Providing CDM Coordinator Training Seminars For Your Workers To ...

Company seminars usually require time off from work. When your company asks you to participate in a seminar, it is comparable to winning the sweepstakes exploring the so-called destination. Seminars really are a kind of work without having too much effort other than participating. Besides, workshops are informative activities which show the way companies are looking into improving the effectiveness of their employees. It shows that they care to fund or hire CDM coordinator training for your work staff. At times, establishments have inspirational speakers to interpret the many areas of work ethics.

An advantage of employment training or seminar, apart from getting workers really feel loved, is that it would make them choose to stay. Having seminars are educating individuals how to fish rather than giving someone the fish. Staff will typically shirk participating in seminars if they believe they'd gain nothing at all from it. The one who suffers are the ones who really show up as they'll share what they have or have not learned throughout the training session. I've got my portion of that. Co-workers ask me what went down throughout the workshop these people skipped deliberately. I usually reply that there seemed to be nothing new, only revisions, and was fine overall.

There are actually fun workshops and there are okay seminars. There's this specific speaker regularly requested during our seminars for delivering the humor. He begins by means of asking those who are attending a relevant question about the topic. If the subject was CDM coordination specialists, he would choose a term coming from there and ask what exactly it is. In this case, he'll go for specialist. He provides the answer before people miss out on the point and humiliate their own self.

Humor and motivation maximize efficiency of each and every employee or staff member. When they feel driven, it will show in the competence of the services or products they provide. This, as a result, helps to make the establishment look really good. Even though inspiration is one thing productive people build, often there should be a source for this. Working hard nine to five is normal routine and individuals could come to feel stuck and so they need support coming from their managers or employers who's expected to handle their well-being.

Training courses could also make your work area safer. If industrial CDM co-ordinators train the safety division of companies, their very own employees are going to do their role to improve workplace safety. Safety requires attention instead of quick reads. I am aware of a number of friends who work in customer care firms and they reveal just how safety fundamentals are only five minutes of their weeklong workshops. They read a module, answer this short quiz right after, forget about sharing significant information, and after that proceed to the next topic.

I asked one good friend what she'd do in case their own computer units will explode in fire, she answered that she'd quickly freak out. In any industry, safety and security is as important as work and updated office systems. Only if individuals care about safety, a business or company can boldly move forward to new methods and technologies.

Source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/1313779/providing-cdm-coordinator-training-seminars-for-your-workers-to-ensure-office-safety.htm

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Utah Legal Immigration: Do I need an attorney to help me file for ...

(Updated 3:00 p.m. pst.? Thanks to the ever watchful eye of Mo Goldman who spotted a couple of factual errors.? Thanks Mo and keep up the good fight!)

The simple answer is Yes!? The more complicated reason is: why?

On June 15, 2012 President Obama made his historic announcement that certain young people who came to the U.S. (generally referred to as" DREAMers") can apply for deferred action for a 2 year period and obtain legal work authorization.? To qualify the applicant must:

1. Have come to the United States under the age of sixteen;
2. Have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years preceding June 15, 2012 and are present in the United States on June 15, 2012;
3. Currently be in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
4. Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
5. Not be above the age of thirty.

Following the announcement, there was a great deal of speculation and confusion about what the application would look like, how difficult or complex it will be to complete, and whether or not an applicant would need legal representation to successfully apply.? These questions proved impossible to answer as very little information was provided by the Department of Homeland Security, who merely indicated that they would begin processing applications on August 15, 2012.? The lack of information, however, didn't stop enterprising individuals--both attorneys and non-attorneys-- from advertising to potential applicants and even to accept money to prepare forms that didn't even exist, making claims about "the new law", "being first in line", etc.? The sensible and prudent attorney was advising potential applicants to hold off until more details emerged and counseled them to begin to assemble the paperwork that would support their eligibility.?

However, in recent days more information is beginning to come to the surface and with only a couple of weeks until the August 15th date, things are getting a little clearer.?

