Mongolia Mining - Investment

Chinese Fund Invests $700 Million in Mongolian Coal

The commodity boom in Mongolia is just getting started. Vast fortunes will be made. Yours could be one of them...

Untouched for 19 years, the world's last great energy, metal, and mineral boom is about to launch in Mongolia. In fact it's already happening. A new tax law has recently changed the business climate, and the likes of Goldman Sachs, China Wealth Fund, Rio Tinto, and many other big players are rushing through the gates...

Here's the Deal

For the better part of a century, Mongolia has been known for its wealth of minerals: gold, coal, rare earth metals. Heck, the Russians had the whole place mapped out in the 1960s.

But under Russia, very little extraction ever took place. In the early 1990s, Mongolia finally broke free from its status as a Soviet puppet state and the country reacted like many former Russian states: It whipsawed from corrupt renegade capitalism back to its former communist party rulers and a collective mentality.

But neither of these systems was conducive to the massive capital inflows necessary to fund long-term gold, copper, and coal mines.

And as a result, during the commodity boom era of the 2000s, Mongolia was taken over by the anti-capitalists and strict laws were made placing punitive taxes on foreign companies after Mongolia's mineral wealth.

Then last year, the Moderate Social Democratic Party took power. This new group had a pragmatic approach to economics and political ideology. One of the first things those in power did was to cut the corporate tax from 68% to 30%. I bought one small gold miner in anticipation of this new law...

It is now up more than 458%.

As you can see, the law passed in mid-August.

The first group to take advantage of the new law was Rio Tinto and its partners, who had been sitting on a concession for about 10 years. They reached an agreement with the government and are investing some $6 billion to build the world's largest gold mine within 100 miles of the Chinese border.

To give you some perspective, the square footage of this mining property is bigger than the state of Ohio. And the $6 billion investment - coupled with the expansion of the economy - will easily double Mongolia's $9 billion GDP.

An independent study projects the mine will be "capable of average annual production in excess of one billion pounds of copper and 330,000 ounces of gold for at least 35 years. Peak annual production in excess of 1.6 billion pounds of copper and 900,000 ounces of gold is projected to be reached six years after initial production."

This Is a Very Big Deal

As soon as the law passed, I started touching base with my contacts. I called James Passin, who runs the extremely successful Firebird Global Fund. James and I worked together for many years at the Taipan Publishing Group.

(You may have recently seen James' name in newspapers for hosting a fundraiser for former President Bill Clinton and the current Governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley, at his New York brownstone.)

Name-dropping aside, knowing people on the ground is key.

In fact, over the past few years, Firebird has been buying up small companies in Mongolia in anticipation of the new gold rush.

The first thing James told me was that he owned a large portion of the largest broker in Ulaanbaatar who would be happy to show me around. He was also going to put me in touch with a national hero and wrestling champion who is very well-connected.

Mr. Passin's theory is that everyone knew about Rio Tinto (Market Cap: $89 billion). And yes, it might go up 50%... but the real money was going to be made in the banks, telecoms, and breweries - among others. The massive flood of liquidity taking over Mongolia (with a population of three million), would send fifteen-cent companies to five dollars almost overnight.

My friend's theory is hard to argue. My own research had given me the distinct feeling that Mongolia could be the Kuwait of Central Asia, with its oil, coal, gold, copper, uranium, rare earths...

The Rush Is On!

I'm not the only one who believes this. Just this week, China put up $700 million in a coal company.

According to Reuters:

"Hong Kong sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation is planning a $700m investment in Iron Mining International, a mining company with interests in Mongolia. Iron Mining is backed by private equity firm Hopu and Singapore state investment group Temasek.

The deal tops off a billion dollar spending spree by the group this week into the Mongolian mining sector. CIC also took a $500m stake in Canadian company SouthGobi Energy Resources in the form of a 30-year secured debenture issued by the company. SouthGobi also has coal mining interests and exploration assets in Mongolia."

And an Australian Company just sunk another $195 million into coal. According to its press release:

Leighton Holdings Ltd. (LEI.AU) said Wednesday that it has secured an upgrade worth A$195 million of a mining contract in Mongolia.

Australia's biggest construction company said Energy Resources LLC has asked its subsidiary Leighton Asia to expand the production capacity of the UHG Coal Mine in the South Gobi region of Mongolia. The adjustment increases the contract's value to A$480 million, Leighton said.

My Flight Leaves Monday Morning at 6:48...

It's this type of market momentum that has me getting on a plane early Monday morning and flying 26 hours to Mongolia.

I will report my first impressions next week. The opportunities seem enormous, but you just can't run around half-cocked... There are reports to be read and people to talk to.

Look for the full report to be in your inbox on January 1, 2010. Truth be told, I'm not even worried about UB's temperature reached a chilly 13F at the high today - I haven't been this excited about an investment situation since the Russians were selling Gazprom for coupons.

And while the commodity boom in Mongolia is just taking off, we're already situated in the early stages of the greatest commodities bull market in history... one that my colleague Ian Cooper has been capitalizing on week after week. He's closed 93 winning trades with his resource and energy stock picks this year alone. To learn how his readers are enjoying gains of 3,124% since November.

Meantime, stay tuned for news from on the ground,

Christian DeHaemer

Editor, Energy and Capital(and soon-to-be-launched Crisis and Opportunity)

This article was originally found here: Mongolia Mining

0

Fighting Foreclosure To Win! - Real Estate - Foreclosures

Current statistics indicate that there are over 8 million foreclosures in the United States at the present time. However, very few homeowners are in a position to fight their foreclosure and WIN!

The average homeowner has no knowledge of the regulations or laws that govern the financial institutions that are currently holding their loans. They don't know what is available to them in order for them to confidently and courageously take on their banks and lenders.

There are remedies available to you for this very purpose. In most cases this information is readily available to attorneys. However, the lay-person has little to no knowledge of the policies and procedures needed to implement such strategies. Even if you were aware of the federal violations -- you would face the dilemma of which legal documents you would be required to file, and how.

The good news is that you can single-handedly take back your property free and clear by filing a notice of rescission, and or a quiet title action, based on Federal violations pursuant to the Truth In Lending Act (TILA), or the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

You can move to stop the foreclosure, and fight for your home by acquiring a "Forensic Loan Audit" that will identify any possible lender fraud, or Federal violations of the Truth and Lending Act (TILA), or the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

You can expose the fraud, stop the foreclosure, and take your home back by fighting your foreclosure! Recently, some homeowners have staved off foreclosure for more than four years using a newly employed legal strategy which requires the lender to "Produce The Promissory Note."

This legal strategy has been employed because of the way mortgages have been securitized in recent years. It's often unclear who actually owns the debt, and what has been discovered is that systematically, the originating lenders only pledged these loans and didn't actually transfer them" to the trusts that are supposed to hold them and issue the securities.

In many cases the lender is unable to produce the Promissory note and this is where you can step in and take your property back free and clear...ONLY if you know how to do it. And, when I say free and clear, I mean never having to pay a mortgage payment ever again.

Can you imagine not having a house note? It is possible if you find that your lender cannot produce your promissory note, and you're able to take the necessary legal steps to demand that they provide it or else!

Many adjustable rate mortgages were illegally securitized in the haste to convert toxic loans into fee-generating mortgage backed securities. Judges across the nation, including Boyko, Rose, Kurtz, Schack, Rosenblatt, Bufford, O'Malley, Shaw, Bryant and Foley have issued orders dismissing foreclosures brought by lenders that have illegally securitized loans, and are no longer current holders of the notes.

The exciting news is that you no longer have to be a victim of foreclosure. You can now fight back, WIN, and take your property back free and clear legally. If you are in foreclosure, as so many Americans are today, you don't have to lose your home without putting up a fight.

The banks are hoping that because you don't know the law, you'll just hand over your property, even when they know they don't legally own your home. You don't have to hand over your home without a fight. The Promissory Note Defense information is just one of the many legal strategies available to you to help you fight back and WIN the foreclosure war!

0

Make a New Fashion Statement with Authentically Designed Pirate Shirts - Shopping - Clothing

Pirate shirts are very much preferred in and around Europe as these shirts take you back to that golden era. These shirts can be worn by both men and women. Keeping the fashion and style of that golden era in mind, manufacturers re-design these shirts in a variety of colours and designs. Manufacturers make every effort to give wearers a perfect, genuine and majestic pirate looks of those old days. Today, these shirts are worn in combination with modern dresses. Now, these shirts are made by using quality fabrics with little or sometimes no collar and big puffy sleeves as well. These shirts give the wearers the most excellent look of pirate.

Today, in Ren faire, Halloween, medieval parties and many other major events, you can numerous people wearing pirate shirts and other clothing items of that golden era. Put simply, it is the clothing that adds special charm and attraction in parties. Depending on your requirements and budget, market in and around Europe is flourished with a variety of shirts, medieval clothing items and accessories as well as renaissance accessories. Apart from this, numerous stores also have come up with idea of offering these clothing items online at easy-on-the-pocket prices with attractive discounts. You can also buy these shirts as well as other items online. For getting them, all you need to do is place your order online. People have been using these shirts for a long time.

But, after the Hollywood movie The Pirates of the Caribbean, these shirts have gained world recognition. Another factor behind the popularity of these shirts is that they are designed in loose fitting that makes you feel comfortable. There are various types of pirate shirts are available in the market. Some of the very much preferred pirate shirts are Buccaneer, Bully Hayes, Campbell renaissance, Cap'n Quincy, Colonial, Captain Charles Vane and Early renaissance. Apart from the aforesaid names, some other shirts including European Medieval, Francis Drake Pirate, Half Cape medieval, Grace O' Malley Poet, Henry Morgan, John Calles, John Cook, John Coxon, John Nutt Stripped, John Reckham and a variety of others are also preferred very much. These all shirts are blended with perfection and made up of quality fabrics.

