11.25
Business Wire, Nov 24, 2009
JUNO BEACH, Fla. — Ranked No. 1 among utilities nationwide in energy efficiency, Florida
Power & Light Company (NYSE:FPL)is committed to helping customers manage
the energy they use every day. In celebration of the season, FPL is
issuing weekly energy efficiency tips through the end of 2009 to educate
customers about ways they can save around the house during the holidays.
FPLs Helpful Holiday Tips Part 1: Conserving While You Cook
It takes a lot of energy both physical and electrical to prepare
meals for family and friends during the holidays. Whether youre cooking
Thanksgiving dinner for relatives or baking cookies for an office
potluck, keep these tips in mind to minimize your electricity usage in
the kitchen:
-
Dont waste energy by unnecessarily pre-heating your oven. Some
foods, such as bread and desserts, require preheating, but holiday
meal staples such as turkey and ham dont. -
Keep the oven door closed. Ovens lose lots of heat when opened
and require significant energy to heat back up to the appropriate
temperature. Instead of opening the door to check on your food, turn
on the interior light and look through the ovens window. -
Oven-bake as many items together as you can. Although some
items may cook at different temperatures, many items can be cooked at
a standard temperature. -
Use smaller appliances such as crock-pots, microwaves and toaster
ovens when possible. These can be much more energy-efficient for
side dishes or small meals. -
Match the size of your pan to the size of the heating element.
For example, when using an electric cook top, a 6-inch pan on an
8-inch burner will waste more than 40 percent of the heat produced by
the burner. -
Choose glass or ceramic pans for the oven. These pans heat
faster than metal ones and allow you to set the temperature 25 degrees
lower than a recipe suggests for the same cooking time. -
When possible, cover your pots and pans. This can help cook
your food more quickly and keeps the cooking temperature higher, which
allows you to turn down the stove. -
Only use as much water as you need in a pot
fireplaces
11.24
Tire Business, March, 2009
Kudos to the software companies that are stepping up to help independent tire dealershipsincluding some that are no doubt struggling during this continuing recession.
As the news tracks the U.S. government’s attempts at stimulating the economy by providing funds to banks, auto makers and, yes, even insurance giant American International Group Inc. (AIG), three companies so far have decided to offer their own versions of “stimulus packages for the tire industry.
Computer technology services firm ASA Tire Systems Inc. was the first to offer dealers a jump start for their individual economies. Another information technology (IT) company, Signal Extraprise Corp., soon followed with its own version of a stimulus plan
florida auto insurance quotes
11.23
0 Comments | The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA, Nov 22, 2009 | by ROBERTA PAIGE
By Roberta Paige
Miriam Lyder, my mother, taught me by example to endure and to be solution-oriented when I encountered challenges. After my grandmother died, my mother took care of my grandfather until he died.
By herself, she took care of my father for a decade when he had dementia. When he died, she was prescribed continuous oxygen because she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
For a time, by following an exercise regimen and telling her doctor about a new medicine she found on the Web, she was able to cut back on her use of oxygen.
Now, she is 87 and is on oxygen continuously, but she continues to live independently and to help her friends.
My mother’s positive example was of particular help to me in 1975. I was asked to start the first hospice in a hospital in this country.
Saint Luke’s Hospital in New York City was to have a hospice unit but this turned out not to be possible.
Most people wanted to give up on the idea of a hospice in a hospital but one administrator asked me to come up with a new way of providing hospice care – something that would not involve a unit.
I began to pray with a chaplain and to look for a solution to the problems faced by people dying in hospitals.
The solution we came up with was the hospice team concept of care. Now, hospice teams are all over the world.
By Mary Louise Murray
I first encountered Dr. Lydia Patton during my interview for the city’s director of marketing job. She inspired me from the moment she entered the room. She was very well-spoken and very confident. As she spoke, she looked directly across the room at each and every person (panel of 10 directors) and captivated the audience.
Dr. Patton retired as deputy city manager in 2008 after working for the city for 22 years. She has continued in her retirement to change lives in Portsmouth.
