Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill

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  • List Of Members Of Parliament September 2012
  • Submissions
    • Submission: Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill
    • Submission made online
    • Against forced child care from age 3
    • Don?t want our rights to raise our children taken from us
    • Children?s best interests would NOT be served by compulsory attendance at E.C. E. facilities
    • One size does not fit all.
    • The bill actively discriminates against beneficiaries
    • Blatant discrimination of those receiving a benefit
    • Young children do best in all aspects of life in the care of their family
    • Healthy people build healthy communities. Healthy family attachments build healthy people.
    • From a single Mother
    • ECE doesn?t seem to suit every child
    • It is institutional misogyny
    • I strongly disagree that children so young (3 years) need to be in Early Childhood Centre
    • From a Solicitor and Notary Public and mother of four children
    • Importance of establishing secure attachment relationships during infancy in order to optimise brain development
    • I feel my own family will suffer majorly if this Bill was to pass.
    • I am a 20 year old single male
    • For many children ?later? is better than ?earlier? when it comes to institutional education
    • Three year olds are far too young to be away from their parents
    • This is unfair and discriminatory
    • The Bill is discriminatory and marginalises beneficiaries
    • Motherless and Fatherless children of NZ forced to have the only parent they have taken away!
    • An enforced separation of parent and child at the hands of government in exchange for financial assistance is both cruel and contrary to the nature of our free society
    • Every child and every family is different!
    • This legislation targets good parents ? not the bad ones
    • The government is saying that because I?m a solo parent I?m unable to make the right decisions for my children
    • This is the worst kind of government interference into how people choose to raise their families
    • It is offensive that the job my mother has done and so many other single parents do, is so under-valued
    • ECE is not beneficial and is not and can not be a substitute for a caring, loving home environment
    • Trust good parents to make good decisions
    • I am a mother, not a babysitter and I absolutely oppose this bill
    • Trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, slavery and deception
    • This is invasive legislation discriminating against excellent parents and removing their freedom to raise their children in a secure loving environment and not going to achieve better lives for neglected children
    • This proposed bill will show the New Zealand Government to be punitive and untrustworthy
    • Children do not belong to the state
    • From Romania: Please learn from the mistakes others did in history! Thank you!
    • Children need to be with their family, and nurtured, they must not be treated as tools to force parents to comply with this bill.
    • I also believe it enforces the detachment of children from their parents at an age which can be detrimental for many
    • The bill falsely presumes that all beneficiaries? children are at risk
    • A child?s right is to be with their parents. To be loved and nurtured and protected.
    • Family Integrity?s submission
    • In it?s breadth it overshoots and impinges on the basic rights of dedicated and thinking parents such as myself
    • Please do the right thing and don?t sully New Zealand?s reputation: vote down this bill
    • It is a well researched, known and documented fact that it is parental involvement that makes the difference in regards to educational outcomes, not the institutional education of a child
    • Keep our mana intact, don?t steal our children
    • Reject compulsory ECE
    • From a small Home Education Support Group
    • This National government would be well advised and warned to examine carefully the agendas of those who have promoted, lobbied for and recommended the actions in this bill in order to maintain peace, good relations, civility and lawful behaviour in our communities
    • Introducing this bill will not achieve a healthy end result for the wonderful country we live in
    • Staying in the home saves everyone money including the government money in not having to fund ECE?s
    • New Zealand jails are full of people who went to school not people who were home-educated
    • Submission from the USA ? Author of ?Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys?
    • To be a beneficiary in Christchurch with an added ?bonus? of this reform will utterly destroy some
    • Those Who Would Give Away Their Children for Money, Deserve Neither Children NOR Money
    • I believe the Welfare Reform Bill to be invalid not only for human rights breaches but also as a Maori for the breach of Article 2 of the Treaty and the breach of the UNDRIP which was endorsed by government in 2010.
    • Home-educated children do HALF of all the BAD CITIZEN things and DOUBLE all of the GOOD CITIZEN things
    • Stephen?s submission
    • We are people, Real People
    • Home Education Foundation?s submission
    • I worked at an Early Childhood Center before our little ones were born, we would never send our children to an Early Childhood Education Center
    • The negative impact of early education is well documented and well ignored by government
    • What a step backwards this bill is!
    • If you are deprived of love and affection as a child then key areas of your brain which are responsible for your personality don?t get wired up correctly
    • Children, again are the victims ? and I call that child abuse
    • A good government does not come into people?s homes and tell them how to raise their children
    • We need your help

Source: http://hef.org.nz/2012/social-security-benefit-categories-and-work-focus-amendment-bill-3/

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The Weekend Update: Jet2, Sir Richard Branson, ski resorts & more ...

29 October 2012

What the Saturday papers said

Shares in Dart Group, which runs the Jet2 budget airline and package holiday group, rose after miserable weather and tightened family finances resulted in a surprisingly strong summer holiday season. Passenger numbers at its Jet2holidays package division almost doubled year-on-year to 312,000 as families opted for all-inclusive deals when trying to escape the wet summer (FT).

European airlines have been accused of obstructing passengers who seek compensation for delays and cancelled flights. Flight-Delayed.com, a website which offers assistance to passengers with claims, has come up against airlines that refuse to share information and others that reject all complaints out of hand (Telegraph).

Expedia?s share price soared on Friday after it reported solid quarterly earnings and raised its full-year earnings outlook. Smaller rival Priceline also rose, and its stock has gained 2.7% over the past five days (FT).

Alitalia stands to lose tens of thousands of pounds as a result of a computer error that allowed internet users to buy flights for next to nothing. The airline ran a promotion on its Japanese website, offering ?195 off selected flights, but a technical oversight meant thousands of customers were able to use the discount on other routes (Telegraph).

Rezidor Hotel Group, the operator of Radisson, Missoni and Park Inn, reported a 4.6% increase in third quarter revenue per available room and announced a ?15m cost-cutting programme (Times).

The ?6m St John Hotel in Leicester Square has fallen into administration only 18 months after opening. Kier Group, the contractor on the conversion of the former Manzi?s restaurant, confirmed it was still owed money for its work (Times).

Finnair said that it was likely to turn profitable this year for the first time since 2008, as a cost-cutting programme proceeded faster than expected (Times).

Glasgow airport workers got a surprise when they found a Mexican snake on a plane, after a passenger flight from Cancun. The staff remained ?remarkably calm? when they discovered the 18-inch snake under seats (Guardian).

