| �By Edward McAllister(Reuters) - American automobiles have a limited diet, but gasoline's monopoly at the pump may be ending. The giant of U.S. automakers is turning to something cheaper and cleaner: natural gas.General Motors Corp announced plans this week to develop its first natural gas-powered engine, overcoming its long aversion to alternative fuels and joining a host of smaller players working to put natural gas in car engines.In Indianapolis, Marlon Kirby has built a new supercar that looks much like all the others - sleek, curvy, low to the ground - but which differs from its gasoline-guzzling counterparts in one major way: it runs on liquid natural gas.After 21,000 man hours, the $1 million Maxximus LNG 2000 is ready for speed trials and Kirby expects it to top 200 miles per hour.GM, the automobile powerhouse and Kirby, the niche mechanic, are at opposite ends of the same movement; to make car engines that use the country's abundant, cheap supplies of natural gas.The United States has more natural gas than it knows what to do with - up to 100 years of supply, experts say - thanks to a new drilling technique called hydraulic fracturing which releases huge reserves of natural gas trapped in shale rock.Natural gas is used mainly in electricity generation and for industry, but with just 120,000 natural gas vehicles on the road and only 900 filling stations, transport remains a tiny fraction of total demand.However, assuming production forecasts are correct, natural gas will likely remain cheap for years and could help cut U.S. reliance on oil. While crude prices soared above $110 a barrel this year due to unrest in the Middle East, U.S. natural gas prices, impervious to international influence, remained low as there was no shortage of natural gas at home.Drivers who fill up with natural gas at the pump saved up to $2 per gallon when gasoline prices hit $4 a gallon. (Graphic: here: r.reuters.com/get42s )Car makers, manufacturers and fleet owners are quietly scrambling to run their engines on the cleaner-burning fossil fuel which was formerly the preserve of trash trucks and city buses."With all the activity in shale gas, the natural gas price is decoupled from diesel. Natural gas is a lot more attractive given the situation in the market," said Ian Scott, president of Westport Innovations Light-Duty Division.Vancouver-based Westport, which develops technologies to convert engines to run on natural gas, is working with GM on the multimillion-dollar project to develop a natural gas vehicle.GM and Westport will look at light-weight engines, as small as 0.5 liters, opening up the market to smaller consumer vehicles previously overlooked by engine manufacturers.This would be only the second passenger vehicle in the United States made at the factory to run on natural gas, following Honda's Civic GX.Westport Chief Executive David Demers described this as the company's "breakout year" in a recent interview with Reuters. The company has sold 500 heavy-duty engine systems already this financial year, up from 25 the previous year.Separately, Mack Trucks has seen a 50-100 percent rise in natural gas vehicle sales in recent years, mainly to refuse companies, said Curtis Dorwart, Mack Trucks' vocational marketing product manager."The big draw is the difference in the fuel price, especially with diesel above $4 a gallon," Dorwart said.BEEN HERE BEFOREInterest in natural gas has waxed and waned over the years, generally in reverse proportion to the price of oil. What may be different now is the massive and long-term oversupply."Over the past five years, we have seen that when there is slump in oil prices a lot of people forget about transitioning to a domestic fuel," said Carla York, chief executive of Innovation Drive consultants in Reston, Virginia. Innovation Drive helps manage a Clean Cities program in Connecticut which involves grants from the Department of Energy to build natural gas infrastructure.Mack Trucks was heavily involved in natural gas vehicles in the 1990s, with 400 or so on the road, but falling gasoline prices dented demand enough that they were discontinued.In the 1990s, GM offered the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Top Kick that were retrofitted to run on natural gas, but these were discontinued during restructuring in the mid 2000s.Even if oil prices retreat again, some in the industry say natural gas will remain attractive due to its long-term abundance and the potential for government support."The movement again toward natural gas is greater than in the late 1990s and this time it looks like it might have legs," said Curtis Dorwart, Mack Trucks' vocational marketing product manager.Richard Kolodziej, president of NGV America, a natural gas vehicle trade association, said ... Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/gasoline-gas-car-zek-878.htm CVs WikiLeaks Gabriel Agbonlahor Tuition fees Premier League Economic growth (GDP)
Q My wife and I have received an offer for our house. We haven't found anywhere to move to yet, and as there is very little around at the moment we are contemplating renting while we find our dream family home. However, our mortgage situation is a little complicated and I am nervous about selling and renting, effectively taking us off the housing ladder, in case I then find myself unable to get a mortgage later on down the line. Here is a breakdown of our situation: I am a marketing consultant and the sole director and employee of my own limited company. I set the company up two years ago and have two years' accounts. I pay myself a combination of salary and dividends that take me up to the higher rate tax threshold (any money left is generally kept in the business). My wife is a primary school teacher just about to go back to work part time following maternity leave. She'll be on 60% of her full-time salary (roughly �22,000). We have no other debt and a generally good credit history, and with the equity from our current home plus savings we could have a sizeable deposit. We have been in our current, first home for about five years and have been overpaying our mortgage ever since our repayments were slashed last year when we came off our fixed rate ? we thought we would take advantage of the low interest rates and whittle down the amount we owe. The big dilemma I face is whether to accept an offer on our house, as I don't know how easy it is for self-employed people to get mortgages at the moment. Selling up, bagging the cash and renting in a market where buyers don't come around very often, and before house prices fall even further, initially seems to be a good move. It would certainly put us in a strong negotiating position when selling our current home and trying to find a house we want to buy. But am I likely to end up trapped because of being self-employed? MJ A Once you have three years' of accounts you should be able to get a mortgage as easily, and on the same terms, as a full-time employee. So, provided you are happy to rent for a year or so your self-employed status should pose no barrier to getting a mortgage. Coming out of the property market doesn't affect your ability to get a mortgage; your income does. Having a large deposit also works in your favour when having a mortgage application assessed because the less a lender has to stump up in terms of loan-to-value the better interest rate you will be offered. Having no part in a property chain will also be a bonus as it would make you nearly as attractive as a cash buyer when you eventually find the next home you want to buy. 
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/08/self-employed-impact-mortgage Annuities Switzerland BBC UK security and terrorism Post-traumatic stress disorder New Orleans
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reiterated to the grand mufti of Syria his full support in the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. "The United States and its allies are trying to provoke a new war in the region to break the line of the Islamic Resistance and save the Zionist regime (... ) but we believe in unity and wisely we can stand against them," Ahmadinejad told visiting Sheikh Ahmed Badreddine Hassoune. read more Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/ahmadinejad-backs-assad-over-135-killed-syria-412339 Royal Bank of Scotland Madeleine McCann European football Wigan Athletic Buenos Aires Moscow
 | | Saad Hariri member of the parliament, former prime minister of Lebanon,� and son of the late Rafiq Hariri, has joined twitter since October 5, 2009. This account was hold with his PR department who followed up� his meetings and travels. However, last November he personally started tweeting via twitter to follow up the news with his supporters.�Anyway, Hariri seemed to enjoy this twitter. That today (12 January 2012) saluted the spokesman of the Israeli Defense Army IDF!!�Not only Avichay Adraee settled his bio on his twitter profile as ? The spokesman of the IDF to the Arabic media?, but he is pictured infront of the ?Israel? flag. Later on, Hariri� tweeted ?While answering greetings this morning I sent a good morning reply to someone whom some of you later said they think is an Israeli official? And then added: ?If it is true, I want to clearly say I wouldn?t have answered if I had known, because Israel is our enemy.? |
Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/Saad-Hariri-mt-677618.htm Television Iran Neal Ardley Stan Collymore Liza Minnelli Peter Beardsley
Consumer champion Miles Brignall has switched twice without a problem. If you are fed up with your bank, don't stick around Tell people you're thinking of changing banks, and at least a one will suck their teeth and say you're asking for trouble. For years the banks have let this myth persist, knowing that people are more likely to switch partner than bank. A challenge to the status quo is long overdue. I have switched bank account twice without a problem, and wouldn't hesitate to do so again if I became disillusioned with my provider. Despite what you may have heard, the truth is the majority of switches go without a hitch, and if it doesn't there is usually some redress. Having grown disillusioned with my treatment (and the overdraft charges) of the traditional big-five bank I'd joined as a 16-year-old, at 25 I switched to the then up and coming First Direct, which was pioneering telephoning banking and put its customer's needs at the heart of the operation. Ten years later, having got married, and with all the financial paraphernalia of a mortgage etc, we moved our joint account to the Nationwide. It wasn't because I was unhappy with First Direct, but because we were moving to France. At the time Nationwide offered fee-free cash withdrawals abroad ? making it the only bank to choose if you lived overseas. Nationwide has since taken away this benefit. Both switches happened without a hitch. The banks do all the work and our mortgage payments and other direct debits were passed on from First Direct to Nationwide. I'm always surprised that so few Britons are prepared to switch ? even after terrible service. Guardian Money gets very few complaints from readers on this subject. I remember only two in the last few years. Compared with the energy or broadband companies, complaints about bank switching are rare. You do need to keep an the eye on the process, checking key payments such as your mortgage. If you want to switch account but have been put off, I'd say do it. Until more bank customers vote with their feet, the banks will continue to get away with poor service and low interest rates. In Spain it is not uncommon for customers to switch bank six times. If the Spanish can build a competitive switching market, why can't we? 