Filing process.? While the actual Form itself is not yet published, the information necessary to complete the form can be deduced from the initial June 15th memo.? Examples of these documents can be found at our sister site: www.dhsdeferredaction.com.? There already exist several forms that ask for the information, including the G-325, I-821, and the I-765.? However, since the application would seem to be more document driven than simply information driven, it seems certain that any application would must include a significant amount of documentary evidence.? According to a USCIS source, the applications would be sent to a central lockbox (likely Phoenix or Chicago) before being routed to a USCIS service center.? It is estimated that between 800,000 and 1.4 million (and growing) applications will be filed.? It would take 2-3 months for receipt notices to be generated and biometric notices would following in another 1-2 months.? After that, the processing time for the DA form would be anybody's guess and interviews may be scheduled in the local district office if further information becomes necessary (particular criminal issues).? Following that the employment authorization would be processed.? According to the USCIS source, it is likely that RFE's (requests for evidence) would be issued in most cases. ? It is important to understand that if a case is denied, THERE IS NO APPEAL!!!

Filing fees.? In keeping with DHS policy that the costs of the application process be covered by the filing fees so as not to burden U.S. taxpayers, fees will be charged.? The biometrics fee is currently $85.? The employment authorization fee is $380.? Speculation is that because there is insufficient time to conduct a fee impact study there will be no further intial fee beyond the $465.? A story in U.S. News and World Report (http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2012/07/24/dhs-deportation-proposal-could-cost-585-million) cites an internal DHS document that mentions a $465 paperwork fee, so it's looking more and more like the fee would be $465.

Use of documents for enforcement purposes.? Here is a potential problem.? This program has been identified as a DHS program, not a USCIS or ICE program.? In a recent stakeholder meeting one USCIS official indicated that any information filed under this program becomes DHS property.? This is unlike the Legalization program of the 1980's where there were specific shields in place to protect against using the information for enforcement.? This is clearly not the case here!? An example of how this could become a problem is as simple as an applicant indicating that they worked with a social security number (which may have even been their own).? On inquiry the person discloses that they told their employer in the I-9 process that they were a U.S. citizen, or provided someone else's U.S. birth certificate.? Under current law, the immigration consequences could be catastrophic.? Of possibly more concern is disclosing the immigration status and identifying information including addresses of parents.? It is certain that they CAN use this information, it is unclear if they would, or under what circumstances.? Conceivable if there are outstanding removal orders it may be of more interest to ICE.

The need for an attorney.? It is the practice of this attorney and most ethical ones that I am familiar with to charge for consultations.? That is because then we can use that time to honestly and objectively advise a client as to their particular problem without having to worry about how we can pay our own obligations at the end of the day.? I have always believed that a lawyer who provides free consultation either has a large trust fund behind him/her or will use that time to explain why the potential client needs their services (whether they really do or not).? I will frequently tell people that their case is straightforward enough that if everything they have told me is the complete truth, they probably won't need an attorney because after having represented thousands of clients over 25 years, I have a pretty good idea what makes a clean case.

One factor I consider in advising whether or not a client can self-represent is how difficult it is to correct a later problem.? Because in most applications there is an appeal process, many if not most problems can be fixed. Because in these cases, there will be no appeal mechanism, the application must be as complete and correct as possible.? Yet the application should be careful not to reveal too much information that later may be used in enforcement efforts.

In additional to some complex filing procedures mentioned above, there is still so much to be decided, including what exactly will constitute a "significant misdemeanor offense" or a "threat to national security or public safety" (which will make an applicant ineligible for deferred action), applicants need to have any criminal activity carefully reviewed in light of current immigration laws and standards, not some vague community standard or someone's reasonable hunch. The Department of Homeland Security is notorious for their expansive definitions of criminal behavior, including recently finding that tattoos make a person a threat to public safety because they may look like gang tattoos.

No one, and I mean no one, can say what will happen to this program in the future.? DHS has repeatedly said that deferred action is not a "benefit" meaning to me that even if an individual has been granted deferred action, they could still take it away during or after the two years. ? DHS refuses to indicate whether or not a denied or expired applicant will be placed into removal proceedings, instead they simply refer to a series of confusing and self-conflicting memoranda on prosecutorial discretion which even they privately admit is open to wide interpretation. ?

One thing is certain:? the information provided incident to this application will be digitalized and then becomes available not only to USCIS, but also to ICE and CBP.? Whatever a person tells DHS will be used for whatever purposes they deem proper, including enforcement. This warning is not meant to discourage applicants from applying, but rather to exercise extreme caution in providing evidence and information.? Extreme caution is not exercised by guessing, or by consulting a notario, a personal injury attorney, a family friend, a consulate, or even a community activist.? It is not enough to be well-intended!