What the Sunday papers said

Virgin Trains is planning a bid to run the East Coast main line when the franchise is put up for tender in the new year, Sir Richard Branson has revealed. It had appeared likely that Virgin Trains would be wound up in December after the Department for Transport awarded a 15-year West Coast contract to rival FirstGroup ? but the franchising process was flawed and the contract was stripped from FirstGroup (Telegraph).

As he promoted the start of Virgin Atlantic?s London-Mumbai service, Sir Richard Branson flagged his intention to apply to also fly to Bangalore, Goa and Hyderabad. But he admits that such routes will only be a pipe dream unless Heathrow is expanded, due to the lack of available take-off and landing slots (Telegraph).

With 25 ski resorts in Europe and North America already open and significant snowfalls across the Alps this weekend, winter-sports pundits are cautiously optimistic that the 2012/13 season could be off to a cracking start. However, several tour operators indicate that some packages have been priced too high and will be cutting rates in coming weeks (Times).

Dertour will honour all remaining bookings ahead of its withdrawal from Britain at the end of the year. The German specialist blames falling profits for the demise of its UK operations (Times).

Tony Fernandes, the Malaysian tycoon who owns Air Asia and Queens Park Rangers, has teamed with Renault to launch a sports car company (Times).

The Indian conglomerate pursuing a takeover of Orient-Express has hinted that it might be prepared to raise its initial ?1.2bn bid. Indian Hotels, part of the Tata empire, has told Robert Lovejoy, Orient-Express?s chairman, the offer is based on publicly available data but it is willing to engage ?in a constructive dialogue? (Times).

Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotels, which offers rooms to cats for ?12 a day, has been so successful that founder Abi Purser is expanding the brand as a franchise (Mail).

The flagging health of Britain?s manufacturers and builders will be under the spotlight this week as the Bank of England?s rate-setters hunt for clues on the state of the economy. The latest snapshots of both sectors? fortunes are likely to dampen any euphoria over the recovery following the UK?s dramatic pull out of a double-dip recession between July and September, marking the strongest quarterly growth in five years (Independent).

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People

Traveldoo appoints Julian Mills to lead its new UK team?CTT Group promotes Clare Collins to director?Danny Talbot to stand down as managing director of Thomas Cook Sport to become MD of sponsorship activation agency Kempster?Intrepid Travel promotes James Thornton to managing director?Dale Keller named chief executive of the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK), succeeding Mike Carrivick?Blue Bay Travel appoints Maxine Rowland as head of sales & marketing and promotes Lauren Goostry to marketing & PR manager?South African Airways confirms new UK commercial and marketing team: Liam Quinn (business development manager); Jon Danks (head of UK marketing and communications); Stephen Gerrard (commercial manager); Matt Parr (leisure sales manager); Philip Ariss (corporate sales manager); and Kerry Farmer (online sales manager)?

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The Week Ahead

Monday 29 October
BAA Q3s

Tuesday 30 October?
Q3s: Avis Budget; TripAdvisor

Wednesday 31 October
decisionmakers.tv: Victoria Sanders, MD, Teletext Holidays
Q3s: Lufthansa
Ski & Snowboard Show, to 4 Nov
GfK consumer confidence

Thursday 1 November
Q3s: Morgans Hotel Group; Orient-Express Hotels Ltd

Friday 2 November
ETOA Global European Marketplace, Wembley
Q3s: Travelport

Source: http://www.e-tid.com/the-weekend-update-18/58942/

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China rare earths producer suspends output

BEIJING (AP) ? China's biggest rare earths producer has suspended production in an effort to shore up plunging prices of the materials used by makers of mobile phones and other high-tech products.

State-owned Baotou Steel Rare Earth (Group) Hi-tech Co. said in a statement released through the Shanghai Stock Exchange that it suspended production Tuesday to promote "healthy development" of rare earths prices. It gave no indication when production would resume and phone calls to the company on Thursday were not answered.

Beijing is tightening control over rare earths mining and exports to capture more of the profits that flow to Western makers of lightweight batteries and other products made of rare earths. China has about 30 percent of rare earths deposits but accounts for more than 90 percent of production.

Beijing alarmed global manufacturers by imposing export quotas in 2009. It also is trying to force Chinese rare earths miners and processors to consolidate into a handful of government-controlled groups.

Baotou Steel Rare Earth announced a similar one-month halt to production last October, also in an attempt to push up prices by reducing supplies.

The United States, the European Union and Japan have challenged China's quotas in the World Trade Organization as a violation of its free-trade commitments. Beijing has defended its controls as necessary to safeguard a scarce resource and minimize environmental damage from mining.

Rare earths are 17 minerals used in goods including hybrid cars, weapons, flat-screen TVs, mobile phones, mercury-vapor lights and camera lenses. The United States, Canada, Australia and other countries also have rare earths but most mining stopped in the 1990s as lower-cost Chinese ores came on the market.

The global economic slowdown has hurt demand, pushing down rare earths prices. Some manufacturers have been prompted by the Chinese controls to switch to alternative materials.

Beijing's trading partners complain its export controls push up rare earths prices abroad and give buyers in China an unfair advantage.

The price of one rare earth, lanthanum oxide, has fallen 65 percent on global markets since the start of this year to $15 per kilogram this week, according to Lynas Corp., an Australian miner. But that still is nearly double price of $9 per kilogram paid by buyers in China.

Other rare earths have shown similar price declines and a wide margin between prices in China and abroad.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-10-25-China-Rare%20Earths/id-f50bed83e9b44349b901e9dc78ccc3c5

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Video: Romney, Obama agree to agree

Sandoval's 3 HRs help Giants to 6-1 opener lead

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Pablo Sandoval became just the fourth player to hit three home runs in a World Series game, connecting twice against Justin Verlander and once off Al Alburquerque to boost the San Francisco Giants into a 6-1 lead over the Detroit Tigers after six innings of Wednesday night's opener.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/vp/49542012#49542012

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Prometheus Energy, Seneca Resources Enter ... - LNG World News

Prometheus Energy Group, a leading supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the industrial sector, announced it has entered into a long-term master agreement with Seneca Resources Corporation, the wholly-owned exploration and production subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Company, to supply LNG and related equipment and services for Seneca?s initiative to utilize clean-burning natural gas in its drilling operations.