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/10/why-switching-banks-is-easy Executive pay and bonuses Gordon Brown Amir Khan CVs WikiLeaks Gabriel Agbonlahor
The Gulf monarchies announced Tuesday they had decided to expel the Syrian ambassadors from their countries and to withdraw their envoys to Damascus, denouncing the "mass murder" committed by the regime. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who now heads the GCC announced that the six states have all decided to withdraw their ambassadors from Syria and also recall their ambassadors immediately. Meanwhile, Syria and Turkey began negotiations for the release of 49 Turkish intelligence officers imprisoned in Syria, reported Cham FM radio, which is close to the Syrian government. read more Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/gulf-states-lower-diplomatic-ties-syria-412043 Office for National Statistics West Ham United Extradition Christmas markets India Food & drink
Problems at work? Need advice? Our agony uncle ? and readers ? have the answers I'd like to go part-time, but how do I best raise it with the company?
I work for a media company in a business development role; the company has just been taken over and is now debt free with a seemingly more positive future. But the department I work in isn't making a great deal of money and there could be casualties on the horizon ? although I'm not privy to that information. I have been making money for the company, albeit less over recent years. I'd like to go part-time to allow me to study and develop in other areas. My query relates to the way to go about it: Do I wait for the first quarter figures this year (when they may be looking to make savings)? Do I wait until a possible redundancy is on the table (I've been at the company for around seven years)? Or do I casually raise it and say to my boss, "If you need to make further savings before any redundancies, perhaps, for some, there could be a shorter working week"? Jeremy says This, as you clearly recognise, is a tricky one. When companies have to make payroll savings, they usually think first of making redundancies ? it seems altogether cleaner and neater than keeping on the same number of people, but putting them on to shorter working weeks. And when considering redundancies, they naturally first consider those whose contribution they least value. I'd be wary of raising part-time working now ? however casually. Nobody enjoys making people redundant, so it would be only human if your boss were to see your question as evidence of a degree of half-heartedness on your part, and therefore justification for putting you on the vulnerable list. Once that's happened, of course, there's no going back. I think you'd be wiser to wait and see. If redundancies are made, and you're among them, you've nothing to lose by then suggesting a shorter working week, instead. If you're not among them, the conclusion must be that you're relatively secure, so you'd be risking little by raising it. But one thing I urge you to do. When putting your case, you'll be tempted to emphasise the advantages to you: more time to study and develop your life in other directions. You must also have a strong argument that such an arrangement would be in your company's interest, as well. You must be certain that your role can be as effectively carried out in four days as in five ? and be seen to have thought it all through with great conscientiousness. Framed properly, and that means assessing the implications through your company's eyes as well as your own, your request doesn't have to imply any lack of commitment on your part. Readers say ? I wanted to go part-time for a variety of reasons, and the general reaction from management was negative. Part-time work was seen as OK for women in admin support positions, but not for men in professional roles (yes, this was only a few years ago in the UK ? and yes, I did sometimes think I'd woken up in 1973). After some arguing I was allowed to go part-time, but it became obvious that any thought of career progression was out of the question. A subsequent workplace (where I was a contractor, not an employee) was making cutbacks, and they sent a message to all staff inviting volunteers to reduce to part-time/ taking a sabbatical before they started seeking redundancies. My own employer simply imposed short-time working on everyone. CatfordCat ? Even if the company had a rigid plan for the next nine months (unlikely), you just don't have the information to second-guess what moves it will make. What you do have is clarity about what you would like for yourself, and provided you have a reasonable relationship with your boss, you should share this with him and see where it goes. You have been making money for the company, and should be well thought of, which is a happy place to start. Mudmaid ? I am a new father and tried going part-time but was rejected as it did not suit the business. Before and after my application, mothers who applied on the same grounds were accepted. Fathers for justice! Barryislandbartos I feel I'm missing out, but if I quit I'll be letting down my team
