? An expert in ancient art who has overseen museums in England, the U.S. and his native Australia was named Tuesday to head the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Getty officials said Timothy Potts, director of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England, will take over Sept. 1.

Potts takes over two huge, architecturally impressive museum campuses, one at The Getty Center in the hills overlooking Los Angeles and the other at the Getty Villa, in the hills above Malibu.

The Getty Center campus is known for its extensive collection of European paintings, drawings and sculpture, American photographs and other pieces, while the Getty Villa campus hold an extensive collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities, including more than 1,200 on view.

"I think the Getty has a unique combination of institutions that together cover more of the intellectual and technical and historical aspects of our history than any other place in the world," Potts told The Associated Press by phone Tuesday from his home in England.

Although Potts promised to arrive with no particular agenda, he said he is looking forward to adding to the museum's wide-ranging collection and to continuing its efforts to bring art and culture to the public.

The separate Getty Research Institute and Getty Foundation co-organized Pacific Standard Time, a mammoth, eclectic exhibition featuring the works of hundreds of post-World War II artists that opened last year at nearly 70 Southern California museums.

"I think the more the Getty can be a force in the art world, the more it can really have an impact, both at a scholarly and historical level, but also in giving experiences in culture and art to museum visitors," Potts said.

He added that he plans to visit the museum himself and meet with staff one or more times before September.

Potts will replace David Bomford, who resigned earlier this month to return to research, scholarship and writing. Bomford was the museum's associate director for collections before serving as interim director the past two years.

The J. Paul Getty Trust's president and chief executive officer, James Cuno, will serve as interim director until Sept. 1.

Potts, 53, has been director of the Fitzwilliam Museum since 2008. During that time, Getty officials say, he expanded and upgraded its exhibition program, leading to record attendance, increased sponsorship and increased donations.

The museum's "Endless Forms: Charles Darwin, Natural Science and the Visual Arts was named Exhibition of the Year in 2009 by Apollo Magazine and its catalog won the M.B. Berger Prize for British Art History.

Before joining the Fitzwilliam, Potts ran the Kimbell Art Museum in Forth Worth, Texas, for 10 years. During that time he mounted numerous exhibitions featuring the works of Matisse, Picasso, Gauguin and others, as well as expanded the museum's collection.

As director of the National Gallery of Victoria in his native Australia, Potts oversaw a $76 million museum redevelopment project and introduced a free admission program that was credited with doubling attendance without decreasing museum revenue.

Potts, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, has a doctorate in ancient Near Eastern art and archaeology from the University of Oxford. He has studied the art and cultures of the Near East and Mediterranean world, as well as Mesopotamian art and history and the origins and spread of writing in the ancient world. He has also written extensively on ancient art and taken part in archaeological excavations in Jordan, Iraq and Greece.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/arts/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120215/ap_on_en_ot/us_getty_museum_director

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Waiting to Exhale Sequel Still in the Works

In September 2010, Fox picked up sequel rights to the drama "Waiting to Exhale." However, despite Houston's death over the weekend, plans for "Exhale 2" aren't in peril. According to Vulture, the studio plans on making the movie without Whitney.

"I don't think she would want it to [not happen]," Elizabeth Gabler, president of Fox 2000 Pictures said. "It's almost in her honor that we think to soldier on ... This [movie] was the biggest barrier-buster for color lines."

The inevitable question now is who will take over Houston's role. Gabler cautiously floated Oprah Winfrey's name as a potential replacement, only to add that, "We literally have not talked about anybody for that part. Forest [Whitaker, who directed the first movie], I know, is just ... grieving. He'd been the one who was speaking with her, updating [Houston] on its progress."

There is no current timetable in terms of a release date for "Waiting to Exhale 2." The original film -- based on Terry McMillan's bestselling novel -- starred Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine, as four friends who deal with relationships and life.