Under the agreement, Prometheus will be Seneca Resources? exclusive turnkey LNG solutions provider, supplying LNG fuel through its established North American LNG network, providing onsite mobile LNG storage and vaporization equipment, and providing skilled local technician support to ensure operational reliability of LNG equipment.

In addition, the agreement will provide Seneca with an immediate reduction in fuel costs and air emissions (CO2, SO2, NOX), coupled with the operational flexibility required in today?s dynamic E&P market.

?Prometheus developed the world?s first LNG-fueled drilling rig solutions, and our market leading experience in the LNG-fueled drilling space makes us uniquely capable to address the major challenges of an evolving E&P operation while providing demonstrable value for our customers?, said Ron Bertasi, CEO of Prometheus Energy. ?We are extremely pleased to partner with a leader like Seneca Resources in providing a lower cost, cleaner burning natural gas alternative for their operations.?

?We are proud to be the first operator in the Pennsylvania Marcellus to launch such a program using dedicated natural gas engine technology. And we are equally proud to partner with industry leaders such as Prometheus Energy and our drilling equipment partner Ensign Energy Services Inc.,? said Steven Conley, Vice President of Drilling in Seneca?s Pittsburgh office.

Ensign, one of the world?s leading land-based drillers and well servicing providers for crude oil, natural gas and geothermal, operates 15 drilling rigs exclusively on natural gas in the United States.

LNG World News Staff, October 26, 2012

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Source: http://www.lngworldnews.com/prometheus-energy-seneca-resources-enter-into-long-term-lng-supply-agreement-usa/

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How T. Rex Ate Triceratops in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1: Get a good grip on the bony frill. Step 2: Rip off the head. Step 3: Nibble on the face. Step 4: Savor the delicate cuts at the neck.

This is how researchers say a Tyrannosaurus may have feasted on a Triceratops during the age of the dinosaurs.

A team of scientists led by paleontologist Denver Fowler from the Museum of the Rockies examined 18 Triceratops fossil specimens, mostly skulls, from Montana's Hell Creek Formation. All of the fossil bones had evidence of Tyrannosaurus tooth marks.

Scientists have found isolated remains of Tyrannosaurus tooth marks on Triceratops fossils before, but Fowler's study has lots of specimens from the same region.

"Plus, they're tooth marks on skull bones which is a bit weird since we typically think of the body being the major source of nutrients for a carnivore," he wrote in an email to LiveScience.

His team found extensive puncture and pull marks on the frills of many specimens. As this bony armor around the neck of the Triceratops would not have been a good source of meat, the markings suggest the Tyrannosaurus was gripping the frill in its mouth to rip off the Triceratops head to get at its nutrient-rich neck muscles, the researchers said.

Other bone markings suggest the meal was not just a violent, flesh-ripping affair. Precise bites along the front of several Triceratops skulls indicate the Tyrannosaurus carefully nibbled on the tender meat of the face.

None of the bones showed signs of healing, which told the scientists that the biting took place after the Triceratops had died. As Fowler told LiveScience, "It's actually really tough to show that two animals were belligerents in life."

Fowler presented his preliminary findings last week in Raleigh, N.C., at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's annual meeting. His research is ongoing and has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

"Taking the story deeper than the gory surface, with the final paper we're hoping to be able to say more about ecological interactions," such as changes in feeding patterns, he said.

The findings raise questions about how the feeding behavior of Tyrannosaurus changed throughout its life span. While adults would have been able to tear apart a tough Triceratops with their thick teeth, the team believes younger ones may have had to turn to different feeding strategies to avoid tooth damage.

Follow LiveScience on Twitter @livescience. We're also on Facebook?& Google+.

Copyright 2012 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/t-rex-ate-triceratops-4-easy-steps-215218606.html

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Mike K | one small seed

If you didn?t know already, Mike Kennedy is one of Cape Town?s most revered entertainment masterminds? If you?ve ever partied on a train, jammed hard at the Beach Bar at M49 Rocking the Daisies or wound up on the dancefloor with a pretty young thing at Chukkachurri on a Friday night, it?s probably because of this man. He delivers the goods every time, purely for the love of it. one small seed got hold of Mike to chat about some of his projects, what inspires and defines him and the set of tickets he has to give away to his next endeavour featuring the ever-fascinating Bruno Pronsato?

Can we begin by you telling us who you are
Michael Kennedy (moniker One Track Mike) is my name and I am defined externally by those who have an opinion. Personally I define myself by the company I keep and the choices I make.

What made you want to go into events planning? You studied graphics at Tech, why didn?t you just become a graphic designer?
After my studies I left SA and lost myself in the free-thinking spirit of the UK party culture, bought a set of turntables and a Mackie PA system and naturally gravitated toward providing a platform for the music I so enjoyed. I never quite possessed the passion for a canvas as I do for my music or the hospitality industry, but my years in art school certainly honed my creative edge, which I utilize frequently within the events. Plus I do not take orders well, so working alone seemed the likely option.

What are some of the hardest things you?ve had to deal with on the way up the ladder to success?
I am probably my biggest critic as I am seldom satisfied. Attention to detail and a touch of OCD makes my job that much harder and possibly restricts me from working with others. It goes without saying that to make it in the music industry is no easy feat and I?ve been determined enough to push on through after many, many disappointing turnouts at events, financial loss and spent energy ? and largely without the help of sponsors. Pushing boundaries in Durban certainly tested my spirit to continue, and then the moment that both defeated and re-directed me ? I was minutes away from signing with an investor to fund my dream venue, and then it fell through by the actions of my own hand (a long story, but one which saw my departure from Durban to the hilltops of Peru in search of a shaman and revised headspace to return to live in Cape Town). Having said that I feel I am only just on the cusp of realizing the ?success? you talk of. There is a lot to learn ?

What would you say is the most important thing when it comes to working in your industry?
Infrastructure is key. A great product is one thing, but more important is getting everybody to know about it. Be passionate and aware of your intention in getting into this industry ? don?t do it because it?s considered cool and/or you have some money to throw a party.

What inspired you to start creating unique party experiences? What is the main thing you would like to achieve?
My very first party was on a hilltop in Brighton (UK), and we carried my speakers further than any man should to make it happen. Following that were many events (including a party on a small island in the Cederberg Mountains / a festival in the Midlands / warehouses / badminton courts / theatres / harbours etc) which required a lot of effort to facilitate. The result of which are memories of an event that makes a typical club night pale in comparison. It?s difficult to create awareness for each and every new event you do ? especially when the location keeps changing ? but when you do you will have something ?unique?.