0

Orbit Florida's Space Coast for a High Time - Travel

Those in search of a romantic celebration could opt for a weekend getaway to one of the area's oceanfront resorts or acclaimed bed and breakfasts. Spend the day pampering yourself at one of the premier area spas such as La Bella Spa in Merritt Island, village Day Spa in Cocoa village or Kalianas Spa & Wellness Sanctuary, a new Hawaiian themed "green spa" in Indian Harbour Beach.

Your romantic evening on the Space Coast includes a sunset or moonlit stroll along one of the many picturesque beaches. Some prefer, however, the romantic magic found on a sail down the intracoastal waterway on the 47-foot catamaran run by Indian River Cruises. The vessel's captains offer a relaxed tour of the area's turn of the century homes and breathtaking views of the spectacular sunsets as you relax on pillows spread out on the deck.

A few especially romantic restaurants that always receive rave reviews are Cafe Margaux and The Black Tulip in Historic Downtown Cocoa Village, The Mango Tree in Cocoa Beach and The continental Flambe in historic downtown Melbourne. There are also plenty of establishments offering a laid back Florida atmosphere and fantastic fare. For seafood, try Florida Seafood Bar and Grill in Cocoa Beach; Pineda crossings in Palm Shores or Chowders in Rockledge. All are local favorites.

Later, couples can spend a few hours dancing at one of the area's popular discotheques like The Red head Martini & Cigar Bar in Port Canaveral or the classy jazz club, Heidi's, located in the heart of Cocoa beach.

For those looking for a more adventurous night out on the town, a host of opportunities abound. Especially on the weekends, the historic city centers come alive in Cocoa village and downtown Melbourne. Both contain assorted locations for eating, drinking, dancing and of course, bar-hopping. Some area favorites include Meg O'Malley's in downtown Melbourne, City Tropics in Indialantic, Murdoch's Bistro and Char Bar in Cocoa village and Grill's restaurant and Tiki Bar that offers live music and dancing in Port Canaveral's Cove area. Down the street from Grill's, along a street packed with entertainment venues, is Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grill and Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar, casual waterfront restaurants that are great for watching the cruise ships come in and out the Port. Great nightlife can be found dotting the map across the Space Coast, from performances at the King center for the Performing Arts to Summer Saturday Nights at Brevard Zoo to great hangouts nestled e verywhere between Sebastian to Titusville.

Six Hot Spots for Romance 1. Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay off Port Malabar Boulevard in Palm Bay, a stroll through this nature center will take you back to old Florida. Besides it being a romantic walk through the sand pine forests and along the creeks of the sanctuary (there are hearts on the boardwalk with loving sayings) this 22-acre oasis is ideal for couples who want alone time. At times, it's so quiet you can hardly hear a peep. There are lookout points where you can stop and look over the winding creek and watch the manatees. There is a nature center where you and your date can learn about the ecosystems of Florida, and you can even rent a kayak from the Palm Bay Marina and kayak along the creek to enjoy the vegetation and marine life that's unique to the Space Coast.

2. The Botanical Gardens at Florida Tech in Melbourne. The botanical Gardens at Florida Tech hosts many weddings and romantic dates. You can walk the 35-acre oasis and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by one of the ponds or bridges. Secret pathways abound, and there is unique history in the area. A self-guided tour brochure can be downloaded from the website (/botan.html and click on "Botanical Gardens"). You and your date can enjoy the adventure and rest for a picnic lunch.

3. Canaveral National Seashore - One of our most beautiful natural wonders, this seashore covers about 57,0000 acres along Florida's East Coast. But the romantic part about this area is the beaches. Pristine, raw and untouched, these are some of the most natural and beautiful beaches on the Space Coast. Being on Playalinda beach makes it seem like there's no one else there on Earth besides you and your date. Sometimes, these beaches can be so secluded it's hard to see another person for miles. This unobtrusive vibe is rivaled only by the drive through the marshes on the way to the beach. The two-lane highway to the Playalinda Beach boardwalks cuts through old marsh areas and was carved out by the old mosquito patrols of the county in the 60's. It makes for a romantic drive, because rarely does a car pass you on the lonely road.

4. Port Canaveral - There is so much more than cruise ships at the port. To start, there are restaurants where couples can dine on the dock and watch the ships come and go. There are events and couples can walk the boardwalk and look at the manatees frolicking in the water below. It's a great place to watch the shuttle and rocket launches, for camping, fishing, bird watching, swimming in the surf and none of it is really expensive.

5. Cruise the River - There are a few cruises couples can take on the Indian River, depending on your tastes. There are intimate dinner cruises and loud, party ones. The Indian River Queen, docked in Cocoa Village, offers couples a nice dinner cruise, albeit, not so secluded. The paddleboat can hold up to 260 people. Indian River Cruises is a more intimate option. The catamaran can hold up to six people, and will take a minimum of two. Imagine an intimate dinner for two with your own personal chef on a sunset cruise. You can create your own menu and then set sail away in the Indian River sunset.

6. A Picnic in The Park - One of the nice things about this area is there is a lot of green space. One of the oldest, more secluded and most beautiful is Ballard Park off Thomas Barbour Drive in Melbourne. A large tributary welcomes boats, beautiful birds and one of the most spectacular views of the Indian River on the county's south side. All of this together makes for one really romantic date - especially during the pre-evening hours, just before the park closes. There are little pagodas that sit close to the Indian River where you can have a picnic, and because of the slow speed manatee signs, the passing boats seem as if they're barely there.

0

The Electric Wheelchair Guide - Self Help

Electric wheelchairs play a helpful role is society. It allows people to easily get around who otherwise might not be able to without the help of the electric wheelchair. The electric wheelchair provides a normal, independent lifestyle to people who otherwise would be immobile.

Electric wheelchairs aren't just for people who are permanently immobile, however. Electric wheelchairs also help people who might be suffering from a temporary injury, and movement in certain places causes pain. Using the wheelchair the healing person can continue their day to day activities without a problem.

While the electric wheelchair offers wonderful mobility benefits, there are also other aspects that you should give attention to. The design of the electric wheelchair needs to be convenient and perfectly comfortable when you use it. Each wheelchair has its only different look and feel, so it's important to try out a few before selecting one.

There are quite a few different varieties of electric wheelchairs on the market to choose from, with the minimum price being around a thousand dollars or so.

The most commonly used electric wheelchair are rear wheel driven. This is the most powerful type of electric wheelchair. Front wheel powered wheelchairs aren't as powerful as rear, but they are much more flexible. The front wheel powered wheelchair is perfect if your home has a lot of tight turns that would be difficult to maneuver around. Both kinds of electric wheelchairs can typically be used inside or outside.

Some electric wheelchairs are very lightweight, which make them more suitable for transportation. Other wheelchairs are heavier and more durable. There are also many different kinds of specialty electric wheelchairs. For example, there are electric wheelchairs designed for taking outside and used on rough ground.

When you are selecting an electric wheelchair one thing remains certain, you have a lot of different options to choose from. It's import to assess your needs before making a final decision. You don't want to choose the wrong kind of electric wheelchair.

0

Tips if You're Considering Home Renovation - Home - Home Business

Home renovations provide homeowners the perfect opportunity to not only make their home much more pleasing to live in, but also make their home a more profitable investment. Simple home renovations that change the appearance of your home can often do the most in changing the overall feel of your home.

If you're looking to increase the overall value of your property through home renovations then doing work to kitchens and bathrooms usually provide the best return on your investment. Real estate investors recommend cosmetic home improvements, as they increase the value of your home the most for your dollars spent.

While most people usually think of a large scale renovation project when they hear the term "home renovation", it can actually pertain to small renovations as well. For example, the task of simply painting a room could be considered home renovation. This is because it changes the look of your home, so it is considered a home renovation.

Before going further with even the simplest of home renovations, delicate planning must be done. Considerations must be made especially if you have a large family around where the home renovation will take place. Have you thought about what kind of affect it will have on your family? For example, if you are working on the only bathroom available to even a smaller family, this might end up taking longer then you had initially planned.

You'll also need to plan your expenses accurately. Nothing is worse than underestimating a major home renovation job and not having enough to completely finish when you want it done.

If you're wanting major renovations done to your home, it's always recommended to get the help of a contractor or another home renovation expert. Not only do they have the experience behind them, but they will also be able to make sure your home renovation project will be completed in accordance to building laws and regulations.

Phil Nichol writes for a number of websites on remodeling, home improvements and renovations of all kinds. Visit his site for tips and advice from home improvement loan information to remodeling kitchens and bathrooms or how to be your own contractor.

0

Condom Sense - The Proper Use, Storage, and Disposal of Condoms - Self Help - Advice

Condoms provide good protection against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Condoms are affordable, readily available, and easy to use. Putting on a condom requires no specialized skill and no prescriptions, or doctors visits are needed in order to get them.

With proper condom use pregnancy prevention can be achieved with a success rate of over 98%. Proper condom use can prevent sexually transmitted diseases with rates ranging from 70% for diseases such as genital warts (human papilloma virus) up to 85% for HIV.

But what is proper condom use? Proper use means that you apply the best evidence there is about how to safely store, apply, and dispose of the condom. And you do it 100% of the time in all of your sexual encounters.

Here are some tips for proper condom use:

Wrap the used condom in toilet paper and dispose of it in the garbage. Latex rubber is not a good product to be flushing down the toilet. Condoms are used in all parts of the world and can have a significant impact on the environment. Environmentalists have reported that condoms in the sewage system find their way into the ocean where they get caught on coral reefs and smother ocean plant life.

Use your condom sense in protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. Just remember that in order to achieve the prevention rates listed at the beginning of this article you must engage in proper condom use 100% of the time.

0

Signs of a Heart Attack Include Denial - - Health - Diseases and Conditions

In Canada more than 70,000 heart attacks occur annually. More than 19,000 people die every year as a result.

Cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Canada so learning more about heart health and how to manage heart health emergencies should be on everyone's agenda.What is a Heart Attack?

The technical term is a myocardial infarct. Myocardial refers to the cardiac muscle (yes the heart is a muscle) and infarct refers to tissue death. As a result of the lack of blood to the heart, part of the heart muscle dies from lack of oxygen.

Like every muscle in the body, the heart muscle must receive oxygen. The harder it works the more oxygen it requires. It should come as no surprise to anyone that lack of oxygen will lead to tissue death. When the blood vessels that supply the heart cannot deliver enough oxygen to meet the demand of the myocardial muscle it will die.Heart attack symptoms include:

Denial is one of the major signs of a heart attack and is such a significant problem that a recent Canadian study of 487 heart attack patients found that more than one-third of them got to the hospital by themselves including driving their own car and taking the bus.

Don't let denial be the heart attack symptom that prevents you or your loved one from receiving timely medical care for this potentially fatal medical condition. Life saving treatments are possible and the best outcomes are achieved when they are administered promptly before complications make the treatment less effective.

If you are experiencing chest pain it could be one of the signs of a heart attack and you should take it seriously. If it is accompanied by any other heart attack symptoms listed here, call 911.

Better yet get serious about heart health before you get chest pain and get started on a heart healthy program of diet and exercise. The research on the contribution of exercise to heart health is astounding and it is never too late to get started. Even if you have already had a heart attack you can improve your health and the quality of your life with a medically supervised exercise program.

0

Testicular Cancer - Is Marijuana Use Increasing Your Risk? - Health - Cancer

The words testicular cancer will strike fear into the hearts (and other body parts much lower down) of most men.

Testicular cancer is the commonest cancer affecting young men between 20 and 39 years old.

The exact cause of testicular cancer is not known. There are really no outward or apparent symptoms of testicular cancer that would alert you to its presence in your body. You might not even know about it until the tumour has grown large enough to be visible on the testicle and by this time is has probably spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system.

There is no known cause of testicular cancer but several risk factors are correlated with the development of the disease. Risk Factors

The most significant risk factors appear to be genetics and two specific abnormalities of the testicles. A recent study has linked marijuana use to the development of the disease.Genetics:

If you have a close male relative such as a father or brother who has been diagnosed with testicular cancer your risk is higher than the general population. Similarly your racial background may increase the risk as there appears to be an increased risk in Caucasians and Hispanics. Testicular abnormalities

If you had an undescended testicle the risk of developing testicular cancer goes up especially if you were older than eleven years of age by the time the abnormality was surgically corrected.

There is also a specific complication of a childhood infectious illness called mumps orchitis that predisposes to the development of testicular cancer in later life. Mumps orchitis is the complication mumps that occurs when the mumps virus travels to the testicles and causes infection and inflammation.Marijuana

Some recent research has now linked the development of testicular cancer to the use of marijuana. In a study of men already diagnosed with testicular cancer marijuana use was 70% more prevalent than in a control group of men who did not have the disease. It was also correlated with an early age on onset for marijuana smoking and the length of marijuana usage appeared to be linked to a higher risk as well. It has been known for some time that the testicles are quite receptive to the cannaboids in marijuana so perhaps the findings are not that surprising.

Of all the risk factors for the development of testicular cancer marijuana use appears to be the only one that is easily modifiable and under your control.Treatment

If testicular cancer is diagnosed then the affected testicle is removed. This procedure is called an orchiectomy. Prosthetic devices are available for implantation to restore a normal look and feel to the scrotum. The regular cancer therapies of radiation and chemotherapy would be used if there were signs that the cancer has already spread to the lymphatic system.

Survival rates for testicular cancer are close to 90% if the tumour is found early. The best way to detect a tumour is to perform a monthly testicular self exam.

0

Emphysema - the Long Term Effects of Smoking Explained - Health - Diseases and Conditions

Emphysema results from the long term effects of smoking. There are many other effects on respiratory health caused by cigarette addiction but emphysema is the end result of all damage to the lungs caused by the inhalation of the smoke and other chemicals that cigarettes contain. It is the cumulative effects of cigarette smoking over a long time period that cause emphysema so the condition is usually seen in older adults.

Even if you have already given up your cigarette addiction there may still be permanent changes in your lungs that can predispose to the development of emphysema at some time in the future. Nobody is immune to the effects of smoking.

Here is the explanation of how your cigarette addiction can cause emphysema.Normal Lung Anatomy

Lung anatomy includes the presence of tiny structures called cilia in the air passages. The words cilia actually comes from the Latin term for eyelash and indeed lung cilia are fine hair like structures. They are anatomical structures that occur throughout the body and their main function is motility or motion. Cilia are basically responsible for waving around and moving microscopic things through narrow tubes. In the respiratory tract the cilia are literally responsible for sweeping the airways clean. Without cilia, mucous and other debris will build up and clog the air passages.Effects of Cigarette Smoking

One of the major effects of smoking is the paralysis and destruction of the cilia and this is how emphysema starts.

As the cilia become less and less efficient the mucous in the respiratory tract builds up. Because the cilia are being destroyed, the tar and other chemical debris that cigarettes contain cannot be removed from the lungs. More and more debris and mucus builds up in the lungs setting the stage for infection.

The air passages filled with mucus are a perfect environment for bacteria as they just love dark, warm, moist places to breed and thrive. Over time these effects of smoking continue and you become more and more susceptible to infections. As a result of the infectious process and the constant inflammation in the lungs, certain destructive enzymes are released causing more damage of your delicate lung tissue and further loss of those all important cilia.

At the same time this is happening your tiny air passages are gradually becoming obstructed with mucus and debris from all the chemicals that the cigarettes contain. The normal elastic nature of your lung tissue and the air passages is lost. Air that goes into your lungs cannot be expelled. Over time this trapped air exerts more and more pressure on the tiny air sacs in the lung tissue (called alveoli) until they eventually become stretched out and lose their elasticity. Where once you may have had thousands of these tiny little air sacs now there will only be a few hundred larger ones.

The effects of your cigarette smoking continue and more and more pressure builds up in your lung tissue. More and more damage over time results in loss of elasticity of the air passages as well. Now instead of expanding on inhalation and contracting back to normal size on exhalation your air passages simply collapse trapping more air in the air sacs.

The air contained in those air sacs is full of carbon dioxide and under normal circumstances would be expelled with every exhalation, thus making room for more oxygen rich air to be inhaled. But if your air passages are collapsed because they have lost their elasticity then the carbon dioxide filled air cannot be expelled from your lungs. It stays in there causing more and more pressure and taking up the valuable room needed for oxygen rich air.

You can see that the ultimate effects of smoking on your lungs is suffocation. If you develop emphysema you cannot get enough oxygen rich air into your lungs and eventually you will suffocate in your own carbon dioxide.

Such are the effects of smoking on your lungs over the long term.

There is no cure for emphysema. Treatment of emphysema can never be as effective as prevention and there is no treatment that will reverse the changes to your lungs caused by smoking once the damage has been done. Stopping smoking will however, stop the damage from progressing.

Don't let your respiratory health go up in smoke! If you have a cigarette addition then quit. Now! Your very breath may depend on it.

0

Childhood Obesity - Fitness and Nutrition Facts for Child Health Promotion - Health - Nutrition

The rates of childhood obesity in Canada has tripled in the last 25-30 years. Data reports from other developing countries is quite similar. Childhood obesity is becoming a worldwide epidemic.

There can be no question that the two most significant factors in the childhood obesity epidemic are diet and exercise. The abundance of nutritionally deficient foods and a sedentary lifestyle are creating a generation poised to become adults with significant morbidity.

For the first time ever experts are calling the current generation of children an energy positive generation meaning that they have more calories going in than being expended through physical exercise and the excess energy is stored in the body as fat.

Here are the fitness and nutrition facts regarding childhood obesity:

These fitness and nutrition facts represent only a small portion of the knowledge base that is accumulating regarding the epidemic of childhood obesity. The data is clear that fitness and nutrition habits are established very early in life and are strongly influenced by marketing and the lifestyle of the family.

The best way to guard against childhood obesity is to reduce screen time, eat well, and move more. If you do these three things together as a family not only will you all become healthier, but as a result your family relationships will be strengthened.

0

Do They Even Have Organized Living on Mars? - Relationships

I created the Organized Living Dictionary to define the terms that are in used in the literature when the experts write about "getting organized". While these terms may be in common use in everyday language and varying contexts, the meanings given here are within the context of organized living.

The word declutter is not even in the dictionary yet! So out of necessity I invented my own definition!

As I often do when I am being creative with words I asked for my husband's feedback on my definitions and gave him a printed list for his perusal. Days went by and I thought that perhaps I had fallen victim to my husband's procrastinating habits and then one day I entered the office to find the following handwritten list of definitions sitting by the computer.

What can I say. I am from Venus......he is from Mars.

Have they even heard of Organized Living on Mars??

0

Macular Degeneration - Are You at Risk? - Health - Diseases and Conditions

Macular degeneration is a condition of the eye that results in impairment of sharp, central vision. The condition is also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because it primarily affects adults age 65 and older. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

What Causes Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs from damage to the macula. The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye that converts light to electrical impulses and sends these impulses to the brain via the optic nerve. The macula assists the retina in processing fine details. When the macula is damaged, clear central vision and the ability to perceive fine details are lost.