Her day begins at 5:30 a.m. to assist 35 students on the I.C. Norcom High School football team by assuring they arrive to school on time and prepared for class. She then races off to Clear Channel, where she gives motivational words on 103 JAMZ. After she returns from the station, she volunteers daily at Norcom, where she is the honorary coach of the football team.
Dr. Patton also has been chosen as the honorary coach for the Georgetown University ladies basketball team. She travels there monthly to mentor the team and to spend time with her immediate family.
Dr. Patton set up her Facebook page in February with my help. Today, she has more than 1,800 friends here and abroad on the site. Each day she sends messages to 700 friends that inspire, give courage and focus on daily triumphs.
On October 8, 2008, my grandmother was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and I received a letter from the city manager that my position was being dissolved. It was the tipping point of my adult life.
As I drove away from City Hall at 2:45 p.m., Dr. Patton called and said, “A door has been opened for you.”
I asked her how could someone be so positive on the worst day of my life.
She then said to me: “Three years ago I hired a winner and a survivor; I hired you.” I have never looked back on that day as a day that was remorseful, but instead the day I discovered a true friendship with a person who has come to be my mentor. Today, we speak at least 2-3 times a week on our weekly goals and staying focused.
This special lady gave me true inspiration not to let anything in life stand in my way. AS THE HUSTLE and bustle of the season gears up, we collectively pause to give thanks. We give thanks for both the tangible and intangible, the big and the small, our friends and our families.
Today, Currents presents the essays of three readers who share with us their gratitude for the people who shaped their paths in a way in which thanks is forever due. By Sharon Salyer
When I was hired as a personal care attendant for Dr. Hugo and Mrs. Helen Owens in the summer of 2006, I never dreamed I would also benefit from the relationship – that in truth, we would be, in a way, caring for each other.
Each morning, I would wake these two dear people, one a retired dentist and activist and the other a retired teacher, with a poetry reading
vertical training
11.22
0 Comments | Daily Mail (London, England), The, Oct 13, 2009
ASK would love you to come and sample its delicious new menu, so is offering you the chance to enjoy any main meal for just [pounds sterling]1 when you buy another.
We have lots of gorgeous new dishes as well as plenty of old favourites, all inspired by the full flavour of Italy — why not try our juicy chicken cooked in Marsala wine or Salmone Rustico, made with the finest Scottish salmon? Whatever you choose, ASK is the ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy a perfect blend of fantastic food and great company. Who could ASK for more? So get some friends and family together, gather round a table in your local restaurant — and let ASK take care of the rest.
ASK ‘MAIN MEAL FOR [pounds sterling]1′ VOUCHER
THIS voucher entitles the bearer to one main course for [pounds sterling]1 when any other main course is purchased at any ASK or ASK Italian restaurant. Cheapest meal will be for [pounds sterling]1. Offer available Sunday to Thursday. Voucher is valid from Tuesday, October 13, 2009 until Monday, November 9, 2009. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and has no monetary value
hammock with stand
11.22
0 Comments | Daily Post; Liverpool (UK), Nov 21, 2009 | by ANDREW BALDOCK
WALES captain Ryan Jones wants a bold and ruthless approach from his team when they aim to rediscover their scoring touch against Argentina today.
Despite making a total of 17 line-breaks against New Zealand and Samoa during the past fortnight, Wales’ paltry reward for such adventure has been one try.
It has, though, proved the tale of Wales’ year.
Discounting the summer tour to North America and a four-try haul in their 2009 Six Nations opener away to Scotland, Wales have posted just five touchdowns in six Tests, and only two at home.
While Jones and company are braced for a fearsome physical challenge from Argentina’s revered pack, the skipper has no intention of being dragged into a dogfight.
“We really have to go for it when we have chances,” said the Ospreys number eight, who wins his 34th cap today, but first against Argentina.
“It’s the 50-50s that win you Test matches, and we are not that far away. We are only half a yard away with that pass, or whatever.
“We are doing all the hard work, but not getting the rewards for what we are doing.