How do you feel about Cape Town and South Africa?s growing electro and techno scene? What do you foresee in the future??
I think South Africa is touched with a bit of magic, and Cape Town in particular already being one of the world?s greatest party destinations.

Unlike Europe or other confirmed party destinations in the world, we are hungry and it is palpable in the crowd ? as confirmed by many of the producers hosted here.

It?s a natural dynamic which really works to our advantage and helps in attracting the bigger names we wish to see visit here. However the disadvantage of a scene that is as ?hungry? and small as it is ? saturation !! Promoters and DJ?s really have to be on top of their game to maintain their identity within this craft which is so easily and often imitated.

Tell us a bit about each of your endeavours: The Beach Bar, The Train, The Make Believe Parties?
The Beach Bar ? after attending my very first RTD Festival, I established a relationship with the owners of the festival and appealed to them to work with me on my vision of creating an outdoor scene for house and techno music. Three years later (and two years of the Beach Bar) and we have created this animal which has been the platform to provide the impetus for the outdoor events soon to come.

The Make-Believe Train ? this is one solid concept event which cannot be imitated.

Essentially two events in one day (the train and the destination location) with limited tickets available. What really makes this event concept special is the nature of travel ? in particular that all guests depart and return at the same time. Generic events only get going once the dance floor fills up ? which is not the case here. Logistically, a difficult one to have run smoothly, but not as taxing in terms of production.

How do you feel about the upcoming event with Bruno Pronsato? What can we expect the night to bring us?
WOW ? Bruno Pronsato LIVE !! We are so worthy? This event should be the zenith of Make-Believe production for 2012, in terms of the featured artist, location and production.

This is one pedigreed producer that truly has a sound unto his own, and he will be performing LIVE (no that doesn?t mean he is playing or looping his own tracks through a laptop, it means he is composing the music on the fly).

To support this amazing producer with an amazing event I have extended certain areas of production to create a space that is visually as stimulating as it should be audibly. It is, after all a train station, so expect to travel ? within your mind >>> a 12KW D&B quality sound-system provided by Kilowatt / video-mapping by Afterlife / lighting & d?cor by Make-Believe.

What does music mean to you?
My purpose, to create.

Any other future projects after this weekends party you can full us in on??
Most note-worthy ? SHIFT OUTDOOR ELECTRONIC MUSIC MOVEMENT on the 26th January 2013. Make-Believe & Get Fact (pioneer brand/new name) will join forces to bring together the creative energies of our ?family? in creating an outdoor party that will change the face of CT?s outdoor party scene. This will be a massive light-bulb moment for many of those who have enjoyed the outdoors thus far. And NO UNDER 23?s at all Make-Believe events ? a sophisticated taste for a sophisticated crowd.

Interview by David and Shiba

Like one small seed facebook page

Like the Make Believe facebook page

Follow @onesmallseedsa and tweet @onesmallseedsa, with a link to this competition and tell us why we should pick you, and leave a comment on this post? The more you enter the higher your chances of winning!

Click attending on the Facebook event

The winners will be announced Wednesday 31 October at 12h00. Stay tuned! Good luck

Click here to read an interview with Bruno Pronsato on his visit to South Africa

Source: http://www.onesmallseed.com/2012/10/mike-k/

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The Ultimate Guide To Infographics | Edudemic

Topics: education, guest, guide, infographics, learning, questions, technology

What Are Infographics?

I found many definitions of what Infographics are as well as explanations of how they are useful in a variety of settings. Here are a couple of the definitions I liked followed by their sources:

Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge. These graphics present complex information quickly and clearly, such as in signs, maps, journalism, technical writing, and education. With an information graphic, computer scientists, mathematicians, and statisticians develop and communicate concepts using a single symbol to process information. (Wikipedia)

An umbrella term for illustrations and charts that instruct people, which otherwise would be difficult or impossible with only text. Infographics are used worldwide in every discipline from road maps and street signs to the many technical drawings. (PC Magazine)

An easy-to-read illustration that helps tell a story and makes data points easier to understand. And it doesn?t hurt when infographics are not only clear and straightforward but also beautiful and engaging. The aesthetic design draws the viewer in; the information helps the viewer analyze and understand the data being presented. (Visual.ly)

And finally, my favorite, an Infographic that explains what is an Infographic: by Hot Butter Studio.

These three examples do a nice job of defining what infographics are, but what is the value of an infographic in education? I?m glad you asked because this video does an excellent job of demonstrating how valuable they can be if they are used effectively in an educational setting.

The Value of Visualization from Column Five on Vimeo.

The Science Behind Infographics

Now that we have a basic understanding of what infographics are, This refers to the part of the video where the narrator asks the viewer to count the number of 7s in the number set. The video explains that comprehension becomes almost instant due to preattentive attributes, or ?visual clues? like size, color, and orientation that the brain processes in 250 milliseconds (msec). This chart shows a list of preattentive attributes that infographics use to convey their message clearly.

According to research by Mark Smiciklas, author of the book The Power of Infographics: Using Pictures to Communicate and Connect with Your Audiences, ?one of the primary reasons infographics work well as a communication tool can be linked to eyesight and the neurological connection of our eyes and brain.? He goes on to discuss how our brains are hard wired for infographics because vision directly accounts for 50% of our brain?s real estate. Since we are already built to consume information visually, infographics might be easier to process than pure text.

Smiciklas also notes that ?Robert Lane and Dr. Stephen Kosslyn offer an explanation for what the brain sees when it comes to pictures vs. words. Each letter in a word is essentially a symbol. To read text, the brain needs to act as a decoder first, matching those letters with shapes stored in memory. From there the brain must figure out how all the letters fit together to form words, how words form sentences, and how sentences form paragraphs.

Although all this comprehension takes place in only a split second, relatively speaking, when compared to how the brain deals with images, the process requires considerably more mental effort.?

Infographics and Education

One line from the Value of Visualization video that stands out above all as the key to illustrate infographics and the value they add to instruction is, ?your message is only as good as your ability to share it.? Using infographics in instruction is an innovative and engaging way to ensure that the message you are sharing is visually appealing and easily digested by your students.

They allow students to comprehend, interpret, and analyze complex information in a quick and clear manner. This combined with the brain research to support why infographics are so effective gives teachers a powerful new tool to use for teaching and learning.For more information on how to use infographics, checkout these additional resources from the New York Times blog called The Learning Network. Clicking on this link will give you access to posts on The Learning Network that have been tagged with Infographics.