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two types of macular degeneration, called dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. The dry form of the disease is the most common. About 85-90% of all macular degeneration cases are of this type. Dry macular degeneration results from the slow breakdown of cells in the macula, resulting in a gradual loss of central vision. Wet macular degeneration comprises only about 10-15% of all cases, but is a more serious and rapidly progressing form of the condition. Wet macular degeneration is caused by retinal abnormalities that decrease oxygen flow to the area and results in fissures, or cracks, in the retina. The body responds by creating new blood vessels to bring oxygen to the retina. These vessels are fragile and often leak or bleed into the retinal tears, giving the condition its name. In addition to leaking fluids into the retina, these blood vessels also displace the macula by putting pressure on it, much as tree roots can displace a sidewalk.

Age-related Macular Degeneration Statistics U.S. and Canada

While wet age-related macular degeneration accounts for relatively fewer cases, it causes the vast majority macular degeneration related vision loss. According to a 2004 study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, 1.75 million Americans are affected with the condition, and it is expected that the number will increase to 3 million by 2020 as the U.S. population continues to age. Overall, about 2% of Americans under age 60 develop the condition, and the risk jumps to a 30% overall chance of developing the condition in Americans age 75 and older. In Canada, the prevalence is even higher, with a staggering 23% of Canadians ages 43 to 64 developing the condition. True to its name, the incidence of age-related macular degeneration rises to 56% for Canadians ages 65 to 84.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of the dry form of macular degeneration usually include blurred vision that may improve in bright light, and a small blind spot in central vision that gradually increases over time. One common early symptom of wet macular degeneration is the perception of straight lines as being crooked, due to the displacement of the macula. Those with wet macular degeneration may also experience a blind spot in central vision.

Risk Factors

Though the cause of macular degeneration isn't fully understood, doctors and researchers have identified key risk factors. Some of these risk factors are hereditary and cannot be modified. These include family history of the disease, age, race, eye pigmentation, and gender. Light skinned people and those with blue eyes are more likely to develop the condition, as are women when compared with men. Modifiable risk factors include smoking, poor diet, high blood pressure, obesity and excessive exposure to sunlight.

Decrease Your Risk with Good Lifestyle Choices

Making lifestyle choices that protect your vision can drastically reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration, and improve overall health as well. Making good choices is especially important for those with non-modifiable risk factors. Through smoking cessation, a nutrient dense diet, controlling blood pressure, maintaining ideal body weight, and using appropriate sunlight protection, those at high risk of developing the condition due to non-modifiable risk factors can maximize their chances of avoiding macular degeneration.

0

Attention Baby Boomer Generation - Understanding Your Silent Generation Parents and Their Clutter - Family - Seniors

The baby boomer generation was born after 1945 when their parents (the silent generation), started to establish families and communities after the hardship of the second world war.

Many baby boomers are now finding themselves with elderly parents to care for. Decisions regarding caregiving and life transitions to nursing homes or assisted living centers are difficult. Caring for the silent generation parents in their own home or even moving them out of their home presents many challenges for downsizing and getting rid of belongings and family ephemera that has long been treasured by its owners.

There are many reasons why the elderly parents of the baby boomer generation may have been reluctant to purge or get rid of stuff over the years. Understanding the emotional and social influences on that generation of people might help you to understand why all that stuff is still hanging around.

You should understand that the major influences on your parents generation were:

The Great Depression

Many silent generation parents will remember living through the great depression when they had nothing and had to make do on their own. Resources were scarce and everything was recycled and re-purposed. Throwing something away was considered to be wasteful and people were convinced that saving and reusing things was a measure of good character. Your parents may not be able to get rid of things because it makes them feel like they are a bad person. They want to believe they are a person of good character and they would like others to think that too so they hang onto things to prove it.

The Second World War

Experiencing life through the second world war created the value of duty before self. It would have been impossible for soldiers to go off to war and for their families to be proud of them if this value was not embraced by the society in general.

Your elderly parents may not think of an item and its usefulness in terms of their own needs but in terms of whether or not that item may have usefulness for someone else - especially family members. They will not be able to bring themselves to part with items that may be useful to someone else since they consider it their duty to preserve items for future use.

Sometimes the silent generation is referred to as the veteran's demographic because of the great influence the second world war had on their way of thinking. There can be little doubt that this particular way of thinking can lead to accumulation of goods that have long since outlived their usefulness.

The Post War Boom

Once the war was over the veterans generation tried to settle into some sort of normal life and what could be more normal than marrying and raising children so that's what they did!

Economic prosperity became the norm and the silent generation began to expect that their personal worth and assets would continue to increase. They had done their duty and were promised prosperity as a reward for living through and participating the war efforts both abroad and at home.

Wages continued to go up and real estate values rose so that the silent generation became used to being prosperous. Bear in mind that this was all happening on one household income as women were still not a normal or expected part of the workforce.

Being able to enjoy prosperity through attention to money management and land ownership created an expectation that the accumulation of material goods would make life better and more enjoyable and so those material goods began to pile up.

Over a life time quite a bit of stuff can be accumulated if you never learn how to balance what comes into your home with what goes out.

If you are a member of the baby boomer generation these influences may have also had a great effect on you and it may be necessary to examine your own ideas about clutter before you can help your silent generation parent with the difficult task of downsizing for the transitions ahead.

0

How to Get Organized in the Car - Organization Tips and Ideas for Safety and Convenience - Autos

How to get organized in the car is a challenge facing all families who own one. In order to have pleasant trips whether they are long or short, some planning and forethought is required.It is also necessary to set some priorities and pay attention first to those things that are the most important such as the safety of the people who are in the car.

The most important planning tasks then for how to get organized in your car requires paying attention to basic safety and that means using the proper restraints.

* Make sure that you have child car seats that are age and weight appropriate for your children.

*Child safety care seats should be fastened safely into the car following manufacturers directions.

*Children should always be in their child safety car seats when traveling in the car - no exceptions.

* Adult passengers should be safely buckled in for the trip no matter how short.

With everyone fastened in they will not become a human projectile in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

However, anything else in your car that is not fastened down will become a projectile if the car stops suddenly. Even a small object flying around in your car can be lethal if it hits someone in the head so make sure that there is nothing in your car that is not fastened down.

In other words store your junk in the trunk! If you do not have a trunk there are commercial car organizer products available that can be safely fastened into the back of the SUV or hatchback. they will keep all the sports equipment, CD's, diaper wipes, paper towels and other items safely contained in the back of the car.

Here are 5 more car organization tips for your automobile safety and convenience:

1. Make sure you have a first aid kit. It should contain the usual assortment of gauze, tape and bandages. Getting organized for health and safety in the car also means including some medication such as over the counter pain relievers and antihistamines. If any one in the family is on regular medication a small supply of personal medication is also recommended but be sure to replace it often as medications can deteriorate in quality in the extreme temperature variations in a car.

2. Keep a supply of pre-moistened hand wipes in the car. While antibacterial hand wipes are not usually recommended for common use, in this application they are the best. You just never know when you are going to be using a public washroom or roadside "facilities" and there is no sink or no soap. They also come in handy for making sure the kids get washed up before snacks in the car (or even washing up afterward!).

3.Keep a roll of paper towels in the car. You just know somebody is going to spill something at some time. They come in handy if someone has a nosebleed or even if you or someone else has to change a tire.

4. Keep your documents organized. You will want the auto club phone number, owner's manual, registration, license and insurance information to be easily retrievable when you are stressed. You just know that you are going to need them when you are not thinking straight such as when the police officer says "Vehicle and license registration please." Getting organized in the car means knowing where you put it so you can find it fast.

5. Make sure you keep a flashlight in the car. It is also highly probable that you will get that flat tire or dead battery when it is dark so make sure you have a flashlight so you can actually read the phone number of the auto club! A hand cranked model is best so you will never be frustrated by dead batteries.

6. If you have a baby make sure you have extra diapers and diaper wipes. If you have ever had to wait for 3 hours in a traffic jam when a bridge was closed you will know that having extra diapers is essential!

Getting organized in the car doesn't have to be mysterious. Think first about safety. Then when you think about how to get organized anticipate what might happen and plan as if those events were going to be a certainty.

0

Syphilis - An Enduring Sexually Transmitted Disease - Health

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It has been dubbed The Great Imitator because so many of the symptoms look like something else and misdiagnosis is common. Prior to the rise of HIV, syphilis was typically considered the worst STD one was likely to encounter.

Caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium, the disease is almost always contracted through sexual contact with an existing syphilis sore, although a congenital infection where a pregnant mother passes the disease to her unborn child is possible. Syphilis sores typically occur on the genitals, anus, or inside the rectum, but they may also occur on the mouth.

In recent years the incidence rate (new cases) of syphilis has increased in both Canada and the US. Most new cases (up to 66%) are being diagnosed in individuals within the male homosexual community.

Symptoms and Complications

One of the classic problems with syphilis is that an infected person may display no symptoms for many years, yet remain at risk for harm from the disease anyway. Syphilis is a long term illness that progress through stages. The symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage in the life cycle of the bacterium

Stages of Syphilis

Primary stage syphilis symptoms are usually marked by the development of one or more sores. These can appear as early as 10 days following infection, or as late as 90 days, but the appearance of sores at around 3 weeks from infection is typical. These sores are small, round, solid, and painless, and appear at the point of infection. They last for 3 to 6 weeks, and then heal on their own. However, healed sores do not mean elimination of the syphilis bacterium.

The secondary stage of syphilis symptoms is noted for its skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions. The rash will appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots that are not especially itchy. These rashes may appear differently, however, and this leads to misdiagnosis. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, hair loss, headaches, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and weight loss. As with primary stage symptoms, these symptoms will clear up on their own, but this does not mean the syphilis has gone away.

Without treatment, a person with syphilis will continue to have the disease, even though there are no further symptoms. This can go on for many years before late stage syphilis appears. The disease may then go on to cause damage the bones, brain, eyes, heart, nervous system, blood vessels, and liver. Symptoms of this degeneration include loss of muscle coordination, numbness, gradual blindness, dementia, and paralysis. Late syphilis can be fatal.