The future well being of an applicant and possibly that of his family necessitates that the applicant consult with and retain the services of an experienced immigration attorney.? It should happen now, even before the August 15th acceptance date because there will be a rush of filing and the later a case gets filed, the later it will be adjudicated.? Attorneys will tend to charge whatever the market will bear.? Some attorneys are charging hourly rates, others are charging a minimum initial retainer to consult with and assemble documents with the understanding that more money may be required later, depending on what the final process looks like, or if there is an interview.? Still others are quoting flat fees for the entire process (which is difficult if you don't know what that process is).? Lawyers (unlike notarios or immigration consultants) in most jurisdictions are subject to regulation and cannot charge more than can be justified by the time and complexity involved in the case.

In closing, in this author's opinion, an applicant should quickly obtain the services of a competent, experienced attorney.? At a minimum, the attorney should be a member of AILA (the American Immigration Lawyers Association), and should be open about the length of time in immigration practice and the numbers of cases they have processed.? Services such as www.AVVO.com can be helpful tools, but like everything else in life, look before you leap.? Google the attorney and find out as much as you can.? But in the end and applicant will not be sorry if they get representation to help with this important step in their life.? Good luck.

Source: http://utahlegalimmigration.blogspot.com/2012/07/do-i-need-attorney-to-help-me-file-for.html

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Gene fusion is behind deadly brain cancer

Treatment for a lethal form of brain cancer could be on the horizon after the discovery that the cancer can be formed by two genes fusing together. People with the disease could potentially benefit from drugs that block the activity of a protein produced by this wayward fusion.

Cancers can be sparked by a number of genetic mutations, including disruptions to single parts of a gene that either over-stimulate or castrate an important protein. But some cancers arise when two entire genes are accidently fused together during natural cell replication. The protein that the fused genes code for performs some of the functions you would expect of it but does so in new locations or contexts. "They do their thing, but incorrectly," says Anna Lasorella at the Institute for Cancer Genetics at Columbia University, New York.

Lasorella and her colleagues studied the genes involved in a lethal form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. About 3 per cent of the glioblastoma tumours they looked at were caused by the fusing of two genes.

On its own, each gene has an important but benign function. When fused together the two wreak havoc during cell division. The protein that the fused genes code for latches onto the spindles that pull freshly replicated chromosomes into two new cells during cell division. The interference means that instead of an even division, the cells end up with different numbers of chromosomes: a phenomenon known as aneuploidy. "It's a well-known hallmark of cancer," says Antonio Iavarone, also at Columbia.

Having identified this mechanism, the team wanted to check that the fused genes actually cause this form of cancer. So they injected the newly formed protein into the brains of healthy mice. Ninety per cent of the mice went on to develop the expected glioblastomas.

The team then administered a drug that blocked the activity of the new protein. In doing so, they were able to double the mice's survival time.

Because the protein is specific to the cancer cells, the team predicts that drugs to target it would cause minimal damage to healthy cells.

Journal reference: Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.1220834

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Kenya ? Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts ? 2012 ...

July 26, 2012 by admin ? ?

Internet subscriptions almost double in 12 months

Kenya?s telecommunications and broadband market is undergoing a revolution following the arrival of three fibre optic international submarine cables (Seacom, TEAMS and EASSy), ending its dependency on limited and expensive satellite bandwidth. The country?s international bandwidth increased more than eleven-fold in 2011. Prices had already fallen significantly following the liberalisation of international gateway and national backbone network provision in 2005, but they have now fallen by more than 90%, enabling cheaper tariffs for telephone calls and broadband Internet services. However, ISPs have only reluctantly passed on the cost savings to end-customers, which has prompted the industry regulator, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) to consider price caps. In parallel, the regulator has mandated price cuts on interconnection tariffs and proposed new competition regulations.

Companies that started out as ISPs ? such as AccessKenya, Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Wananchi ? are transforming themselves into second-tier telecom companies by rolling out national and metropolitan fibre backbones and wireless broadband access networks, offering converged voice, data and video/entertainment services. At least six major deployments of WiMAX technology are underway, and third generation (3G) mobile broadband services have been launched. Advanced services such as IPTV/triple-play, e-commerce, e-learning and e-government are now rapidly evolving.