“We have to take ownership, as individuals, of the errors we have made. As a team, we have to be more positive, be bold and put our necks on the line.”
Jones’ rallying call comes ahead of a tricky assignment for Wales, who have lost four of their last six Tests against the Pumas and currently find themselves one place below Argentina in the official world rankings.
And the South Americans are no strangers to success in Cardiff either, having recorded a 30-16 Millennium Stadium success eight years ago when rugby league imports Iestyn Harris and Anthony Sullivan made their Wales debuts.
After losing to the All Blacks and then edging out Samoa 17-13, Wales know they must go up a gear, especially with in-form Australia looming next Saturday.
“We are half a yard off it, and it is frustrating,” added Jones.
“We are doing all the hard stuff and we have only conceded one created try. We are making breaks and failing to score and putting teams away.
“Hopefully, we have addressed that, and if we are given half- chances, we have to take them.
“We’ve had success in the past when we have done exactly that. We have scored turnover tries and players like Shane Williams have capitalised on errors.”
Wales boss Warren Gatland has made six changes from the Samoa game, including a first home start for 21-year-old Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies, who replaces an injured Tom Shanklin
nature photography
11.20
Market Wire, November, 2009
Alexander Molyneux, President and CEO of SouthGobi Energy Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SGQ), announced today that, further to its news release of October 26, 2009, it has completed the US$500 million convertible debenture financing with a subsidiary of China Investment Corporation.
The net proceeds of the offering will be used to expand the company’s coal mining and exploration activities in southern Mongolia and for general corporate purposes.
About SouthGobi Energy Resources
SouthGobi Energy Resources is focused on exploration and development of its Permian-age metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in Mongolia’s South Gobi Region. The company’s flagship coal mine, Ovoot Tolgoi, is producing and selling coal to customers in China. The company plans to supply a wide range of coal products to markets in Asia.
Forward-Looking Statements: This document includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Plans to supply a wide range of coal products to markets in Asia; Conversion price; Conversion timing; and other statements that are not historical facts. When used in this document, the words such as “could,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “potential,” “should” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although SouthGobi Energy Resources believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements are disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in SouthGobi Energy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended Dec
credit card with cash back
11.20
PR Newswire, Sept 22, 2009
Crowdsourcing of payment experiences applied as alternative to high-priced commercial credit bureaus
BOCA RATON, Fla. and SAN DIEGO, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ — DEMOfall 2009 — Cortera(TM), a community-driven business information company, today unveiled the Cortera Credit Exchange(TM), http://www.cortera.com/, a new online service that, for the first time, blends business credit report data with user generated payment experience reviews and ratings from companies’ business partners. Designed to reinvent business credit reporting and improve the cash flow needed to fuel small businesses, the service represents the first ever community approach to commercial credit and financial data, part of the seven billion dollar (US) business information market(1). And by providing unprecedented transparency into the payment and credit behavior of tens of millions of public and private businesses — virtually every business in the US — it offers a social response to the lessons of the recent credit crunch. As a result, small businesses can tap into the collective knowledge of their peers to make the informed decisions necessary to manage credit risk, attract favorable payment terms, optimize cash flow, and capitalize on an economic recovery.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090922/FL79061)
Businesses rely on credit reports when evaluating clients, suppliers, and partners as the ability to pay bills in a timely manner has a direct impact on cash flow. But such reports, available from a handful of content providers, often prove cost prohibitive for many small businesses. In addition, the majority of credit bureaus base their credit ratings on a handful of a company’s financial transactions — typically payment experiences with only the largest of suppliers and businesses — ignoring millions of interactions with small businesses that could provide a more holistic view of a business’ payment behavior.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, representing tens of millions of companies and 99 percent of all US businesses. Yet their payment behavior — the very action that determines credit viability and yields favorable payment terms — remains virtually invisible to potential business partners,” said Jim Swift, CEO of Cortera. “This lack of transparency, combined with steep costs, too often leaves small businesses more vulnerable to risk than their larger counterparts and less attractive to potential business partners.”