Babies infected with syphilis by their mothers may develop seizures or developmental problems within weeks of birth.

Treatment

Syphilis is a simple matter to cure, if caught in the early stages only one intramuscular shot of the antibiotic penicillin G or azithromycin is required. However, this is only the case for infections of one year or less. Additional shots will be needed for longer infections. Other antibiotics can be substituted for those who are allergic to penicillin. Treatment for syphilis will cure a person of the disease, but it will not remedy whatever damage has already been done.

In recent years, drug resistant syphilis has been spreading. The most recent information shows that 10% of new cases are immune to azithromycin.

Prevention

The most direct means of preventing a syphilis infection is to abstain from sexual intercourse. This is followed by being in a sexually monogamous relationship with a previously tested partner, and then by requiring all sexual partners to be tested for syphilis. Condoms, when used properly, greatly reduce the chance of infection, but do not eliminate it. Washing the genitals with an antiseptic, either before or after sex, has no demonstrable effect on reducing the risk of transmission.

0

Smoking Statistics in Canada - Society - Government

Smoking statistics for Canada are generated by the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) which collects data on tobacco use and related issues in Canada. The data collected provides useful information on both the incidence (number of new smokers) and the prevalence (total number of smokers) of smoking in the Canadian population.

Overall the long term trends show that the prevalence of smoking in Canada is decreasing from a high of 35% of the population in 1985 to less than 20% of the population in 2007. The first wave of 2008 smoking statistics from the CTUMS show that prevalence could now be approaching 18%.

The province of British Columbia has the lowest rate of prevalence for smoking across the country (15%) with Saskatchewan having the highest prevalence at 21%. All other provinces were very close to the national average of 18%.

Here is how the Canadian smoking statistics break down by age groups. As all the data from 2008 is not yet available this data is from the first half of 2008.

15-19 yr old age group

15% of this population classify themselves as smokers. While unchanged from the previous year this does represent the lowest rate since Canada began collecting and monitoring smoking statistics.

20-24 yr old age group

28% of this population are smoking. Among this age group males continue to smoke at a higher rate but smoke more cigarettes per capital than the female smoking population in this age group.

30-50 yrs old age group

This age group is giving up smoking at the the highest rate.

There has been a consistent effort on the part of both federal and provincial governments to get the message out about the smoking risks to health.

Smoking laws have been passed in many provinces and municipalities that prohibit smoking in public buildings of any kind (even bars and restaurants).

Recently the smoking laws in Vancouver BC and surrounding areas have been extended to included a ban on smoking within 7 meters of a building entrance. If you are going to smoke in that area you really have to work at it.

Since the smoking statistics show a significant drop in the prevalence of smoking it is clear there are a lot of smokers in Canada who are giving up smoking. But more importantly less and less Canadians are being influenced to take up the habit in the first place.

So of those people who are still in the smoking minority who are they? An examination of the social epidemiology reveals some interesting statistics.

The highest prevalence of smokers is among the unemployed, poorly educated, and low income populations. The very people who have the least amount of disposable income purchase the majority of cigarettes. For this population at least, it would appear that the economic impact and the dangers of cigarette smoking are not important enough to motivate a change in smoking behaviour.

0

Do You Want to Become a Nurse or Do You Want to Become a Doctor? - What is the Difference? - Careers

If you want to become a nurse you may have already heard this comment from others:

"Why don't you go to school for a few more years and become a doctor?"

Sadly this comment is directed at a lot of nursing students or even high school students preparing for their chosen career in health care. The question itself suggests the asker does not understand the definition of nursing or how the nursing profession and the medical profession differ.

There is a much larger difference between nursing practice and medical practice than the number of years spent in post secondary education. Although many people do view nurses as "junior doctors" or even as the "doctor's assistant" or worse yet the "doctor's handmaiden" these references to the nursing profession are very dated and do not reflect the reality of nursing in Canadian health care system today.

Nursing practice and medical practice share a common knowledge base but approach their professional practice from different perspectives.

If you think you want to become a doctor you should know that doctors give their attention first to the patient's diagnosis.

The diagnosis provides the direction for the medical care plan. If a patient is not yet diagnosed a physician does tests and diagnostic studies to rule out all the possible things that might be wrong and get to the specific diagnosis. This is called "ruling out".

A doctor starts with identifying a number of things that might be wrong and then conducts tests and examinations to rule out all the possibilities until there is only one diagnosis that is plausible from the test results and the patient' symptoms.

In order to do this, doctors must spend a lot of time with information such as test results, health care records, consult reports from other doctors, and even textbooks, journals and other reference material.

If you think you want to become a nurse you should know that nursing practice is wholly concerned with the response of the client. Nurses seek to gather more and more information about a client in order to better understand the interaction of the physical, environmental, social, and emotional factors contributing to the client's response.

The patient's diagnosis is information that informs nursing practice but is not necessarily the most important information that the nurse needs in order to care for the client. In order to provide care, the nurse needs to spend a lot of time with the patient and the patient's family gathering information about the patient's own individual needs and how the patient is responding to the health challenge they are experiencing.

A doctor focuses on the diagnosis that the patient has. A nurse focuses on the patient that has a diagnosis.

Nurses also provide nursing to people who have no medical diagnosis because health promotion is a huge part of any nursing practice.

So what is the bottom line in choosing between becoming a nurse and becoming a doctor?

Think of it this way...

You will want to become a doctor if you prefer to spend most of your time with information.

You will want to become a nurse if you prefer to spend most of your time with people.

0

Compusive Hoarding, Cluttering and Collecting - Pathology vs Pride in the Accumulation Of Stuff - Health - Wellness

Compulsive hoarding is not collecting. A person with a hoarding disorder is often unable to perceive their mess in the same way that outsiders do.

There is no logical reason for hoarding behaviour. It is almost certainly a sign of a mental illness or at the very least an indication that there is altered brain function.

Research into obsessive compulsive hoarding disorder is starting to reveal that there may be specific brain alterations in people who hoard. Interpretation of this evidence suggests that the parts of the brain that regulate the ability to focus attention for prolonged periods and make decisions is damaged or not fully functioning in the compulsive hoarder.

In the extreme, an obsessive compulsive hoarding disorder can be defined as a psychiatric condition that compels a person to accumulate goods and disables them from getting rid of these same objects.

So how can you tell the difference between an enthusiastic collector, a clutterer, and a person with a hoarding disorder?

The answer lies in the reasons for the accumulation of stuff, the effect that the behaviour has on the person's life, and the amount of control that the individual has over the behaviour.

The Compulsive Hoarder

-compelled to constantly accumulate stuff.-the material goods accumulated appear to others be useless or of limited value.-unable to get rid of clutter. Trying to declutter creates dramatic emotional responses that the hoarder finds unpleasant and wants to avoid.-the accumulation of stuff creates cluttered living spaces that prevent the space from being used for its normal activities.-there is significant impairment in the ability to live a normal life.-does not perceive clutter to be annoying and may in fact find comfort in it.-social isolation often results from the hoarding disorder.-the hoarding behaviour continues despite the negative social, emotional, and physical consequences that result.

The Clutterer

-accumulates things almost unintentionally. "I have no idea how it got like this."-lacks organizing skills or does not apply them consistently.-may have difficulty with setting priorities.-lacks assertiveness skills such as saying "no"-does not make timely decisions.-cannot categorize and sort items in a meaningful way.-may be motivated to get rid of clutter but unsure of how or where to begin. In other words the clutterer can "see" the clutter but is overwhelmed by it.-may experience shame at their inability to control and create order in their physical space.-often has emotional attachments to accumulated objects and will use rationalizations or excuses as to why it should be kept.-may have underlying emotional issues such as depression and anxiety.

The Collector

- engages in accumulating specific objects.- regularly attains and disposes of the collected items through sale or trade, sometimes for monetary gain.- socializes with others who place similar value on the collected items.- continues with collecting because it adds value, interest, and meaning to life.- displays collected items with pride.- is often able to categorize and sort collected items with precise categories and labeling.

Clearly there are differences between collecting, cluttering, and compulsive hoarding that show the differences in the pride and pathology that can be both the cause and effect of accumulating stuff.

0

Cell Phones for Kids - A Boon or Bust for Family Communication and Self Reliance - Family - Parenting

Cell phones for kids are becoming a social norm, but are you helping or hindering family communication and independence in your child when you purchase a cell phone for their own personal use?

There are many marketing messages that are used to promote the notion that cell phones for kids will improve your family life. Each message can be countered with the argument that having a cell phone may interfere rather than help your family communication and building of capacity for independence in your child.

Message #1 - keeping in touch with your children is a way to promote family communication.

The importance of communication in establishing a health family life cannot be underestimated but is talking to each other a lot the way to do this?

In actual fact cell phones for kids do nothing to improve family communication because talking a lot does not necessarily result in good communication. If you want to establish good family communication a lot more than technology is required.

What is communication exactly? Communication is about making sure you are understood and that you understand others. It has nothing to do with being able to talk to somebody whenever you like. Good communication is established by how you listen to and talk to your children, not by how often you talk.

What children really need, and want, is to be heard and understood. They need to be certain that you think they are so important that you are willing to take the time to sit down and listen to them.

Message #2 - You can feel closer and more connected as a family.

Creating meaningful relationships is actually better accomplished through face to face contact. Non verbal communication and connection with other people is extremely important in establishing true rapport and understanding.

You need to actually be in the presence of someone else to get all the nuances of what they are saying.

Message #3 Cell phones for kids help to build independence because you can let them do more things on their own and still keep track of them.

Being able to be in contact with parents all the time may actually interfere with self reliance and personal problem solving capacity. Instead of having to rely on the consequences of personal decisions your child has a constant lifeline for help, so why not use it?

Cell phones for kids act as a umbilical cord that may prevent the independent spirit and skills that are needed to be away from you.