The country?s incumbent fixed-line telco, Telkom Kenya, is revamping its infrastructure and services under the Orange brand with fresh capital from its new majority shareholder, France Telecom, and it has also re-entered the mobile market. A simplified and converged licensing regime introduced in 2008 has lowered the barriers to market entry and increased competition by allowing operators to offer any kind of service in a technology- and service-neutral regulatory framework. Several fibre infrastructure sharing agreements have been forged.

A price war has characterised Kenya?s mobile communications market since 2008, following the market entry of the third and fourth network, Econet Wireless Kenya (EWK, in which India?s Essar acquired a stake), and Telkom Kenya under the Orange brand. Subscriber growth is now forecast to slow gradually over the coming years, and rapidly falling ARPU levels have driven one of the incumbents, Zain (which was subsequently acquired by Bharti Airtel), deeper into negative earnings, leaving only the market leader, Safaricom, with a net profit, although reduced. Financial performance has improved again in the 2011 financial year.

The operators are developing new revenue streams from third generation (3G) broadband and mobile banking services, and the leading operator has begun LTE trials. With market penetration rates in Kenya?s broadband and traditional banking sector still very low, the mobile networks have an opportunity to relive the phenomenal growth rates seen in the voice sector in recent years.

This report contains an overview of Kenya?s mobile, fixed-line, Internet and broadband market, its emerging digital economy, profiles of the major players in all market sectors, relevant statistics, analysis, and forecasts for the mobile and internet market to 2013 and 2016.

Market highlights:

Internet subscriptions almost doubled in 2011;
Fibre optic internet connections grow by more than 300%;
Decreasing ARPU under intense competition between four mobile networks;
Improving financial performance despite price war;
Strong growth in mobile data revenue from broadband and m-banking services;
Landing of international fibre bandwidth has revolutionised the market;
International internet bandwidth increases more than eleven-fold in one year;
Competing national fibre backbones enabling converged voice, data and video services at lower prices;
Profiles of major players in all market sectors;
The rebirth of Telkom Kenya under the Orange brand;
The emergence of new second-tier telcos;
Fibre infrastructure sharing agreements;
LTE trials;
Forecasts for Kenya?s mobile and internet market to 2013 and 2016.

Original Post Kenya ? Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts ? 2012 update source Researchmoz Market Research
Telecommunications and Wireless Reports

Source: http://www.rssfeeddirectory.co.uk/2012/kenya-telecoms-mobile-broadband-and-forecasts-2012-update/

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EYES ON LONDON: Queen's wardrobe and trash talk

LONDON (AP) ? Around the 2012 Olympics and its host city with journalists from The Associated Press bringing the flavor and details of the games to you:

___

QUEEN'S HAT

The latest tempting bet: The color of the queen's at Friday's opening ceremony. The shortest odds ? at 3 to 1 ? are on blue. Or will she go for the patriotic number and have the red, white and blue of the Union Jack? That fetches an eye-catching 50-1 at one bookmakers.

?Ian Phillips ? Twitter http://twitter.com/phillipsian

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LIVE MUSIC SURPRISE

There will be live music acts at more than 650 sporting events, organizers say, but they're refusing to say who and where. Among the surprise bands: Pet Shop Boys, Scissor Sisters, Rita Ora, Sub Focus, and Rizzle Kicks.

?Maria Sanminiatelli ? Twitter http://twitter.com/SanMin68

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IN-EAR COMMENTARY

Struggling to understand the rules of an obscure sport? Too much going on all at once at track and field? London organizers are selling small ear devices that will walk you through what's happening out there. Cost: 10 pounds ($15)

?Maria Sanminiatelli ? Twitter http://twitter.com/SanMin68

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LESS ATTENTION, BUT IT'S OK

The American beach volleyball players walked into their news conference Wednesday lean, fit and the center of attention. But when the bulk of the questions were lobbed at the women players, a reporter gamely asked the men if they felt overlooked.

"I'm perfectly OK with it. They are way prettier," said reigning gold medalist Phil Dalhausser, recognized most for his 6-foot-9 frame and bald head.

?Jenna Fryer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/jennafryer

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TALKIN' TRASH:

Minnesota Timberwolves teammates Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio are suddenly rivals.