Wait, it gets better! They take it one step further and elaborate on the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How each of the infographics could be used in your classroom. I also encourage you to do some research of your own by simply typing in search words like ?infographics in education? into a search engine.

You?ll find more sources of infographics then you can shake a stick at as well as websites where you or your students can make your own infographics. Happy hunting!

• If You Have Time David McCandless: The beauty of data visualization (18:17) ?Helping students interpret visual representations of information ? NYTimes.com.? The Learning Network ? The Learning Network Blog ? NYTimes.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/teaching-with-infographics-places-to-start/>.
• ?Preattentive processing ? InfoVis:Wiki.? Main Page ? InfoVis:Wiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <http://www.infovis-wiki.net/index.php/Preattentive_processing>.
• Rosenthal Tolisano, Silvia. ?Infographics- What? Why? How?.? Langwitches Blob. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <langwitches.org/blog/2010/06/16/infographics-what-why-how/>.
• Smiciklas, Mark. ?INFOGRAPHICS AND THE SCIENCE OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION.? Social Media Explorer. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <www.socialmediaexplorer.com/digital-marketing/infographics-and-the-science-of-visual-communication/>.
• ?The Value of Visualization on Vimeo.? Vimeo, Your Videos Belong Here. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <http://vimeo.com/29684853>.
• ?What is an Infographic?.? Column Five: Infographics, Data Visualization and Motion Graphics. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <http://columnfivemedia.com/what-is-an-infographic/>. MLA formatting by BibMe.org.

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Great Reads From Edudemic Partners:

Source: http://edudemic.com/2012/10/what-are-infographics-do-they-really-help/

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BFI London: Russia&#39;s State-Backed Film Board Promotes Doc About ...

LONDON ? Russian filmmakers and their work unspooling during the BFI London Film Festival will be promoted by official state promoter Roskino with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for the first time in the history of British shindig.

The push by the Russian state aims to give a boost to a total of five features programmed in this year's line-up, a dramatic increase in numbers on previous years.

Among the titles with Roskino's stamp of approval is Andrey Gryazev's Tomorrow (Zavtra), which screens in competition for the festival?s Sutherland Award, the nod to honor the director "of the most original and imaginative first feature" screening during the festival.

And another Russian title from award-winning documentary filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa comes to the festival with his second fiction feature In The Fog, following its In Competition screening during the Festival de Cannes, where it won the FIPRESCI prize.

Another Russian filmmaker enjoying state-backed promotion is Vasili Sigarev, in town with Living, the second feature from one of the most controversial dramatists and filmmakers working in Russia.

Sigarev's film was nominated for a Tiger Award during the Rotterdam International Film Festival early this year and won the Silver Camera 300 at the world?s oldest festival dedicated to cinematographers in Bitola, Macedonia.

His first feature Wolfy was an award winner at Karlovy Vary three years ago and his stage play Black Milk has enjoyed runs in both New York and London. ?

Also attending the festival, which runs through Oct. 21, is actress Maria Atlas-Popova (I'm Going To Change My Name), producer Roman Borisevich (Living) and Roskino director general Catherine Mtsitouridze alongside directors Mikhail Segal, Gryazev, Maria Saakyan and Loznitsa.

A playwright, musician, poet and promo director, Short Stories is the third film from Segal while I'm Going To Change My Name is the second feature by Saakyan.

Gryazev?s Tomorrow follows the Russian art-terrorist movement Voina, some members of which went on to form the band Pussy Riot whose protests against Vladimir Putin inside Moscow?s Christ the Saviour cathedral landed then in jail.

Aside from its work at international film festivals with titles and talent, Roskino also supports the distribution of Russian films and is on the hunt for investors and partners to explore opportunities for co-production and filming in Russia.

Earlier this year it opened a US branch in Los Angeles.

It is aiming to unveil details of a deal with VOD operator Hulu during the upcoming American Film Market in Santa Monica which runs Oct. 31 through Nov. 7.

Russia is one of the world?s fastest-growing markets for film with 406 films released, attracting 172 million admissions a year in 2011

Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/russias-state-backed-film-promoter-378805

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Car bomb kills 17 people in northwestern Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) ? A car bomb tore through a crowded bazaar outside an office for anti-Taliban tribal elders Saturday in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 17 people, officials said.

The blast in the town of Darra Adam Khel was the latest to strike the troubled area near the Afghan border, showing militants still pose a threat to the stability of key U.S. ally Pakistan despite government offensives against the Taliban and their supporters.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but the Pakistani Taliban have staged similar attacks in the tribal region of Darra Adam Khel to punish elders for backing security forces in offensives against militants.

The explosives-laden car was parked near the office of one of the so-called peace committees that have been formed by local elders trying to rid the area of militants, regional government administrator Fakhruddin Khan said.

It was unclear how many people were in the office at the time, but Khan said those killed included tribal elders and passers-by.

He said 40 people also were wounded and the attack destroyed 35 shops and eight vehicles. The dead and wounded, including some in critical condition, had been transported to hospitals in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

The region, which is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is famous for its weapons market selling guns made by local craftsmen.

Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain blamed the Pakistani Taliban, noting the fundamentalist Islamic movement also had tried to kill a 14-year-old girl who is an advocate of education for girls and a critic of the Taliban. Malala Yousufzai was shot and wounded by a Taliban gunman in the Swat Valley on Tuesday.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation.

Hussain urged the federal government to consider launching a "decisive operation against terrorists" to eliminate the militants.

"These Taliban have killed our innocent people in so many attacks. They are still killing our people. Instead of wasting time, we should hit them back, and we should do it as early as possible to save the precious lives of our innocent girls like Malala Yousufzai," he told reporters in Peshawar.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/car-bomb-kills-17-people-northwestern-pakistan-124029010.html

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How to Get Hired with a One Page Business Proposal | Sales Job ...

By?John Sumser

There are a lot of us who have interesting skills, but just can?t seem to find the right place to put them to work. It?s easy to blame age or lack of expertise. But, it?s often the case that we are square pegs in the land of round holes. For the most part, no amount of reshaping will actually turn a square peg into a right sized round one.

A?resume?is just one way to present yourself in the search for work and meaning. It works for lots of people. It doesn?t work for everyone. Maybe you are one of the chosen few.