I work for a media company in a business development role; the company has just been taken over and is now debt free with a seemingly more positive future. But the department I work in isn't making a great deal of money and there could be casualties on the horizon ? although I'm not privy to that information. I have been making money for the company, albeit less over recent years. I'd like to go part-time to allow me to study and develop in other areas. My query relates to the way to go about it: Do I wait for the first quarter figures this year (when they may be looking to make savings)? Do I wait until a possible redundancy is on the table (I've been at the company for around seven years)? Or do I casually raise it and say to my boss, "If you need to make further savings before any redundancies, perhaps, for some, there could be a shorter working week"? Jeremy says Your problem, as I understand it, is this. You're senior enough to be part of the team charged with turning your agency round; but although you don't say so explicitly, the fact that you're dissatisfied with the progress this team has made clearly suggests that you have doubts about the its composition and leadership. You feel you could make a greater contribution, learn more and progress more quickly, with different people, somewhere else. If that's your frame of mind, it may not be a constructive act of loyalty for you to soldier on. Turn-around teams need to be united and committed. If it's not already apparent to the rest of your team, your dissatisfaction with the progress of the office and your role within it, soon will be. The chances are that, quite unintentionally, your continued unenthusiastic presence might actually do more harm than good. So I think you should make an internal decision to go ? and not just for your own sake. You're disinclined to move to a rival agency and start all over again, and you believe you've chalked up some reasonable credit with your existing company. You say there are parts of that company that are among the best ? and certainly more flourishing than your present office. So you should certainly ? and discreetly ? sound out your chances of an internal transfer. When doing so, however, be careful to construct a valid reason for wanting to transfer that isn't dependent on criticism of your present team. That would be an unforgivable farewell present to your former colleagues and is, in any case, unnecessary. Be aware, however, that even a tentative enquiry of this kind can lead to unintended consequences. If your standing within the company isn't quite as high as you like to believe, you might well find yourself having to look outside. Readers say ? None of us has a crystal ball, and while I can well understand your loyalty, if a year or two more won't change things dramatically, why hang about? Equally, if you are close to the original goal and an award is on the horizon, stay, as it will make you much more appealing to future employers. The bottom line is that anyone that has clearly left a task unfinished and bolted, doesn't win any popularity contests with future employers. Loyalty ? as you have said ? is important, especially in this market. ExBrighton Belle ? In my experience, at least, advertising agencies tend to include a disproportionate number of highly-competitive people who have rather large (albeit often undeserved) egos, coupled with questionable morals and a tendency to move quickly from job to job because they constantly crave recognition, status, etc. If you're uncomfortable working in such companies, perhaps you should consider whether it's the industry you should be changing, rather than just your job. I would also advise against convincing yourself that the grass must be greener elsewhere ? you may receive better pay/benefits but would you be any happier if, when it comes down to it, your issue is with the industry, rather than your company? SmartBananaGal For Jeremy's and readers' advice on a work issue, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@guardian.co.uk. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or reply personally. 
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/03/dear-jeremy-work-issues-solved Lee Bowyer Weather Annuities Switzerland BBC UK security and terrorism
 | | -�Fadi Abboud-�There has been a well-known story circulating for over a decade that demonstrates the capability of the human mind to find ways to do less and gain more. It concerns an American university professor who taught his students about socialism through a class experiment by averaging their grades so that no one would fail.With every exam, the efforts of the hard-working students declined in reaction to their less enthusiastic friends and the average grade declined incrementally until it reached a point where all the students failed.As a counter-argument to the students? protests, the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because without rewards no one will want to try, let alone succeed, whereas when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great.The moral of the story can be applied to any government through common sense and progressive political thinking. It is impossible to strip the wealthy of their prosperity and redistribute it to the poor. As the resour ces of the government are limited, it is only natural that sacrifices must be made by many layers of society to provide the funds necessary to ensure welfare.When one side sees they are prospering from the work of others, it is only natural that they lose any will to work themselves. And as they reap the benefits from others? work, the working side will lose any incentive to contribute in light of the injustice occurring from their point of view.For Leba non, the answer lies in multiplying wealth through the creation of opportunities by introducing research and development programs that will ultimately