"After 'The Bodyguard,' I think Hollywood saw me as they did Streisand, when Streisand was first coming out: 'We can hire her for the movie, but we need her to sing,'" Houston said about her acting in a 1996 interview. "I didn't plan it. Like doing '[Waiting to] Exhale,' I didn't want to sing at all. I just wanted to act."

"Waiting to Exhale" earned over $80 million worldwide after its release in 1995. The sequel would be based on McMillan's "Exhale" follow-up, "Getting to Happy."

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Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1924537/news/1924537/

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Samsung Galaxy Note coming to Vodafone Australia

With imminent launches in the U.S. and Canada, and strong sales worldwide, there's certainly a fair bit of traction behind the Samsung Galaxy Note. Now the Note looks set to extend its reach into Australia, with today's news that Vodafone Australia will be carrying the device at some point in the future.

The Galaxy Note combines one of the largest screens ever seen on a smartphone -- a 5.3-inch HD SuperAMOLED display -- with WACOM-based, pressure-sensitive stylus input. Samsung's S Pen, as it's called, allows detailed notes or doodles to be taken on the screen, and the UI and apps can also be navigated using the pen instead of your finger. We reviewed the international HSPA+ Galaxy Note last year, and spent some time with the North American LTE version at last month's CES in Las Vegas.

The Galaxy Note is also rumored to be coming to rival Aussie carrier Telstra though so far there's been no official announcement.

Source: @Vodafone_AU; via: Ausdroid

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/avNK-2njVRo/story01.htm

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Your Finance: Tips for repaying student loans | Stock Market Today

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Your Finance: Tips for repaying student loans · Email; Print; Aa; Tweet. Originally published: February 8, 2012 9:54 PM Updated: February 12, 2012 11:39 AM. By LINDA STERN Reuters. Lara Nasifoglu, 23, of Smithtown, sits ...

Source: http://www.stockmarkettoday.tv/your-finance-tips-for-repaying-student-loans/

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Business roundup | Salisbury, NC - Salisbury Post

Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:00 AM | Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

The Cleaning Authority has named Jessica Park the 2011 employee of the year.

Park has been an employee of The Cleaning Authority, 512 Klumac Road No. 7, for the past year and has received more than 60 unsolicited customer praise and special thanks. She achieved the cleaner?s ?Rock Star? status eight out of the last 12 months for special achievement.

She works as a mentor to new employees and provides assistance to teams in need of additional help. ?I always take pride in what I do. I really enjoy the opportunity to be able to help people and enjoy taking care of their homes. I have met a lot of sweet families and their pets,? Park said.

Realtor with Keller Williams honored

Kelly Lowe, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Kannapolis/Concord has earned the 203-K Specialist designation from REbuildUSA.

Keller Williams, 6001 Gateway Center Drive, Suite 105, Kannapolis, can be reached at 704-232-4269 or by emailing bklowe@carolina.rr.com

Free lecture for retirees is Thursday

John K. Anwar and Thomas R. Sanford II will speak at the Estate & Elder Planning Center of North Carolina?s Senior Financial and Legal Workshop lecture for retirees on Thursday at 1 p.m.

The free lecture will be at the JF Hurley Family YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd.

Topics to be discussed include how to protect your life savings from nursing home costs, mistakes to avoid in protecting your estate, possible veterans? benefits, new Medicaid law changes and a critical legal document.

For reservations, call 800-445-1157.

Delhaize a possible Kroger suitor

Kroger Co., the largest U.S. grocery-store chain, has been trading at an 86 percent discount to its projected sales this fiscal year, leaving it cheaper than 99 percent of companies in the Standard & Poor?s 500 Index, according to data compiled by Bloomberg and reported last week in Bloomberg Businessweek.

The Cincinnati-based company, which lost $4.7 billion in market capitalization during the last recession, was valued at 10.8 times estimated earnings, the lowest level for a U.S. food retailer greater than $2 billion, the data show.

Kroger, which has increased sales in every year since at least 1987 even as Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. grabbed market share from other supermarkets, may now become a target for retailers outside the U.S. or private equity firms, according to Northcoast Research Holdings LLC. Valued at $13.7 billion, Kroger could still attract a takeover offer 30 percent above its current price, Point View Wealth Management Inc. told Bloomberg BusinessWeek, making it the largest grocery acquisition on record.