Love plays for Team USA while the injured Rubio is cheering on his native Spain in the Olympics. Rubio tweeted before the two teams played an exhibition game on Tuesday night in Barcelona, "(at)kevinlove are you ready to lose to Spain tonight?"

Then the Americans put a 100-78 thumping on the Spaniards and Love tweeted him a simple and stinging retort. "How'd that work out for you, buddy?"

?Jon Krawczynski ? http://www.twitter.com/APkrawczynski.

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A PRINCE AMONG VOLLEYBALLERS

Beach volleyball appears to be the trendy sport right now, with London abuzz that Prince Harry apparently has tickets to some matches.

Count the young American duo of Jennifer Kessy and April Ross among those stoked about his possible presence. Kessy pumped her fist in excitement when told Harry is rumored to be going to the venue.

"We've been tweeting," Ross said, laughing.

"We've been putting his name out there for some time, but no contact yet," Kessy chimed in.

Both women said they'd be in favor of any members of the royal family attending, and they'd welcome a photo opportunity.

Added Ross: "Harry or Kate, especially."

?Jenna Fryer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/jennafryer

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LIFEGUARD CHAIRS

Overnight some new furniture has arrived In the Olympic Park. High chairs with pink seats have popped up along the walking routes. They look exactly like one used by lifeguards and even have covers to protect the occupant from the sun or rain. See a photo here: http://www.whosay.com/fergusbell/photos/207017

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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HELLO FROM BARCELONA

AP's Eddie Pells checks in from a former Olympic city:

Hello from the Olympic City. Wait, did I get on the wrong flight? I'm in Barcelona.

OK, it's a small vacation before heading to London for the real action, but it's hard not to think "Olympics" here in what has arguably become Spain's hottest tourist spot over the past 20 years, since the Olympics changed the way that both the world views Barcelona and Barcelona views the world.

As one tour guide put it to me: Before the Olympics, Barcelona used to live with its back to the water; after the Olympics, it faces the water. Likewise, before the Olympics, Barcelona lived with its back to the world, and since the 1992 Games, the city welcomes the world.

All this becomes clear while touring the famous Sagrada Familia ? the still-unfinished church designed by the iconic architect, Antonio Gaudi ? or by taking a stroll along the Plajita de la Barceloneta, which, pre-1992, was underused waterfront that was redesigned and turned into a beach in anticipation of the Olympics.

Spain, as we all know, is suffering these days. A look at the latest headlines tells us about an unemployment rate nearing 25 percent and a growing number of state-like regions, including Catalonia, where Barcelona is the capital, that can't afford to maintain all the infrastructure that has sprung up over the last two decades or so.

Sad news. And these days, there are big questions as to whether Barcelona can afford to keep its arms open to the world and remain the city it grew into when the Olympics came to town.

?Eddie Pells ? Twitter http://twitter.com/epells

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THIS WAY

London's supremely helpful Olympics staff and volunteers are taking nothing for granted. Everyone in the sprawling media center knows the way to their office by now ? but this man shows no sign he's going away any time soon, despite the heat. See the photo here: pic.twitter.com/CVTRDhhx

?Neil Neusten ? Twitter http://twitter.com/capt_nimmo

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THE QUEEN WILL BE GETTING HIGH

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is about to scale new heights.

Royal officials say the queen will whiz to the top of London's Orbit tower during a visit to the Olympic Park on Saturday.

The queen and her husband, Prince Philip, will take in the panoramic views from atop the 115-meter (380-foot) landmark. The tower ? a ruby red mass of twisting steel that some have likened to a crushed rollercoaster ? has divided opinion: some say bold, others eyesore. The queen will be accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne ? but not by her oldest son Prince Charles, a vocal opponent of edgy modern architecture.

The royals also are due to meet competitors and catering staff at the athletes' village.

?Jill Lawless ? Twitter http://twitter.com/jilllawless

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NO-TWITTER ZONE

What's Britain's star gymnast Louis Smith doing now that he's sworn off Twitter? Shaving his head, apparently.

Smith, who's become a crossover star since winning Britain's first Olympic medal in 80 years in Beijing, showed up for Wednesday's podium training freshly shorn, sporting a military-style flat top. Looks like he's cleaned up the facial hair, too.

Smith said Monday night that he's keeping away from Twitter for the rest of the games.