stimulate economic growth and encourage the youth to increase their stake in the nation?s future. Multiplying wealth has never succeeded by dividing wealth.Furthermore, by allowing the government to find new sources of funding without resorting to direct taxation of income, thus bypassing socialist principles in favor of more passive methods of taxation, Lebanon can succeed in empowering its youth and advancing its economy.Two questions inevitably arise from two opposite perspectives. The hard-working, wealthy individuals will wonder whether there is justice in tapping their earnings for the benefit of complete strangers. The opposing levels of society will resort to the same call for justice by claiming that they are even more deserving of their nation?s wealth on any number of grounds ranging from governmental inadequacy to corruption and basic human rights.It is time to rethink the socialist model applied to Lebanon without leaving the perceived model of a free economy unchecked. T he state of stagnation that swells in Lebanon?s economy contradicts the liberal economy open to the world, as was the case with prosperous countries such as Brazil and Turkey, which have forsaken socialism altogether for a mixed system of free market economics.The fact of the matter is that Lebanon?s economy is closed from the inside, just like the minds of those who have no opportunity or incentive to create or utilize their full potential.However, Lebanon has the potential to become a regional hub and this has every possibility of becoming a reality given the high level of Lebanon?s education and the existence of know-how that could attract investment from abroad and turn the nation into a solid contender on the global stage.With calm prevailing in the country since 2008, the relatively low impact of the world financial crisis, its highly skilled workforce, strategic geographic positioning and stable currency, Lebanon has had every opportunity of becoming a serious economic competitor to any nation in any sector of industry and all service sectors.The Lebanese banking sector has survived the global financial crisis in no small part due to the fact that its interest rate spread remains at 2.1 percent, which makes the country a very attractive location for financial operations.But this has done little to aid the Lebanese economy, which remains heavily dependent on the services sector and merchandise trade, while struggling with an official unemployment rate of 10 percent, which in reality stands at well above 20 percent.Furthermore, it is simply unsustainable to exist in an economy of 6 percent inflation, which keeps on rising, with growth dwindling by 2.5 percent annually, according to the International Monetary Fund. Considering that the MENA region?s growth stands at an average of 3.6 percent, it is certain that Lebanon?s economic situation can achieve and even surpass these values.It is the obligation of the government to stimulate the economy and to give the people opportunities to ex pand and invest. New ways must be found to fight corruption and reform one of the most inefficient governing syst ... Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/WorldNews/en-US/abboud-economics-article-zek-980.htm The FA Lloyds Banking Group Supermarkets Sepp Blatter Football politics Sweden
Each week we look at retailers competing in the same sector. This week, in time for Valentine's Day, it is Thorntons and Hotel Chocolat 
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/poll/2012/feb/09/store-wars-thorntons-hotel-chocolat Dorset Frank Lampard Inflation Foreign policy Sheffield United Weir
Following the trades of top prospects Adam White and Drew Pomeranz, is the cupboard bare of pitching prospects for the Indians? Here's a look at the top arms in the minors.  Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerDavid Huff's solid work in three spot starts in July have moved him to the top of the Indians' depth chart when assessing the team's minor-league pitching prospects.ARLINGTON, Texas -- The big prospects with the big arms have left the building. Right-hander Alex White and left-hander Drew Pomeranz, projected to be No.1 or No.2 starters for the Indians in the near future, were traded a week ago to Colorado for right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who already is what Pomeranz and White are trying to become. So what's left in the cookie jar? Who are the best of the rest pitchers in the Indians' farm system? Here's a look at the top 20: 1. LHP David Huff, 26, Class AAA Columbus: Coming off an impressive three-start performance in the big leagues. Revamped delivery has given him more command and velocity, touching 94 mph. Middle-of-rotation candidate. 2. RHP Jeanmar Gomez, 23, Columbus: Pitched in the big leagues in the last two seasons for the Tribe. Sinker/slider pitcher who puts the ball on the ground. Could be fourth or fifth starter. 3. LHP Nick Hagadone, 25, Columbus: Hard-throwing lefty is another bullpen prospect. Indians acquired him from Boston in the Victor Martinez deal. 4. RHP Zach McAllister, 23, Columbus: Made his big-league debut this year in an one-and-done performance. Big guy who can pitch a lot of innings. Projects to be middle to back-end of the rotation starter. 5. RHP Zach Putnam, 24, Columbus: Fifth-round pick in 2008. Has good stuff, needs to keep the ball down. Middle reliever/set-up man in the big leagues. 