While Kroger is an attractive business, its size may make buyers hesitant to do a deal that large as the industry faces increasing challenges and competition from unconventional food retailers, according to Edward Kelly, a New York-based analyst at Credit Suisse Group AG.

?Kroger would be too large,? Kelly said in a telephone interview. ?It?s a good, well-run company, but it?s in a tough business. There?s a lot of different places that consumers can go to buy food today and the supermarkets are kind of caught in the middle because they?re losing share.?

Size may not be an issue if private equity were to team up with an overseas grocery chain such as Delhaize or Carrefour SA, the world?s second-largest retailer, said David Dietze, president and chief investment strategist at Summit, N.J.-based Point View. Buyers could pick and choose which brands and assets they want and private equity could decide to restructure the real estate, he said.

In addition to Delhaize and Carrefour, Ahold may also want to expand its footprint in the U.S. by acquiring Kroger.

A spokesman for Brussels-based Delhaize didn?t respond to telephone calls or emails seeking comment.

Food Lion foundation gift for pantry at Camp United Methodist

The South Brunswick Interchurch Council received $3,000 from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation. The council will use the gift to help provide food for the needy at its food pantry at Camp United Methodist Church in Shallotte.

?Food Lion has been an invaluable partner with Feeding America for years. This is a company with heart and compassion for those in need,? said pantry coordinator Mary Pritchard.

Established in 2001, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in the communities it serves.

EnergyUnited?s basketball camp offer includes scholarships

EnergyUnited and other North Carolina Touchstone Energy cooperatives are providing all-expense paid scholarships this summer for 52 youth from across the state to attend basketball camps.

Young women can apply to attend the Kellie Harper Wolfpack Basketball Academy at N.C. State University in Raleigh, and young men can apply to attend the Roy Williams Carolina Basketball Camp at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. EnergyUnited will award scholarships to one boy and one girl and is accepting applications through March 30.

Students entering sixth, seventh and eighth grade are eligible to apply. More information and applications, which are judged on academics, extracurricular activities and an essay, can be found at www.ncelectriccooperatives. com or by contacting Lindsey Listrom at 800-662-8835.

Stanly Chamber chief picks up veterans advocate award

Tom Ramseur, Stanly County Chamber of Commerce CEO and president, is the first recipient of the North Carolina Career Center 1 Annual Veterans Advocate Award.

The presentation was made by Gerry Pion, NC-AMVETS Career Center 1 Deputy Commander, at the chamber?s annual awards program Jan. 30.

North Carolina?s first AMVETS Career Center was dedicated Dec. 7, on the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It is on the main campus of Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer.

The nonprofit veterans organization provides free career and job assistance to active duty, guard, reserves and veterans. Volunteers work with veterans to provide assistance with individual skill assessments, resum? writing, interviewing and exploration into education, training, licensing and certification opportunities. The center is in Jane Freeman Hall and is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The email address is amvet@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu and the phone number is 704-463-3026.

Prize packages offered in new Rowan County Internet campaign

Salisbury advertising agency Miller Davis is launching an initiative designed to encourage mutual support among Rowan County businesses and shoppers.

The campaign, called ?Love for Local,? will kick off on Valentine?s Day via the Internet, offering valuable prize packages including products and services provided by local businesses.

Prize packages will continue to grow throughout the campaign as more businesses join, with four packages to be given away leading up to a grand prize giveaway on March 14. For updates and ongoing information about the contest, including how to enter, lists of participating businesses and prize package values, visit the Miller Davis Facebook page.

?Rowan County businesses work hard to serve their customers, and our residents are supportive and appreciative,? said Mike Miller, president of Miller Davis. ?This initiative is our way of continuing to encourage that productive relationship. Just look around, and you?ll be amazed at what?s available right here at home. The Love for Local prize packages will be evidence of the wide range and high quality of products and services our local businesses offer.?