The Cortera Credit Exchange is designed to harness the power of the small business community’s collective payment experiences, fundamentally shifting the way business credit is evaluated and providing greater visibility into a company’s financial interactions. Tapping its database of over 20 million public and private company locations in the United States based on thousands of trade payment contributors — covering over $150 billion in accounts receivable information — Cortera pulls this data together to provide a foundation for a specific credit report. It then complements this baseline credit information with the same types of ratings and reviews features that people have embraced on popular retail, travel, and dining sites, all focused on helping credit professionals to easily share their payment experiences while learning from the experiences of others. These community capabilities include:
-- the ability to review and rate a specific business using the popular
5-star scoring methods found on many community websites
-- the ability to write personal payment experience reviews and
commentary
-- the ability to report payment history information including total
balance, high balance, amount past due, days beyond terms and other
key metrics
-- the ability to contact specific reviewers for further follow-up and
peer-to-peer references
-- a distribution of ratings by industry and rating type
“Credit professionals have long relied on the experiences of their peers to make informed decisions and minimize credit risk
your credit score
11.20
Market Wire, November, 2009
Recognizing that both timeshare owners and
timeshare developers need a win-win option for reselling timeshare, two
industry leaders have stepped up with that winning solution. In a working
partnership developed to facilitate resell timeshare on the secondary
market, global timeshare advertising leader
Sell My Timeshare NOW has become the exclusive authorized timeshare
reseller for the popular New England resort brand, InnSeason Resorts.
As the Chief Executive Officer for InnSeason Resorts, William E. “Billy”
Curran, says, “Life changes and a family’s vacation needs change, too.
Timeshare owners are looking for a secure way to resell timeshare. Sell My
Timeshare NOW listens to timeshare owners and offers them realistic ways to
sell timeshare that no longer fits their lifestyle.”
Curran explains that one of the strongest markets for timeshare sales is
among people who already own timeshares, but that many timeshare owners need to sell
timeshare they no longer use before reinvesting in ownership that better
suits their current needs. Jason Tremblay, co-founder and CEO of Sell My
Timeshare NOW, sees the working partnership between the two companies as a
much-needed resource filling this gap for timeshare developers.
“Typically developers have focused on timeshare sales without a program for
timeshare resales
bariatric weight loss
11.20
0 Comments | Evening Standard; London (UK), Nov 13, 2008 | by DANNY BRIERLEY
A COSMETIC dentist with a practice close to Harley Street is facing claims he treated patients while suspended.
The General Dental Council’s fitness to practise team is looking for people who have been treated by Hans Lock since 10 September.
The council said he was under an “interim suspension” while an investigation is carried out and is barred from treating patients.
Mr Lock, a Dane, runs the Mermaid Clinic in Wimpole Street, Marylebone. He was suspended from the Dentists Register on 10 September.
The dental council said it took the action to “protect the public pending a full public inquiry into allegations made against him”. It is thought the suspension relates to Mr Lock’s indemnity cover and not to treatments or qualifications.
A spokesman for the dental council said: “If any patients have been treated by Mr Lock since 10 September, they should contact the GDC’s fitness to practise team.” Mr Lock was unavailable for comment..
11.20
Muscle & Fitness, Jan, 2010
BRIAN DEEGAN’S FIVE WORST CRASHES
1) Viva La Bam, 2005 “Well, the worst was the backflip that blew out my kidney and spleen in Pennsylvania.”
2) Winter X Games, 2004 “I crashed doing a 360 over a 100-foot ice jump. I broke my femur in four spots, broke both wrists and lost 2 pints of blood.”
3) NBC Gravity Games commercial, 1999 “I was hit by a [small remote-control] helicopter. I jumped and the helicopter flew over, and the blade hit me in the arm and the helmet. The blade left a big gash in my helmet, right above my neck. I was lucky it didn’t cut my head off.”
4) Daytona Beach Bike Week, 1999 “My first ramp-to-ramp jump
buy phentermine 37.5