6. RHP Austin Adams, 24, Class AA Akron: He's as converted college shortstop who has hit 100 mph with a good breaking ball. Needs work on change-up and command, but is considered a major-league depth pitcher right now. 7. LHP Scott Barnes, 23, Columbus: Could be a starter or back-end reliever. Tough on lefties. Was 7-4 with 3.68 ERA when he injured his knee. 8. RHP Chen-Chang Lee, 24, Columbus: Bullpen prospect with good arm strength and a funky motion. Drew a lot of interest at the trade deadline. Is a combined 5-1 with 87 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings at Columbus and Class AA Akron. 9. RHP Josh Judy, 25, Columbus: He's already had two tours with the Tribe this year. He's closing at Columbus, striking out 51 in 41 1/3 innings. Set-up candidate in the big leagues. 10. LHP T.J. McFarland, 21, Akron: Sinker/slider pitcher, who is tough on lefties. Projects as fourth or fifth starter. 11. LHP Matt Packer, 23, Akron: Has four pitches and knows how to use them. Having good second half at Akron, increasing strikeouts with good command. Could be fourth or fifth starter. In Jeremy Sowers, Aaron Laffey, Scott Lewis mold of lefties. 12. LHP Kelvin De La Cruz, 22, Akron: He's starting at Akron, but path to the big leagues in probably in the pen. He's tough against lefties. 13. LHP Mike Rayl, 22, Akron: He's similar to Packer. Made himself a prospect this year for the big-league rotation. 14. RHP Clayton Cook, 21, Class A Kinston: He's shown potential for three above-average pitches -- fastball, curve and change -- at Kinston. Ninth-round pick in 2008. 15. LHP Giovanni Soto, 20, Kinston: Acquired from Detroit last year in the Jhonny Peralta trade. He has 58 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings this year. 16. RHP Felix Sterling, 18, Class A Lake County: He's 6-2 and 240 pounds. He's 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA in three starts at Lake County. Started the season in the Arizona Rookie League, going 2-3 with a 4.10 ERA in six game, including four starts. 17. RHP Michael Goodnight, 22, Lake County: The Tribe's 13th-round pick out of the University of Houston in 2010. He's 5-10 with 90 strikeouts in 104 1/3 innings at Lake County. 18. LHP Elvis Araujo, 20, Arizona Rookie League: Araujo is 6-4 and 246 pounds. He's 5-1 with a 3.68 ERA in nine starts with 39 strikeouts and 14 walks in 44 innings. 19. RHP Rob Bryson, 23. Akron: Acquired from Milwaukee in CC Sabathia trade. Big arm, big strikeout totals, but has had trouble staying healthy. 20. RHP Tyler Sturdevant, 25, Akron: The Tribe's 27th-round pick out of New Mexico State in 2008. He's 4-2 with a 1.98 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 41 innings. Has a WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings) of 0.95. Hector Rondon and Jason Knapp were not included because they've been injured much of the season. Source: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/08/are_the_cleveland_indians_stil.html Property Mergers and acquisitions Doctor Who Allied Irish Banks Twitter La Liga
BorgenYou'll have to be quick to catch the masterly Danish drama Borgen in its entirety, but early episodes are available on iPlayer until 11pm tonight, so it's worth getting stuck in. Politician Birgitte Nyborg faces her first election as party leader; as the Moderate candidate, she is not expected to be a big hitter. But as events take a number of twisty turns, no allegiance is as clear as it first seems and back-stabbing, double-dealing and compromise are the order of the day. Who could have predicted that a drama about a coalition goverment would turn out to be so thrilling? Outstanding stuff. BBC iPlayer The RiverSpooks are the new vampires: here's an extended teaser of yet another series based on supernatural thrills, this time created by Oren Peli, the man behind shocktastic franchise Paranormal Activity. It kicked off in the States last week; if its chills turn out to be your thing, you can buy it online as it airs. iTunes The Cricklewood GreatsPeter Capaldi's fantastic spoof history of the fake film studio is a unique delight, made with obvious affection and an astute and respectful insight into cinema's past. Online until Thursday. BBC iPlayer ShamelessShameless is well into its ninth series, and though it remains entertaining, it's not as sharp as it used to be. Remind yourself of the glory days ? series one to three, in particular ? with this huge archive of past episodes. 4OD This American LifeTwo recent episodes of the ultimate podcast are worth downloading: Reap What You Sow explores Alabama's draconian new immigration policies, while Continental Breakup offered a surprisingly dramatic history of the Eurozone crisis. Online Take Me OutLast Saturday's episode of the dating show featured quite possibly the most excruciating 10 minutes of television in recent history, as a male model blundered his way to the island of Fernandos by offending every woman in the room. Well worth revisiting, to see how far your jaw is capable of dropping. ITV Player Brighton RockToday is the last chance to see this divisive version, which took enough liberties with the plot to offend fans of the novel and the 1947 film alike. Sam Riley and Andrea Riseborough carry the update through its new 1960s setting. BBC iPlayer Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2012/feb/11/catch-up-tv-guide Xabi Alonso US healthcare Burlesque Television Iran Neal Ardley