If you are wondering if cell phones for your kids is a good idea, you might want to balance this decision with some of these negatives that come from having you instantly available to your children through the modern technology of wireless communication.

0

How To Design A Website With Effective Copy - Business - ECommerce

The Jones Company was founded at the turn of the last century. Unfortunately for them, their website looks like it was written at the same time. Being in business for decades is a testament to good business practices. However, The Jones Company needs to remember it's a new century and their website should reflect that.

Writing effective web copy isn't easy. But good copy is essential to ensuring that your visitors can understand how your website works and what it can do for them.

People don't read websites the same way they read print material. There are three key characteristics that affect how web users react to online content.

Web users are active, not passive: One click and they're gone. If they don't see a reason to stay on your site, they'll leave - in as little as 15 seconds after they get there.

The longer the text, the less likely they are to read it: and the faster they'll skim it, if they bother to skim it at all.

They don't believe hype. If you want a web user to believe what you say, you have to back it up.

To be effective, your web copy must take these characteristics into account.

There are four basic questions a user has that you must answer on every page: "What am I doing here," "How do I do it," "What's in it for me," and "Where can I go next?". If your site's navigation and design doesn't make the answers obvious to even a first-time visitor, then you should use copy to explain them.

Don't count on your site's visitors to figure things out for themselves, half of them won't bother to try, and half the rest won't succeed.

Unless a visitor arrives at a particular page on your site expecting to find something to read, he or she probably won't read more than one or two lines of text. And the longer the text, the less likely he is to read any of it. Don't add long copy to any page where your visitors aren't looking for it.

The complexity of your copy matters as much as its length. Make sure visitors can understand short copy on its first reading, without stopping to think about it.

Think local. Imagine you are ready to buy something. It could be a car, a bicycle or simply a good cup of coffee. You do a Google search and realize that there is a store that sells exactly the item you want. There's one problem though...it's in another state.

This is the problem that your customers run into when they are searching for you! Local Listings solve this problem because they are only displayed to local customers - people who are searching in your own zip code or city.

Increase visibility. Consider the fact that mobile web usage has increased almost 500% from last year. You can bet most of these users are looking for services or products that are nearby. The same is true for regular computer users. If you aren't optimizing for Local Search you may be missing on a tremendous opportunity and thousands of dollars in sales.

Most SEO companies will optimize your website for your local address (if they don't, drop them and call another SEO company), but most likely they are only optimizing for the 'natural listings' and not for Local Listings. Trace Media can optimize your local listings to give you increased exposure on Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. Traffic = Increased Conversion Rates

If you really want to take advantage of users looking for local businesses, you need to be submitted to as many local directories as possible. This will not only give you increased visibility across the web, but will also help improve your local Google ranking

So whether you have been in business for a century, a decade or a week, don't be one of those companies whose website looks like it is gasping its final breath. Instead be pro-active and give it frequent check-ups so it remains healthy and thriving.

0

Stricker absent Phoenix Open - Sports - Golf

Steve Stricker, the world's second player from the United States, decided not to attend this week's Phoenix Open recently. His next game will be the WGC-CA Championship. This means that people will not see his shadow in the greens of Honda Classic next week.

Steve Stricker is the champion of this year's Northern Trust Open. It was by virtue of this victory that he surpassed Mickelson in the world rankings and became the world No.2. But in last week's Accenture World Match Play Championship, he was swept out of the green by Ross McGowan, the British player in the 64th place at the first round. Thus, he became the second top player who was beaten by the lowest ranked player. The first one is Woods beaten by Peter O'Malley from Australia in 2002.

Stricker's name had been earlier on the list announced by Phoenix Open, but finally he decided to return to Wisconsin home for two weeks' relax. The reason for which Stricker changed his idea might be that he had played in the TPC Scottsdale (TPC Scottsdale) Golf Club course 12 times. However, he squeezed into the top 10 only once and it was in 2001. Stricker did not participate in this race in the past two years. In addition, it seems that Stricker was seriously hurt by his quickly lost to McGowan in the first round last week. McGovern's entering into the top 64 might be attributed to the absentness of Woods and Mickelson. In the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, the British managed into the 30-foot par putt in the 19th hole and permitted into the top 64 while Stricker became the seed eliminated in the 1st round.

Padraig Harrington made the same decision as Stricker. He will also rest for two weeks and then return to the United States to participate in another World Championship - CA Championship. Coincidentally, Harrington was eliminated in the first round last week's World Match Play Championship. He lost to Jeev Milkha Singh from India by 3 and 1.

0

Leeds Festival 2009 Line up - Arctic Monkeys - Entertainment - Music

Arctic Monkeys Leeds Festival Tickets are an English alternative rock band from High Green, a suburb of Sheffield, England. Formed in 2002, the band currently consists of Alex Turner (lead vocals, guitar), Jamie Cook (guitar), Nick O'Malley (bass guitar, backing vocals), Matt Helders (drums, backing vocals) and John Ashton as a touring member (keyboard, guitar, backing vocals). Former members include Andy Nicholson (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Glyn Jones (lead vocals, guitar).

Their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, released in early 2006, became the fastest-selling debut album in British music history, surpassing Oasis's Definitely Maybe and remains the fastest-selling debut album for a band in the UK. Since then the band have released two more albums: Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007) and Humbug (2009).Arctic Monkeys Leeds Festival Tickets are heralded as one of the first acts to come to the public attention via the Internet (fan-based sites rather than from the band), with commentators suggesting they represented the possibility of a change in the way in which new bands are promoted and marketed.

In 2001, neighbours Alex Turner and Jamie Cook learned how to play the guitar, later the two boys received guitars as Christmas presents, the pair formed a band with Turner's schoolmates Andy Nicholson and Matt Helders. Nicholson already played bass guitar, so Helders ended up playing drums - "that was all that were left... they all had guitars so I bought a kit after a bit." According to an interview with Blender magazine, Turner was not the original singer of the band, but instead, Glyn Jones, another attendee of Stocksbridge High School, used to be the frontman. Jones said that he and Turner "were bored [after our GCSE exams] so we started writing a song about a geek in our year...", and that he left the band because he "did not have the dedication to take it any further... to me we were just a gang of kids messing around because we were bored."

Although reports suggested they named themselves after Helders' uncle's (or even father's) band, Helders later admitted that "so many people asking us that in the UK, so we just started making stories up", and that he just didn't have the heart to tell the original reporter he'd been lying.

They began rehearsing at Yellow Arch Studios in Neepsend, and played their first gig on 13 June 2003 at The Grapes in Sheffield city-centre.

After a few performances in 2003 the band began to record demos and burn them into CDs to give away at gigs, which were promptly file-shared amongst fans. The group did not mind, saying "we never made those demos to make money or anything. We were giving them away free anyway - that was a better way for people to hear them. And it made the gigs better, because people knew the words and came and sang along." admitting that they did not even know how to get their songs onto the Internet.

When asked about the popularity of the band's MySpace site in an interview with Prefix Magazine, the band said that they were unaware what it was, and that the site had originally been created by their fans. "[When we went number one in England] we were on the news and radio about how MySpace has helped us.

For Further Contact call us on 0044(0)207494 3245OrE-mail us on

0

Hillary Clinton Pretends to Berate Israel and Benjamin Netan Yahoo! - Spirituality - Religion

We are watching the Washington Jerusalem two step. Only the excruciatingly feeble minded would believe that Hillary Clinton is actually and truthfully berating Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu. The glaringly obvious orchestration of this week's Middle East events is being conducted by Leonard Bernstein and Itzhak Perlman. It is to throw the Arab Street a bone.

Those familiar with search engine optimization know the importance of keywords on Google, Yahoo! and Bing Crosby, aka Father Chuck O'Malley. The important keyword in this story is "1600". 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is The White House, the home of change we can believe in. A black President, the son of a Muslim, in the middle of the war on terror, is certainly change. Imagine Ayatollah Khamenei appointing Pee Wee Herman President of Iran. How about Dr. Dolittle?

Last week Joe Biden went to Israel to make peace in the Middle East.

While he was there, Israel approved 1,600 new housing units in East Jerusalem. There are already 500,000 Jews living there and in the suburbs. Israeli and Palestinian leaders haven't spoken in a year. Recently, Israeli and Palestinian leaders had agreed to hold indirect proximity talks. If you have no idea what that means join the club. Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had no idea that the 1600 houses were being approved in East Jerusalem. There is nothing on the face of this story that is remotely believable, and yet it has sent the Palestinians, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and the Quartet into absolute shpilkus mode. It is possible that it was a practical joke by a member of the Shas Party, a Jewish affiliate of the Tea Party.

In law, it is not only important that justice be done; it is equally important that justice be seen to be done. In "As You Like It", written in the sauna, William Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages... then a soldier full of strange oaths..jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, seeking the bubble reputation, even in the cannon's mouth; and then the justice, full of wise saws and modern instances, and so he plays his part; a world too wide for his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, turning again to childish treble, pipes and whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, that ends this strange eventful history, is second childishness and mere oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans (without) everything."

9/11 was the prelude to Iraq and Afghanistan. "1600" is the prelude to Iran. Our leaders have almost turned America into Weimar Germany, victims of depression, poverty, willing to fight, to go for broke. "1600" was planned for years, at Annapolis. It gives the United States the opportunity to appear even handed to the Arab League, our allies against Iran. Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton on behalf of Barack Obama are scathingly scolding Israel and Benjamin Netan Yahoo! "How dare you Jews build houses in East Jerusalem! We haven't even had time to slice the mortgages into derivatives yet! What were you thinking?!"