For additional information, visit www.MillerDavisAgency.com and click Love for Local.

Post office holding direct mail workshop on Friday

The Salisbury Post Office invites small business owners to attend a ?Grow Your Business Day? workshop designed to help those who want to promote their businesses through direct mail advertising.

The workshop is from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday at Bailey?s Quick Copy Print Shop, 324 E. Fisher St.

Officer-in-Charge Ellen Hebert will discuss the Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service, a recent Postal Service initiative to make growing your business with the mail more efficient and affordable.

Business Development Specialist Timothy Clair will demonstrate how to select a campaign message, target an audience and prepare EDDM mailings.

Several ?Grow Your Business? events are planned during the next two months. The events are free and pre-registration is requested but not required.

More information is available at http://www.uspseverydoor.com/index.php/retail . Look for the ?Grow Your Business Days? logo and select the applicable link below.

State offers new wellnessresource kit online

RALEIGH ? Gov. Bev Perdue announces the launch of a free, web-based tool to help small businesses develop worksite wellness programs. WorkWell NC, coordinated through the N.C. Division of Public Health, offers free resources to help small business owners and their employees who want to lose weight, quit smoking and manage stress.

The WorkWell NC toolkit may be found at www.EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com.

TheWorkwellNC resources provide small businesses the opportunity to offer employees a benefit that will help keep them healthier and ultimately reduce health care costs.

Information includes implementing a worksite wellness program and measuring results. Business owners can download posters, newsletters, sign-up sheets, certificates, surveys and evaluation tools. The kit also includes links to videos featuring fellow business owners from a variety of North Carolina companies promoting healthy lifestyles and seeing results.

Racing Electronics is Small Business of Year in Cabarrus

CONCORD ? The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce presented Racing Electronics with its Small Business of the Year award at a recent luncheon held at Embassy Suites in Concord.

The Chamber?s Small Business of the Year Awards recognize the entrepreneurial achievements of Cabarrus County?s smaller for-profit companies.

Racing Electronics is the worldwide leader in providing radio communications products to the motorsports industry and was grown from a home-based business. Bruce Silver, owner and chief executive officer, started the business in 1988. He has developed scanners and headphones for race fans, adding advanced technologies for radio wiring and two-way radio equipment. In 2005, the company relocated its world headquarters to Concord and has created over 70 jobs.

In 2011, Racing Electronics was one of first companies to participate in the Opportunity North Carolina (ONC) job creation program offered by the NC Division of Employment Security. Through this program, Racing Electronics has trained several local jobless workers and given them an opportunity to demonstrate their skills for long term employment.

Mount Ulla farm among those getting value-added grants

KANNAPOLIS ? N.C. State University?s North Carolina Value-Added Cost Share program at the N.C. Research Campus provided more than $100,000 in matching funds to help agricultural producers secure nearly $1.2 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grants. The USDA announced its recipients of its Value-Added Producer Grant, and eight were N.C. businesses.

Agricultural businesses receiving VAPG funding, with the help of NCVACS, included:

? Bobcat Farms (Clinton) ? $140,000

? Chapel Hill Creamery (Chapel Hill) ? $180,000

? Cottle Farms (Faison) ? $300,000

? Honey Mountain Farm (Mt. Ulla) ? $120,000

? Nooherooka Natural (Snow Hill) ? $130,000

? SleepyGoat Cheese (Pelham) ? $22,500

? Smoky Mountain Native Plants Association (Robbinsville) ? $20,000

? Sunburst Trout Co. (Canton) ? $283,884

Funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, NCVACS presented cost share awards ranging from $3,500 to $23,500 to assist these agricultural producers in offsetting the costs of applying for the VAPG funds (such as those incurred by professional grant writers and feasibility study consultants). For every $1 NCVACS invested into helping businesses apply for the VAPG grant, $11.29 were returned to the state via the USDA funding.

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Source: http://www.salisburypost.com/News/021212-biz-roundup-cleaning-authority-qcd

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