Former Treasure Hunt and Challenge Anneka star to host weekend breakfast show, and will also front new BBC TV shows Anneka Rice is to replace Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2's weekend breakfast show, confirming that the former Treasure Hunt presenter's star is well and truly back in the ascendant. Rice has been a regular stand-in on Radio 2 but begins presenting the show in her own right later this month. The presenter will also front two new peak-time shows on BBC TV after she was singled out by director general Mark Thompson as evidence of its commitment to put more older women on screen. Rice, 53, said: "I started my career in BBC radio so I'm thrilled to be going full circle and back to my roots. Unbelievably, I'm even looking forward to the early starts as I'm missing not having a young family any more." BBC1 controller Danny Cohen has confirmed plans are in hand to put Rice back on the small screen but has not released further details. Radio 2 listeners have heard Rice standing in on Alan Carr and Melanie Sykes's Saturday evening show Going Out, alongside Patrick Kielty. Rice, who became a household name on Channel 4's Treasure Hunt in the 1980s, and also presented BBC1's Challenge Anneka, starts her two-hour early breakfast show at 6am on 25 February. ? To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". ? To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook. Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/feb/10/anneka-rice-zoe-ball-radio-2 Twitter La Liga Kevin Campbell Russia Beach holidays Australia cricket team
 The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra are continuing with their bold and provocative advertising moves. The latest one, entitled Recognition, showcases mock mug shots of the orchestra?s members. These are nine young, successful people who will, besides performing as soloists, be endorsing their own BPO in the coming period and representing it in the media. Source: http://english.blic.rs/Culture-Showbiz//8434/Anyone-recognising-these-criminals-please-report-to-Ivan-Tasovac Wolverhampton Wanderers The FA Lloyds Banking Group Supermarkets Sepp Blatter Football politics
According to opposition sources, during massive attacks by the Syrian army on Monday at least 50 people were killed. Most of them died during heavy bombings on the city of Homs. "The troops of President Assad acted as if they were immune from any form of international intervention," said a senior member of the opposition Syrian National Council, Catherine al-Talli. The attacks on Homs started early in the morning. Since Friday, over 300 people were killed in Homs, according to opposition sources. read more Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/muslim-brotherhood-blames-russia-china-and-iran-scores-dead-homs-411835 Soap opera Robert Schumann Simon Barker European Union Ethical and green living Reality TV
After over two decades of exile in Damascus, senior Hamas politburo member Imad Al-Alami returned Sunday evening to the Gaza Strip. Al-Alami was welcomed by several Hamas leaders and citizens who were waiting for him at the Palestinian side of Rafah crossing along the border with Egypt. Israel forced Al-Alami to leave the occupied Palestinian territories in 1991. Addressing the media, Al-Alami said his joy is incomplete because more than six million Palestinian still live in exile. read more Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/senior-hamas-leader-flees-damascus-and-returns-gaza-411716 Lee Bowyer Weather Annuities Switzerland BBC UK security and terrorism
 | | MADRID-Paul Day(Reuters) - Spain's economy looks set to slip into recession after contracting for the first time in two years in the last quarter of 2011, highlighting the challenge for EU leaders as they meet to find ways to boost growth while cutting budgets.The leaders are meeting in Brussels on Monday with the goal of helping Europe's economy but they have to balance austerity with the need to help countries struggling with dismal economic performance.The finances of neighboring Portugal faced fresh scrutiny by markets on Monday and Spain's prime minister said this year's official growth goal would be missed.Gross domestic product in Spain shrank 0.3 percent in the fourth quarter from zero growth the previous quarter, preliminary data from the National Statistics Institute showed, in line with forecasts in a Reuters poll.Spain has massive unemployment -- around a third of the euro zone's unemployed are Spanish -- and a banking sector that has been hobbled by a collapsed property sector."I don't see any way countries like Spain can avoid recession through the first half of the year at the very least," said Steve Webster, economist at consultancy 4Cast."Politicians in Davos are talking about not just relying on austerity and are talking about growth efforts. But that won't be easy, and so a prolonged recession is the risk."On an annual basis, the economy grew by 0.3 percent, slowing from 0.8 percent in the previous quarter but slightly above expectations for growth in a Reuters survey.Many economists are concerned the euro zone's deficit-busting strategies aimed at easing market fears over fiscal imprudence will make growth difficult, potentially condemning the region to a "lost decade."The Bank of Spain said it expects the economy to shrink 1.5 percent this year due to stringent cost-cutting aimed at cutting the public accounts shortfall to 4.4 percent of GDP from around 8 percent in 2011.Spain, Greece, Portugal and Ireland face a year or two of economic problems as austerity measures hurt growth prospects, a Reuters poll January 27 showed.Germany has weathered the euro zone's crisis better