Oil and water don't mix. The United States, Europe, Russia and China run on oil and gasoline. Hillary Clinton has not been sleeping for the past year, but it has been hard to hear her above the drone of Health Care Reform aka The Insurance Company and Pharmaceutical Company bailout. Peace is hard to see because it is invisible. The papers don't print, "Chicago wasn't nuked today!" However, behind the scenes, (if you call winning the Nobel Peace Prize behind the scenes), President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Secretary Clinton have made incredible steps towards world peace in one short year.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Scripture of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, God said to the founder of Judaism, Abraham, "I Am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess...Know this for certain, that your offspring (the Jewish People) shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs, and shall be slaves there, and they shall be oppressed for four hundred years; but I will bring judgment on the nations that they serve, and afterwards they will come out with great possessions. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham saying, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt (the Nile) to the great river, the River Euphrates (the Green Zone), the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, (Mo the Hittite hit.239 in 1939 for the Dusseldorf Braves), the Perezzites (founders of great hotels), the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebbushusites." (Genesis 15: 7-21).

Nuclear scientists will tell you that nuclear world war III will be followed by nuclear winter then ultraviolet summer and the extinction of life on Earth forever. This is why the U.S. and the Soviet Union never attacked each other with nuclear weapons, because of MAD, mutually assured destruction. The problem today is that this concept has been too hard for Ayatollah Khamenei to grasp.

President Obama is about to come from behind and win like Zenyatta. Dial back a year. John McCain was saying, "Whenever I see Vladimir Putin I think of only three letter: K, G and B." John McCain was singing "Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran at town hall meetings. This was understandable given the disaster of a nuclear armed Iran. The problem was that John McCain and the Bimbo Sarah Palin were planning to attack Russia for its incursion into its own states in Georgia. Then President Obama got elected and pulled out George Bush's missiles in Poland and the Czech Republic, President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin turned on Iran, and President Obama and President Medvedev became best friends. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been shuttling back and forth between Moscow and Jerusalem.

President Obama gave Ayatollah Khamanei every chance but he was rebuffed. Ayatollah Khamenei spit in President Putin's face. Today the bunker busters are being delivered to Israel. Hillary Clinton has been saying for a year, "I cannot believe how now all of the major players are now on the same page on Iran."

The Middle East Quartet was formed to solve the Israel Palestine problem. Right now Iran (Hamas) controls Palestine. Iran is the head of the snake controlling Palestine (Hamas), Lebanon (Hezbollah) and Iran is threatening to take all the Middle East oil. The Quartet is a foursome of Russia, the European Union, the United Nations and Tiger Woods. The quartet slammed the 1600 homes (a Tiger Slam). Two days ago Jordan's King Abdullah (one of our teammates) met in Moscow with President Medvedev. This week on Friday March 19 the Quartet, Ban Ki Moon, Hillary Clinton, Catherine Ashton, and President Medvedev are meeting in Moscow, to discuss how to divide up the Middle East Oil after Iran has been taken care of, and Israel finally has a true partner for peace - the world. Either that or we all go up in smoke. It's one or the other. Do not ever underestimate President Obama - he comes from behind like Zenyatta.

0

Stroke Hand Recovery Levels Up With Computer Games - Health

Computer games have now leveled up from mere sources of entertainment and networking to medical tools that aid hand recovery of patients who suffered mild stroke. All thanks to doctors and engineers dedicated to help stroke survivors attain mobility.

Move With ARMThe University of Hampton have developed a system called ARM (Assessment, Rehabilitation, Movement) that stroke patients can use with computer games while playing at home. Stroke patients will be retrained with hand and arm functions that have been paralyzed by the stroke. They will be attached with electrodes on their skin that contract appropriate muscles during electrical stimulation.

Once initiated, stroke patients will be able to successfully perform tasks by moving a joystick that will track their movement in a 2-dimensional plane on the computer screen. Stroke patients will do repetitive tasks, which in time, will improve voluntary movement, reduce the need for artificial stimulation, and give a much better chance of recovery.

ARM is based from the idea of industrial robots and the Iterative Learning Control technique to help stroke patients regain the movement and control of their hand and arm. It is the first to provide a thorough method to rehabilitate the upper limbs as most rehabilitation processes focus on the lower limbs or on walking. It is a new technique in control theory that addresses the challenges of rehabilitation through electrical stimulation.

ARM is actually an initiative of therapists, doctors, engineers, and psychologists from the University through the leadership of Dr. Jane Burridge from the School of Health Professions & Rehabilitation Sciences and in partnership with the School of Electronics and Computer Sciences. With their research lasting for 3 years from 2005, ARM now provides hope to stroke survivors--even those who suffered stroke years before.

Retrain With HapticsA similar initiative to ARM was implored by the Houston Rice University under the leadership of mechanical engineer Marcia O'Malley, called Haptics. The only difference is that it gives stroke patients the freedom to move as they please. Haptics relies on the perception of touch, which allows them to feel their environment and be guided with correct movements. It also banks on video game controllers through the use of a joystick.

Play With RutgersUnlike Haptics' joystick therapy and ARM's electrical stimulation, Rutgers developed a rehabilitation system by modifying the Microsoft Xbox video game and teaming it up with the gaming glove of Essential Reality P5. Engineers at Rutgers tinkered with the equipment to work with the glove through a new software that will enable stroke patients to recover hand functions with finger flexing exercises.

Computer games now give joy to stroke patients as they recover from their mild paralysis. It's just really amazing how ordinary computer games can now work for the betterment of man and augment stroke rehabilitation. These computer-aided rehabilitation systems now provide new doors of opportunities for the discovery of other ways of recovering paralysis in other parts of their body.

0

Thailand Phuket Hotel - Give a Lavish Touch to Stay in Phuket! - Travel - Travel Tips

Phuket is an exotic island located south-west of Thailand that has been the centre of attention among tourists from all countries of the world for many decades. Phuket has been blessed with its fair share of natural beauty as lush green tropical forests, some of the most stunning white beaches in the world and the exquisite shores of Andaman Sea are enough to mesmerize any visitor in a matter of seconds.

Despite the fact that natural beauty of Phuket is simply out of this world, as a tourist you still need good accommodation to add comfort to your stay away from home. Luckily for you, Phuket is second to none when it comes to luxurious accommodation facilities as you can easily stay at a Thailand Phuket hotel. Living in a Thailand Phuket hotel will offer you a chance to experience glamorous and lavish lifestyle that is often attributed to exotic tourist destinations like Phuket.

As a tourist planning to spend your vacations in the serene natural environment of Phuket, you have the luxury of choosing a Thailand Phuket hotel from a vast collection of hotels standing tall in breathtaking settings. Some of the prominent hotels in Phuket include Banyan Tree Phuket, The Sarojin, The Racha, The Aspasia Phuket, Burasari Resort, Movenpick Resort and Spa and The Royal Phuket Yacht Club.

Phuket is a unique location on the face of Earth as this island offers many white sandy beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon beach, but there's more to Phuket than exotic beach resorts. If you are interested in taking a closer look at the culture, architecture and history of Phuket and Thailand, you should also visit Thailand National Museum, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Sirinat National Park, Wat Pra Tong, Wat Chalong, Phuket Aquarium, Wat Pra Nahng and Phuket Zoo. Two spectacular works of nature, the Bang Pae and Ton Sai waterfalls are also two greater tourist attractions.

Phuket is a hustling bustling island as it has international visitors arriving throughout the year. Whether you desire lavish accommodation or an economical package, you can get the suitable Thailand Phuket hotel on this striking island. This fact makes Phuket an ideal tourist resort for wealthy tourists as well as for those who have a limited budget.

After spending your day-time in Phuket visiting the exotic beaches and other attractions, the island has plenty to offer when the Sun goes down as places like Dance 2000, Timber Hut, Michael's Bar, O'Malley's Irish Pub, Banana Disco, Rock World and The Shark Club promise a great nightlife. The fact is that Phuket is 'THE' place to be if you want to enjoy nature's true colors along with the warm local hospitality offered in any Thailand Phuket hotel.

0

CA To Acquire Cloud Computing Solution Provider 3Tera - Internet - Web Hosting

ISLANDIA, N.Y., March 25, 2010 - CA, Inc. (NASDAQ:CA) today announced the completion of its acquisition of cloud-computing pioneer 3Tera, Inc., whose AppLogic offers an innovative solution for building cloud services and deploying complex enterprise-class applications to public and private clouds. Terms were not disclosed.

With 3Tera-which follows CA's recent acquisitions of Cassatt, NetQoS and Oblicore-CA continues to aggressively expand its portfolio of solutions to manage cloud computing as part of an integrated information technology management program.

According to the CA.com website "CIOs can use cloud computing to build and manage a new type of IT 'supply chain' across today's virtualized internal and external technology infrastructure," said Chris O'Malley, executive vice president of CA's Cloud Products and Solutions business line. "3Tera technology is a powerful addition to the total solution CA provides for optimizing these high-value supply chains-from the mainframe to the cloud."

Bird Hosting has been at the forefront of the cloud computing movement, consistently evolving the infrastructure that clients rely upon for the fastest, most reliable, affordable and environmentally conscious web hosting solutions possible with the most technologically advanced hardware and software presently available for commercial deployment.

"We will continue to work with our extensive contacts at 3Tera and look forward to becoming further acquainted with the CA team as well" said Michael Wallace, President of Bird Hosting. This latest acquisition follows CA's recent acquisitions of Cassatt, NetQoS and Oblicore which demonstrates that their company is keenly aware of the full potential of cloud computing for their clients and ours. That's excellent news for everyone involved."

Corporations, Not-For-Profit Organizations and private entities are all encouraged to contact for further information regarding these developments and a detailed explanation of the many ways that cloud computing can move your digital properties forward by leveraging the next generation of hosting solutions which are becoming available right now for early adopters.