A smart alternative is called the one page business proposal. It takes a combination of hard work and the willingness to fail. If your?job hunt?is working for you, this is a good place to stop. If you want to try something different, read on.

The basic idea is that you get to know a business well enough to make a clear proposal to them about adding value to their work. For a restaurant, it might be to open a catering business. For a gift store, it might be to run pop-up stores around town for a percentage. For a law firm, it could be underbidding the existing runners and copiers or indexing old files.

Instead of?applying for a job, this approach makes you consider what the company really needs. You?ll have to be diligent enough to get to know their business and make a really relevant suggestion. Like all business proposals, your chance of closing the first one is low. Your odds increase as you get better at the process.

Here?s how to do it in five steps.

• Research
  Get to know the business. (It doesn?t matter which one, but do pick an operation that seems busy). Research their reputation online. Identify the local competitors. Figure out what makes a company like this succeed. In this phase, Google and?Glassdoor?are your best friends. Search and research the heck out of the company.
• Visit the Company
  This step requires that you make a call and get yourself a tour of the company. It?s easy with small retail stores and a bit more complex for organizations with 100 or more employees. Get a good feel for what they do. Ask about their problems and successes. Be curious about them and do not ask for a job. If they ask why you are doing this, tell them you are doing a research survey of businesses in the area. (You are.)
• Think
  This is the really hard part. Take time to think about what you could offer the company. What is it that you know how to do that will make a difference. Try to think of something that will bring money in the door for the company.
• Write a One Page Proposal
  The key to the exercise is that your proposal be simple, clear and easy to make a decision on. The one page limit will force you to be very clear. Define the problem/opportunity. Describe the solution. Identify the completion date. Talk about the risks the company will take. Name your price.
• Make an Appointment and Deliver Your Presentation
  Call the appropriate executive. In small companies, it?s the CEO. In larger companies, it?s a department manager. Present your idea in 10 minutes. (Rehearse beforehand). Say, ?I know you can?t make a decision on the spot. Could I call you at the end of the week??

There?s a sixth step. Waiting until enough time has passed is really painful. The best idea is to get started on the next one while you wait to hear about the last one.

??????????????????????????????????????????-

Guest Blogger?John Sumser, a member of the Glassdoor Clearview Collection, is the founder and editor-in-chief of HRExaminer, a weekly online magazine about the people and technology of HR. Widely respected as an independent analyst, Sumser has been chronicling and critiquing the HRTechnology industry for eighteen years. During that time, he has consulted with more than 100 HR vendors on matters of strategy and positioning in the market. Prior to his involvement in the HR Technology industry, Sumser was a senior executive in Defense Technology. From large scale software development to naval architecture, he was the leader of tech development teams in a broad variety of settings. His passion is the intersection of people and technology.

The Glassdoor Team is a small yet seasoned group of individuals looking to provide greater transparency into one of the most important aspects of our lives ? our jobs. Contributions to the blog are designed to present a unique perspective on current events, offer commentary on the inside workings on specific jobs at a multitude of companies, and provide details on the latest happenings from within Glassdoor.

Source: http://www.salesgravy.com/salescareers/how-to-get-hired-with-a-one-page-business-proposal

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Postmates Is Updating Its App To Go After The Grocery Market With Deeper Supermarket Integration

Postmates has always wanted to be the go-to app for on-demand delivery of local items. It took off thanks to the launch of its Get It Now app, providing hundreds of warm meals a day to hard-working, hungry startup workers throughout San Francisco. But now it?s expanding to also help users feed themselves at home, with an update to its app that provide fast delivery of groceries as well.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/Mw0b0K3liyI/

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UPPER MARLBORO Real Estate | FRONTGATE FARMS Homes For ...

by starfish on October 12, 2012

Find FRONTGATE FARMS Homes For Sale and FRONTGATE FARMS Home Values. We also have information on mortgages, insurance, movers and other UPPER MARLBORO Real Estate Services for anyone looking to sell or buy a home in Maryland.

Showing properties 1 - 2 of 2. See more Frontgate Farms tract Homes For Sale.
(all data current as of 10/12/2012)

1. 5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 6,000 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.41 ac

2. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,275 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.13 ac

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Paul Kitchen and Starfish Team provide clients, family and close friends with professional, honest and dependable service. A resident of UPPER MARLBORO, Paul is extremely familiar with the local neighborhoods including FRONTGATE FARMS, school districts and the UPPER MARLBORO Real Estate market in this beautiful Maryland town.

Paul Kitchen
Real Estate Consultant
Keller Williams Realty Consultants
3915 National Drive, Ste 100 Burtonsville, MD 20866
(301) 589-5051
(800) 793-7304 toll free
UPPER MARLBORO Real Estate
UPPER MARLBORO Real Estate Blog

Tagged as: FRONTGATE FARMS, UPPER MARLBORO Real Estate

Source: http://www.starfishteam.com/dc-md-va-blog/2012/10/12/upper-marlboro-real-estate-frontgate-farms-homes-for-sale-october-2012/

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Swordroll&#39;s Blog: The Nightmare Pack Returns, Updated With New ...

The Nightmare Pack is back, and better than ever! Not only can you snag the usual, fun items (minus the original Nightmare mount), but there are tons of new items in the pack, including three mounts and a variety of gear and weapons. There's also a new seed and pet with a fantastic new talent - take a look!

Of course, the grand prize for most packs is a mount. Most of the time, it's one.?Occasionally?two. Sometimes four or five. This time, there are three great mounts to grab!

My favorite two mounts are the modified horses. They each have a little something special to them. While only one is advertised on the pack page, there are, in fact, two of them.?That would make for three - THREE - new mounts total. Are you sold yet?

The first is shown on the right - it's called the Nightrunner!?It has green hooves, eyes, and nostrils, as well as "cracks" along its body.?Very nice, don't you think?

The next mount is shown above. It features similar "cracks" along the body, but is a red, fiery horse. It reminds me of something volcanic with lava.?I'd personally love to have either of the two. But that's not all!

There are really four new things pictured above - the updated gear that you saw earlier in the post on the Nightrunner, which I'll discuss momentarily, a new scythe, the new Cloudstrider?Pegasus?mount, and the Penumbra Drake pet.

This green, flying, ghost horse is sure to be a favorite. Since I'm not sure that the original Nightmare mount is available any longer, I feel glad that I snagged one a year or two ago. Take advantage of your opportunity to grab this one - he might disappear, too!