?Nancy Armour ? Twitter http://twitter.com/nrarmour

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VANTAGE POINT

There are always things happening in the athletes' village, but unless you have the correct accreditation you have no chance of seeing it.

Shoppers at the mall next door, though, have found a little loophole.

One of the entrances is elevated and faces out over the village. This means a constant crowd of shoppers and loiterers standing around in the prime position for a sight of the goings on.

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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REMEMBERING MUNICH

Widows of two Israeli Olympians killed by Palestinian gunmen at the 1972 Munich Olympics hope silence will speak volumes at Friday's opening ceremony.

Ankie Spitzer and Ilana Romano are asking spectators to stand and hold a minute of silence when International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge rises to speak at Friday's ceremony. They say they want to show the IOC it was wrong to deny the athletes a spot on the program.

"They were killed at an Olympic venue. They should be honored there," said Spitzer, widow of fencing coach Andrei Spitzer, who died in the Munich attack.

They have gathered more than 100,000 signatures for the moment of silence and count President Barack Obama among their supporters.

The IOC has decided against holding a moment of silence during London's opening ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the attack by Palestinian gunmen that killed 11 Israeli team members. Israeli and German government officials and the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee have urged the IOC to hold such an observance.

?Danica Kirka ? Twitter http://twitter.com/danicakirka

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NO STRIKE

Lots of people are coming to London from overseas, and it now looks like they're going to have fewer problems getting in.

A British union has just called off a strike planned for Thursday by immigration staff at London's Heathrow Airport. Authorities had feared a walkout over pay and job losses would throw the Olympics into turmoil. Authorities this week urged the workers to consider the damage such action would inflict on Britain's image with the world watching.

?Raphael Satter ? Twitter http://raphae.li/twitter

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CARTOGRAPHIC CONUNDRUM

When it comes to the Olympics, geography can be politics.

Georgia's National Olympic Committee is fuming over two Russian athletes, born in what was then the Soviet Union's republic of Georgia, describing their place of birth as breakaway republics that Georgia and the international community do not recognize.

"Politics should not meddle in sports," says Georgiy Asanidze, a member of Georgia's Olympic Committee.

The games' official website lists Russian wrestler Besik Kudukhov's place of birth as "South Ossetia, Russia." The place of birth of another wrestler Denis Tsargush, born in the town of Gudauta, is also listed as Russia. Abkhazia and South Ossetia threw off most Georgian control in separatist wars in the 1990s, but Georgian authorities retained control of swaths of South Ossetia and a small piece of Abkhazia until the 2008 war with Russia. Afterward, Russia recognized their independence, as did Nicaragua, Venezuela and a handful of tiny Pacific nations.

?Misha Dzhindzikhashvili, Batumi, Georgia

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THE GREATEST

Will he? Won't he? British newspapers have buzzed with speculation that Muhammad Ali may have a role in London's Olympic Opening Ceremony on Friday.

The 1960 heavyweight boxing gold medalist and former world champion is in town this week, but looks far too frail to play a significant part in director Danny Boyle's spectacular on Friday night.

At an award ceremony on Tuesday, Ali was helped onto stage and sat largely motionless. Parkinson's disease has stolen the 70-year-old's once-world-beating strength and quick reflexes and frozen his beautiful face into a mask. Ali did not speak at the ceremony.

Among those who hope Ali will make an appearance, however brief, at the Opening Ceremony is Tyrone Monaghan. His father, Paddy, a bare-knuckle boxer, struck up a long friendship with Ali when both were younger. On visits to Britain, Ali regularly would drop by the Monaghans' house ? to drink tea, chat and even spar with Tyrone.

"There are so many great things about him," Tyrone says of Ali. "You can't sum it up in one sentence."

?John Leicester ? Twitter http://twitter.com/johnleicester

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WEASLEY'S TORCH

At least he'll be right at home with fire.

Among Wednesday's Olympic torch carriers through the streets of London: Rupert Grint, who played Harry Potter's faithful friend Ron Weasley in the Potter movies.

Grint, 23, will be carrying the torch briefly at Middlesex University shortly after lunch.

?Danica Kirka ? Twitter http://twitter.com/danicakirka

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Wednesday marks the first day that London's usually aggressive drivers have to respect the unpopular "Games Lanes" ? known informally as Zil lanes, after the Russian limos ? or face a stiff fine.