0

Jack Markell - News - Business News

Early life and familyMarkell grew up in Newark, Delaware, and graduated from Newark High School and Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, earning degrees in economics and development studies and receiving an MBA degree from the University of Chicago. As a child, he attended Camp Galil, a summer camp in the Labor Zionist youth movement, Habonim Dror. He is married to Carla Markell, and has two children, Molly and Michael. Professional and political careerMarkell served as Vice President for Corporate Development at Nextel, and helped to lead the movement to wireless technology. His other work experience included a senior management position at Comcast Corporation as well as posts as a consultant at McKinsey and Company, Inc. and as a banker at First Chicago Corporation. Treasurer of DelawareMarkell was first elected State Treasurer of Delaware in 1998, unseating four-term Republican incumbent Janet C. Rzewnicki, and was re-elected in 2002 and 2006.As State Treasurer , Markell led the development of several educational efforts in personal financial management, known collectively as "the Financial Literacy initiatives." He created the Delaware Money School, which offers free classes to Delawareans throughout the year on topics such as saving for college and retirement planning. He also began the elaware Bank at School Program which takes banks and financial education to schools. In a third program, he partnered with the University of Delaware, Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship, as well as several Delaware banks, to teach young children the basics of money and savings.In 2001 Governor Ruth Ann Minner chose Markell to chair the Information Services Task Force, which developed and implemented recommendations to modify the state's management of information technology. In 2002 he led an effort to streamline and coordinate the procurement of goods and services while using state-of-the-art purchasing techniques. He also led the ealth Rewards initiative, which offers Delaware state government employees comprehensive physical assessments, detailed statistics about how their health compares with their peers across the country, and recommendations about how they can improve their health. 2008 Gubernatorial campaignMain article: Delaware gubernatorial election, 2008On June 6, 2007, Markell officially launched his candidacy for Governor of Delaware, setting up a primary with Lt. Governor John Carney. Markell raised 1.5 million dollars in contributions from almost 3000 individuals. Beginning in the summer of 2007, Markell released fourteen policy papers on issues ranging from energy to health care to education.Markell won a come-from-behind victory over Carney, with 51.2% of the vote, on the September 9th Primary. The General Election was rather uneventful, with Markell facing 2004 Republican Nominee and former Judge William Swain Lee. Markell defeated Lee by more than 25%. Governor of DelawareAccording t o The News Journal, the installation ceremony was held in the middle of the night to comply with the requirements of the state constitution that the governor be inaugurated on the third Tuesday of January and to allow Delawareans to enjoy the historic event that would occur later that day: the inauguration of President Barack Obama, and his vice president, Delaware Joseph R. Biden, Jr. A traditional swearing-in ceremony was held the following day on Legislative Mall in Dover, Delaware.Markell entered office with an unprecedented budget challenge, facing a deficit of almost $800,000,000. One of his first actions was to cut his own salary by 20%. Markell announced his plan to balance the budget, a Constitutionally mandated action, in March of 2009. Avoiding lay-offs, the Governor's plan included an 8% pay cut for state employees, legalization and taxation of sports betting, over $200 million worth of cuts, and revenue enhancements on such things as liquor and tobacco.After fai ling to obtain an initial majority in the state House of Representatives, the Markell's sports betting proposal was approved on a second vote in May of 2009. Legislation legalizing sports betting was quickly approved by the state Senate and signed by the Governor. Initial estimates of revenue for the state from sports betting were between 50 and 60 million dollars. Current revenues estimates are lower following a decision by the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals banning single game bets.Following late night budget negotiations at Legislative Hall, a compromise budget was passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor at 4 AM on July 1st, avoiding a budget crisis and government shut-down. Several states in similar circumstances were unable to meet their budget deadlines and were forced to cut or close down many government offices and programs.Following through on several campaign promises early in his term, the Governor signed landmark energy legislation, aiming to reduce Delaware's energy consumption by 15% by 2015, updating building codes, and mandating that renewable energy be considered first when expanding supplies. Markell also approved legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, insurance and employment, ending a ten-year battle.Markell proposed and signed major educational reform initiatives, including abolishing the controversial Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP), establishing a pilot program to reward improving schools, and passing legislation to improve transparency and autonomy within school districts.In addition to reduced state revenue, the current economic environment has driven rising unemployment. In response, Markell initiated several economic development initiatives, including the LIFT Program, meant to ensure the survival and growth of small businesses.Markell administration has emphasized the need to combine business expertise with the advantages of a small state: the ability to respond rapidly and flexibly to opportunities and close-knit, cross-sector communities. This has been especially apparent in response to several serious challenges, including the shutdown of Chrysler plant in Newark and the closure of GM plant in Wilmington.Governor Markell facilitated the acquisition of the Newark Chrysler plant by the University of Delaware (UD) to build a research and technology campus that may generate both employment and local innovation. UD President Patrick Harker has stated: ur goal over time is to construct high performance facilities that support the University's Climate Action Plan and restore portions of the land and natural features.12]Following the closure of the GM plant in July 2009, Markell and his team pursued Fisker Automotive. Although in competition with several other states, a deal was signed to reopen the facility after just over two months of negotiations. Fisker will invest a minimum of US$ 175 million in upgrading the plant. Pro duction of hybrid sedans will begin as early as 2011 for the domestic market as well as for export through the Port of Wilmington. Fisker anticipates that the process will create approximately 2,500 jobs and contribute to Delaware effort to compete in the reen economy.13]Delaware General Assembly(sessions while Governor)YearAssemblySenate MajorityPresidentpro temporeHouse MajoritySpeaker2009-2010145thDemocraticAnthony J. DeLucaDemocraticRobert F. Gilligan AlmanacElections are held the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The Governor and State Treasurer take office the third Tuesday of January and each has a four-year term.Public OfficesOfficeTypeLocationBegan officeEnded officenotesTreasurerExecutiveDoverJanuary 16, 1999January 18, 2003TreasurerExecutiveDoverJanuary 18, 2003January 16, 2007TreasurerExecutiveDoverJanuary 16, 2007January 20, 2009Election resultsYearOfficeElectionSubjectPartyVotes%OpponentPartyVotes%1998TreasurerGeneralJack A. MarkellDemocratic103,40758 %Janet C. RzewnickiRepublican74,63342%2002TreasurerGeneralJack A. MarkellDemocratic147,39066%Ronald G. PoliquinRepublican75,34434%2006TreasurerGeneralJack A. MarkellDemocratic174,38270.5%Esthelda R. Parker-SelbyRepublican73,00329.5%2008GovernorPrimaryJack A. MarkellDemocratic37,84951.2%John C. Carney, Jr.Democratic36,11248.8%2008GovernorGeneralJack A. MarkellDemocratic266,85867.5%William Swain LeeRepublican126,66032.0% Notes^ Tepper, Rachel (August 27, 2009). "Ron Bloom: Car Czar in the Labor Zionist Tradition". Baltimore Jewish Times. /index.php/jewishtimes/article/ron_bloom_car_czar_in_the_labor_zionist_tradition/. Retrieved 2009-08-29.^ /archive/elect08/elect08_primary_election/html/election.shtml^ /events.shtml^ ^ ^ ^ ^ /news/2009/07july/20090729-energy.shtml^ /news/2009/07july/20090702-equalrights.shtml^ /news/2009/08august/20090813-education.shtml^ /news/2009/04april/20090420-lift.shtml^ /udaily/2010/nov/chrysler112309.html^ /ssinsider/bbdeal/Driving-Home-for-Thanksgiv ing.htm ReferencesCohen, Celia. "A healthy competition between Jack and John". Delaware Grapevine. /1-06stateofstate.asp.State of Delaware. "Biography". /governor/biography.shtml.The News Journal. Markell leads Carney in campaign funds External linksDelaware's Governor Jack Markell official state siteFollow The Money - Jack A. Markell Campaign Contributions2006 2002 Treasurer2008 GovernorProject Vote Smart - Jack A. Markell (DE) profileJack Markell Delaware State Treasurer official campaign siteCredit-card fees costing state millions Delaware Online, September 9, 2002 Places with more informationDelaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965Newark Free Library; 750 Library Ave, Newark, Delaware; (302) 731-7550vdeCurrent governors of U.S. states and territoriesALRiley (R)AKParnell (R)AZBrewer (R)ARBeebe (D)CASchwar zenegger (R)CORitter (D)CTRell (R)DEMarkell (D)FLCrist (R)GAS. Perdue (R)HILingle (R)IDOtter (R)ILQuinn (D)INDaniels (R)IACulver (D)KSParkinson (D)KYBeshear (D)LAJindal (R)MEBaldacci (D)MDO'Malley (D)MAPatrick (D)MIGranholm (D)MNPawlenty (R)MSBarbour (R)MONixon (D)MTSchweitzer (D)NEHeineman (R)NVGibbons (R)NHLynch (D)NJChristie (R)NMRichardson (D)NYPaterson (D)NCB. Perdue (D)NDHoeven (R)OHStrickland (D)OKHenry (D)ORKulongoski (D)PARendell (D)RICarcieri (R)SCSanford (R)SDRounds (R)TNBredesen (D)TXPerry (R)UTHerbert (R)VTDouglas (R)VAMcDonnell (R)WAGregoire (D)WVManchin (D)WIDoyle (D)WYFreudenthal (D)DCFenty (Mayor) (D)Territories:ASTulafono (D)GUPerez Camacho (R)MPFitial (Cov)PRFortuo (NPP/R)VIde Jongh (D)Republican 26* Democratic 29 Covenant 1 New Progressive 1** Fortuo is a member of two parties.vdeGovernment of DelawareU.S. Senators U.S. Representatives Governors Lt. Governors Attorneys General State Senators State Representatives Judges MayorsGeneral Assembly Counties Cit ies and communities Hundreds Politics Elections Politicians Lawyers History Categories: 1960 births | Living people | People from New Castle County, Delaware | Brown University alumni | University of Chicago Booth School of Business alumni | Delaware businesspeople | Delaware Democrats | State treasurers of Delaware | Governors of Delaware | Jewish American governors

0