One of the other new pack items is the Dead Beets plant - I happen to get one of these in my pack attempts, and I'm excited to see what sort of Halloween rewards they might offer!

As I said above, there's a load of new gear. Since level 80 was introduced, there's new tiers for every previous set of gear and weapons, but beyond that, there's a new Atonement set of gear. It's slightly different than the previous sets, the most notable change being that the eyes look more?malevolent?than their previous circle designs.

Finally, there's the Penumbra Drake. This is no ordinary Ghost Dragon. This uniquely designed pet gives a Death Scarab card (or a Death Trap card if it's a second generation, or so I'm led to believe). At teen, this pet learns a talent called Dragonblade! That gives him the ability to occasionally cast the Dragonblade spell in battles.

This specific pet received Curse-Giver at adult - I'm sure whether or not that's a given.

In summary, with three impressive new mounts, new gear and weapons, new seeds and pets, and the usual amazing items, you can't go wrong with this pack. Not sold yet? Did I forget to mention that it's currently only 299 crowns instead of the usual 399? That's a good 25% savings! Grab it while you can!

So, how many packs are you buying this Halloween? I ran into someone who burned through 75,000 crowns on them already - yikes! Careful with your spending!

Thanks for reading, and see you in the Spiral! (Credits: Thanks to MichaelSpellCaster for allowing me to use his photo of the "magma horse" and the Cloudstrider?Pegasus.

Source: http://www.swordroll.com/2012/10/the-nightmare-pack-returns-updated-with.html

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IT literacy in Japanese primary schools

By Ken Y-N ( October 12, 2012 at 23:55) ? Filed under Internet, Polls, Society

A recent survey from goo Research, conducted in conjunction with the primary school children-oriented site Kids goo, looked at primary school teachers? work, and in particular their use of IT, information technology.

Demographics

The sample came from primary school teachers registered with the goo Research online monitor group, and 206 people responded to the survey. Further details, including basic information like when the survey was conducted, was not reported.

Although the sample is quite small, note that it was targeted at elementary school teachers, so the accuracy is perhaps better than a quick look at the numbers would suggest.

I don?t know how computers are used in schools, really, but I do worry that replacing concrete, tangible activities with computer-based ones (if that, indeed, is what is going on) is detrimental to children?s development.

Research results

Q1: What sources do you use for preparing lessons? (Sample size=206, multiple answer)

Books	91.7%
Internet	80.1%
Practical lessons	44.2%
Newspapers	31.6%
Television, video	18.9%
Other	3.9%

Q2: Do you feel a gap between your and your pupils? computer skills? (Sample size=206)

Pupils are ahead by a wide margin	32.0%
Not much gap, but pupils are more skilled	24.3%
No gap	43.7%

Q3: Which of the following computer skills do you have? (Sample size=206, multiple answer)

Can use mail efficiently	86.9%
Can answer questions from students	77.7%
Can teach them about online morals	62.1%
Can respond to computer problems during lessons	61.2%
Other	1.9%

Q4: Have you ever had a pupil or parent, guardian discuss internet issues with you? (Sample size=206)

?	Yes	No
From pupils	26.7%	73.3%
From parents, guardians	15.0%	85.0%

Q5: Do you have worries about pupils? internet use? (Sample size=206)

Yes	63.1%
No	17.0%
Can?t say	19.9%

Q6: What kinds of web sites might you want to use, let your pupils use? (Sample size=206, multiple answer)

Protects children?s safety	75.7%
Designed for children	73.8%
Information arranged by subject, school grade, etc	70.4%
Can trust the site operators	61.7%
Widely-known, famous	33.0%
Recommended by the Board of Education	22.3%
Other	1.9%

Q7: Have you ever taught a lesson that used iPads, other tablet computers? (Sample size=206)

Read more on: children,education,goo research,kids goo

Permalink

Related articles:

Japanese senior computer and surfing habits: part 1 of 3

Three in four Japanese school teachers confident of their classroom computer skills

Characteristics of boys? school graduates

Computers versus literacy

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WhatJapanThinks/~3/uBvIo1vPE8E/

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inquisitor switcher: Self Improvement Times: Time Management Tips ...

Time management tips can save the day when you're paralyzed over a project. You can have fun with them, too! Never underestimate the power of creative play to restore flow.

Do you ever freeze up when a deadline looms, the clock is ticking, and you are stuck in a rut? It can be a nightmarish feeling, can't it?

Sometimes, the harder you try, the more your mind goes blank. Panic mounts as your ideas and inspiration dry up. Brainstorming, or mind mapping, is an excellent way to creatively open up options. By sketching out your ideas as simple phrases in balloons, connecting and building on them, you automatically revert to the creative side of your brain. But sometimes, self-consciousness steps in. And you hear messages like:

"Nobody's going to like that!"

"This just has to be perfect!"

"Everyone's going to see how ____ you are!"

You try old standby solutions like taking a quick walk to clear your head. But when you return to your desk, the critical voices are still there, just waiting to start in on you again.

Well, there's one tip that can be a lifesaver in a situation like this. Moreover, it's a game you can enjoy at other times, too. Often, it stimulates creativity that enriches other projects, as well. It's an entirely counter-intuitive tip - and that's its beauty.

Game: Turn Your Inner Critic on Its Head!

The next time you are stuck, generate the absolute worst version of whatever you are working on that you are capable of creating. If you are writing a sales page, or a blog post, or copy for a press release, throw yourself into it with the mindset that you are going to stretch the limits of bizarre. See if you can make it destined to shock and disappoint! Throw in everything that you might have censored, and exaggerate it to the hilt. Have fun with it.

What this does, as you may intuit, is stop your critical inner voice from looking over your shoulder. Or, more precisely, you gain control over this voice by actively choosing to have it contribute to your project... rather than your shrinking from its catcalls from the sidelines.

What does your inner critic think is a really terrible headline for your next Ezine article? What would guarantee that your report would create shrieks of outrage? Go ahead and write your entire article from this vantage point. Enjoy the process, and as you relax, you are free move ahead on your project, knowing you've neutralized your critical voice to provide comic relief, and nothing more.

Before you know it, the ideas will be pouring out. You may be pleasantly surprised with the new inspirations that come about as a result of this counter-intuitive time management tip!

Give it a try, and play with variations. Make this exercise your own, and you'll feel more refreshed and engaged at the end of your workday.

Now, how can you expand your life and make even more of your time using time management tips?