There were fears of massive tie-ups as two-lane motorways were effectively cut in half to make way for the "Olympic family" vehicles allowed to use the special lanes, so many commuters seem to have switched to public transport to avoid the hassle.

On the A40 highway into central London, rush hour traffic was lighter than usual, and the Zil lane was completely empty save for a few black BMWs and a couple of truck drivers who didn't seem to have got the message.

As the road spilled onto Marylebone Road near Madame Tussauds wax museum, a large electronic sign told motorists they were free to use the Games Lanes at that point, but few ventured over the imposing double-width, solid line painted on the roadway for the Olympics period ? despite the reassurances, they were apparently afraid that London's ubiquitous traffic cameras would cause them to be fined.

Eventually, as traffic slowed and a second sign said all lanes were open, drivers crossed the line and normal traffic patterns resumed.

?Greg Katz ? Twitter http://twitter.com/Gregory_P_Katz

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EDITOR'S NOTE ? "Eyes on London" shows you the Olympics through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across the 2012 Olympic city and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/eyes-london-queens-wardrobe-trash-talk-124121684--oly.html

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Report shows US drought rapidly intensifying

ST. LOUIS (AP) ? A new report shows the drought in the nation's midsection is rapidly intensifying and shows no signs of abating.

The U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows the range of the drought in the continental U.S. has increased only slightly in the past week.

But the severity is worsening. The report shows that the amount of U.S. land classified in extreme or exceptional drought jumped to more than 20 percent, up 7 percent from last week.

More than 63 percent of the continental U.S. is in some stage of drought, a portion unseen since the Drought Monitor started 1999.

Illinois is one of the hardest hit states. It saw its percentage of land in extreme or exceptional drought balloon from 8 percent last week to roughly 71 percent this week.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-07-26-Drought-Severity/id-6c0d6e5342944816abb6f84f678ba7a3

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Energy Improvements to South Shields homes to Lift Residents out ...

Wednesday 25th July 2012 - 3:08pm

Dave Cutting (South Tyneside Homes), Chris jones (South Tyneside Homes), Beryl Chapman (tenant),Chris Noble (South Tyneside Homes) and Andrew Tipping (Narec)

Energy improvements to South Shields homes to lift residents out of fuel poverty ?

?Residents from Marsden, South Shields have this week opened their newly refurbished homes to show-off energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy technologies, installed as part of a collaborative ?1.9m European Regional Development Funded (ERDF) Project.

?A total of 136 ?Tarran Newland? ? non-traditional construction ? socially rented, post-war properties, managed by South Tyneside Homes are planned for improvements in South Shields. To date, 51 homes have been fitted with PV panels, loft and external wall insulation, and energy efficiency boilers as part of measures which are estimated to deliver heating savings of up to ?800 per year and electricity bill savings of ?200 per year for residents.

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Lincoln Road and Marsden Lane in South Shields is one of three areas benefitting from the ERDF project being managed by the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec). 3 high-rise blocks of flats in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear and 54 Homes for Northumberland properties, in Blyth, Northumberland have also been selected for energy efficiency improvements and are being fitted with solid wall insulation, smart meters and secondary heat exchangers. ?

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Beryl Chapman, a Marsden resident from South Shields said, ?The external wall insulation which has been fitted has really improved the look and feel of my home. I am also noticing a reduction in my energy bills since the improvements have been made; this is because the house is so well insulated I don?t need to have the central heating turned on very often. The house is much warmer and more comfortable to live in too.?

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The project aims to lift local residents out of fuel poverty, while reducing carbon emissions and improving the quality of life of residents.

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Mark Whittle, Director of Investment, South Tyneside Homes said, ?ERDF funding is helping?to take hundreds of vulnerable families out of fuel poverty. This project is part of long-term investments being made by South Tyneside Homes to provide more cost-efficient homes for tenants.

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?The Decent Homes improvement work to non-traditional homes is one of our biggest and most challenging programmes. The feedback that we have had from tenants is very positive, not just about the new internal improvements, but also how the external work has improved the thermal efficiency of their homes. We were delighted to show representatives from Narec and other companies the examples of best practice and partnership working we are adopting, and how the on-going works have improved people?s lives, as well as estates.?