----------------------------------------------------
Download our free Finding Time Success Kit, with "The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Steps to Find More Time & Recharge Your Energy!" at http://thetimeschool.com/template

This time template plus workbook will help you move beyond overwhelm, disappointment, and frustration. You'll find 24 hours really are enough!

Offered to you by Paula Eder, the Time Finder Expert.

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=296253

Source: http://selfimprovementtimes.blogspot.com/2012/10/time-management-tips-reduce-stress-and.html

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Source: http://jacques296.typepad.com/blog/2012/10/self-improvement-times-time-management-tips-reduce-stress.html

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Source: http://inquisitor-switcher.blogspot.com/2012/10/self-improvement-times-time-management.html

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Source: http://gicelakeve.posterous.com/inquisitor-switcher-self-improvement-times-ti

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UN expert urges Ivory Coast to release report

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) ? A senior United Nations human rights envoy calls on Ivory Coast to release the full version of a national probe into last year's post-election violence.

At least 3,000 people died when violence erupted after former President Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat in the November 2010 presidential runoff vote to now President Alassane Ouattara.

Despite evidence that both sides committed grave crimes during the six-month conflict, only Gbagbo's supporters have been charged and detained, sparking allegations of victor's justice.

A summary report confirming that pro-Ouattara fighters also committed crimes was made public in August, but Diene said Thursday that was insufficient.

He also criticized the delay in bringing cases against Gbagbo's supporters to trial, saying the length of time some had spent in detention was "not normal."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/un-expert-urges-ivory-coast-release-report-174518693.html

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Wal-Mart stock hits new high as U.S. strength continues

(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc expects sales to grow throughout this year and next, as the world's largest retailer keeps enticing shoppers, especially those on limited budgets, with smaller new stores, ecommerce and lower prices.

Wal-Mart also said on Wednesday that it plans to add roughly the same amount of store space in fiscal 2014 as it has planned for fiscal 2013, and will still open more supercenters than smaller stores in the United States, its largest market.

The retailer also touted strong sales at U.S. grocery stores and a big start to holiday layaway sales, Its shares close 1.7 percent higher at $75.42 after jumping to an all-time high of $76.81 during the annual meeting with analysts and investors.

Shares came off session highs after Chief Financial Officer Charles Holley forecast 5 percent to 7 percent sales growth for fiscal 2014. That matched but did not exceed the growth forecast for the current fiscal year 2013 ending in January.

In the year since the last investor meeting, Wal-Mart's U.S. arm, by far its largest business, has rebounded from a prolonged slump. At the same time, its international operations have come under scrutiny following a New York Times article in April about alleged bribery at its Mexican unit.

Walmart plans to more than double the number of its Neighborhood Market grocery stores in the United States by fiscal 2016, putting more pressure on grocers such as Kroger Co , Safeway Inc and Supervalu Inc .

Smaller than supercenters and focused on groceries, the stores have become more profitable as Walmart has added more. Sales at existing Neighborhood Market stores have grown in excess of 5 percent, or double the overall Walmart U.S. rate, as shoppers find them more convenient.

"They kind of have the keys to the castle now," Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Bob Summers, who has a "buy" rating on Wal-Mart, said of the Neighborhood Market format.

Walmart should have more than 240 Neighborhood Market stores by the end of fiscal 2013 and more than 500 by fiscal 2016, ultimately adding more than $10 billion in sales, U.S. Chief Executive Bill Simon said.

While Wal-Mart is not planning for a deep decline in GDP or consumer spending, if the economy were to get worse, Wal-Mart believes it is in a good position as it continues to lower costs, improve productivity and cut prices.

"Even if we go into a more difficult economy, all that does is position us even stronger," CEO Mike Duke said.

Shares of Wal-Mart are up 20.1 percent since just before the New York Times story was published, compared with a 2.4 percent increase in the Dow Jones industrial average <.dji>, of which they are a component.

PLACING BIG ORDERS FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

Walmart U.S. is preparing for a strong holiday season, ordering twice as many Apple Inc iPads and other tablet computers as last year. It started offering layaway in mid-September, a month earlier than in 2011. Layaway allows shoppers to put certain items on hold and pay for them over time.

Walmart has lined up $400 million in U.S. layaway sales in less than a month, half of the amount shoppers put on hold for all of the 2011 holiday season.

"They could conceivably do 50 percent more layaway this year than they did last year," which has the potential to add half a percentage point to same-store sales growth, said Summers.

Walmart U.S. has posted four consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth after nine straight quarterly declines, though the pace of growth slowed to 2.2 percent in the second quarter from 2.6 percent in the first quarter. The pace of quarterly same-store sales growth still trails competitors such as Target Corp and Dollar General Corp .

Plans for Walmart U.S. this holiday season include offering sale prices on certain toys on Tuesdays based on weekend feedback from social media. At the Sam's Club warehouse chain, holiday season plans include selling Children's Place merchandise and the company is testing higher-priced membership fees in Texas along with cash rewards.

Ecommerce is growing with efforts such as letting shoppers buy online and pay in stores with cash, yet is still a small part of the giant company. Wal-Mart's ecommerce sales should total $9 billion next year, excluding acquisitions, while Wal-Mart rang up nearly $444 billion in total sales in fiscal 2012.

Walmart International plans to add 21 million to 23 million square feet of store space in fiscal 2013, down from an original target of 30 million to 33 million. It plans to add another 20 million to 22 million square feet of store space in fiscal 2014.

Walmart U.S. plans to add roughly 205 stores this year, and about 220 to 240 in fiscal 2014. Sam's Club plans to open 9 stores this year and 10 to 15 next year.

Overall, Wal-Mart plans to add 36 million to 40 million retail square feet in fiscal 2014 on top of 36 million to 39 million square feet this year. As it cuts costs, capital expenditures should total $12 billion to $13 billion in fiscal 2014, down from $12.6 billion to $13.5 billion this year.

The company plans to give its fiscal 2014 profit forecast in February when it reports first-quarter results.

(Editing by Gerald E. McCormick, Matthew Lewis, Tim Dobbyn, Phil Berlowitz and David Gregorio)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/walmart-u-layaway-sales-strong-holiday-season-142923722--finance.html

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AVG Launches AVG CloudCare, Providing ... - Online Backup Reviews

Source: http://www.backupreview.info/2012/10/11/avg-launches-avg-cloudcare-providing-simplified-security-and-it-management-to-small-businesses/

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