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The effectiveness of modifications and their impacts on the behaviour of residents such as the energy required to heat a home to an adequate level and the number of residents lifted out of fuel poverty are being monitored and the data analysed by the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec). This greater understanding will help to inform future improvements in relation to the performance and utilisation of low carbon, innovative energy products as well as how best to apply low carbon products in socially rented prefabricated properties.

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Helen Hampson, Microrenewables ERDF Project Manager, Narec explains, ?The data is being collected over a 2 year timeframe to provide greater knowledge of the impact of these microgeneration technologies and efficiency improvements in improving the existing housing stock and this learning will be applicable to social landlords, local authorities and private homeowners. This project also relates to the soon to be launched Coalition Government?s flagship Green Deal project which encourages improvements to be made to properties which will save energy and reduce costs. Both initiatives will make a significant improvement to the energy efficiency of North East homes and help tenants to make substantial energy savings.?

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As part of the project local businesses are also being given the opportunity to visit the properties so they can see first-hand the houses at various stages of development and improvements being made. It is hoped that this will help to generate a greater understanding of new technologies and their application and encourage more businesses to expand or diversify into the microgeneration and low carbon technology market.

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The project will benefit from ?1.9m of investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013 is bringing over ?300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.

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Notes to editor

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The Project

The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) is working in collaboration with South Tyneside Homes and Homes for Northumberland to make energy efficiency housing improvements in over 300 socially rented hard-to-treat properties.

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The total value of the investment which includes ERDF and match funding provided by South Tyneside Homes and Homes for Northumberland is ?3.83m. The ERDF funding received was to install low carbon and renewable energy technologies and systems into selected properties helping to improve the housing stock in the region and regenerate off-gas or non-traditional construction properties. The impacts of the interventions are also being monitored and analysed as part of the project.

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As Project Manager, Narec is responsible for delivering the following:

• Management of cash flows and outputs, project claims and payments;
• Facilitation of joint procurement activity;
• Product testing and monitoring;
• Dissemination of project outcomes;
• SME engagement;
• Delivery of capacity building and skills activity with SMEs.

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Project completion date is November 2013 with project outcomes expected to include:

• Retrofit of low carbon products in over 300 properties;
• Reduction of fuel poverty for residents in over 300 properties;
• SME assistance to improve skills development and performance;
• Jobs created and safeguarded.

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The analysis of the data collection and reports on the impacts of the interventions will be published in the pre-works report on the 31^st August 2012.

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The Green Deal

The Green Deal will provide support to homeowners who cannot achieve significant energy savings without an additional or different measure of support. Under the Green Deal there is no need to pay upfront for energy efficiency measures and instead the cost of the measures should be covered by savings on the electricity bill. For further information visit:

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/green_deal/green_deal.aspx ??

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South Tyneside Homes

South Tyneside Homes (STH) is an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) which manages the housing service on behalf of South Tyneside Council.

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STH manages 18,949 homes through a Board that is made up of four tenants, four council nominees and four independents. The day-to-day running of the company is delegated to a senior management team, headed by a Chief Executive. It manages the Council's Housing Revenue Account budget of ?45.5m and ?14.7m capital programme budget. It receives an annual management fee of ?9.2m to manage homes on behalf of the Council.

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STH are part of the ERDF Social Housing Energy Management project consortium with Homes for Northumberland and Narec.

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Homes for Northumberland

Homes for Northumberland manage Council housing stock in the former Blyth Valley Housing and Alnwick District Council areas.

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Homes for Northumberland manage homes on behalf of Northumberland County Council under the terms of a formal Management Agreement.

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This agreement sets out the functions and the standards of service that are to be provided. Tenants and leaseholders living in the homes which the company manages are tenants or leaseholders of the Council.

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Homes for Northumberland are part of the ERDF Social Housing Energy Management project consortium with South Tyneside Homes and Narec.

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Contact

For further information please contact Helen Edge, Marketing Executive, Narec.

Email - helen.edge@narec.co.uk

Tel - 01670 357602

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ERDF Funding

Narec has formed a consortium with South Tyneside Homes and Homes for Northumberland to deliver this project.

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The project will benefit from ?1.9m of investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013 is bringing over ?300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.

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Source: http://www.24dash.com/news/housing/2012-07-25-Energy-Improvements-to-South-shirlds-homes-to-Lift-Residents-out-of-Fuel-Poverty

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