than most, underscoring the divergence that has developed among Europe's economies, and is leading the drive for fiscal austerity.MISSED TARGETSSpain will miss the official growth target of 2.3 percent in 2012 Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said. His centre-right government, which trounced the Socialists in November's election, is due to announce new growth targets in March.Spain has suffered from the collapse of the once-powerful property market as well as falls in spending by consumers unable to get loans from cash-strapped banks and afraid to spend their nest eggs while faced with the EU's highest unemployment rate."We now expect to take a more downbeat view in the February forecast round, with the economy condemned to shrink for two successive years, by 1.5 percent in 2012 and 0.2 percent in 2013," economist at Global Insight Raj Badiani said."A major factor behind the darker outlook is the government's continued commitment to the fiscal budget deficit targets ... which will require even tougher austerity measures to prop up the multi-year budget deficit reduction plan in the face of a poorer economic climate."The economy has remained virtually stagnant since emerging from recession in the first quarter of 2010, with only strong exports keeping it from shrinking again, but a slowdown among key trade partners has hit its only pillar of growth.The European Commission forecasts 2012 economic growth of just 0.5 percent for the 17 nations in the euro zone compared with growth of 1.5 percent in 2011 and 1.9 percent in 2010.The International Monetary Fund expects the region to contract 0.5 percent in 2012 and warned it could drag the world into recession.REFORMIST GOVERNMENTSpain will pass a decree on further restructuring its banking system later this week and a draft labor law in February, Rajoy said on Monday, as part of its reformist agenda for the damaged economy.The ailing banking sector holds billions of euros of unsaleable property, overpriced land and bad loans to defunct property developers, prompting some economists to say the government will need to use public cash to solve the problem.Rajoy has said he wants the banks, which have been through a restructuring process over the last two years more than halving the number of regional savings banks through mergers, to cough up 50 billion euros to cover potential losses.The Bank of Spain says around half of banks' exposure to the real estate sector is problematic -- equivalent to 176 billion euros of foreclosed property and unrecoverable loans. Around 33 percent of those assets, have already been provisioned for, the cen ... Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/WorldNews/en-US/spain-economy-shrinks-cg-978.htm Luis Moreno-Ocampo Savings Noel Coward South Korea Christmas US Congress
Syrian regime forces tightened the noose around the rebel city of Homs, determined to crush the resistance, activists said Wednesday. read more Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/syrian-army-effort-regain-control-homs-412179 Asia Social care Rape North Korea Petrol prices Local government
 | | Greece will go bankrupt, as it has no chance of repaying its debt. The only pending questions are when and how this will happen. The efforts of the European Union, lead by Germany, to save the Greeks, look ridiculous and hopeless.Greece is now in a no-win situation. If the Greek government implements the massive budget cuts demanded by the EU (the EU has appointed a puppet Greek prime minister to carry out this task), we can expect this scenario: budget cuts will result in more unemployment and more bankruptcies which will mean less tax revenue and the need to extend the deficit!In the unlikely case that the Greek government gives into its citizens? demands and does not cut the budget or raise taxes, the country will remain in its present economic crisis. So whatever the Greek leaders do, they are booking a one-way ticket to bankruptcy. The efforts of the EU to ?buy more time? are simply pathetic.The day after Greece declares bankruptcy, finance companies will have to cancel billions of dollars of debts. France and Germany alone own 50 billion dollars of Greek debt. The problem here is that after the collapse of the Greek economy other debts and problems will appear.And Greece is not the worst case. There is a greater crisis, which threatens to provoke the biggest global depression since the 30?s: Spain. The main fear following the Greek debt emergency is that investors will tag Spain as their next target.Spain, with huge debts and a staggering unemployment rate of 21% (40% amongst young people), is bleeding. The EU is doing everything possible to keep Spain?s economic situation out of sight. It?s another reason why the EU cannot let Greece collapse.The debt of Spain is like a bottomless pit. If Spain declares bankruptcy, it will devastate not only the European economy, but the entire world?s economy.The financial aid Greek is supposed to receive will not help. One must keep in mind that this aid is just another loan. Here is a country which cannot pay its current debt ? and what is the EU solution? Expanding that country?s debt! Brilliant!The EU ?rescue money? for Greece can merely buy some time and briefly postpone its inevitable bankruptcy. The show has just begun! |
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Rayl, Murata, Guilmet whiff 18 in Kinston victory, Captains win on wild pitch in 10th. AAA Columbus Clippers Clippers 2-3, Red Wings 0-4: Rochester (N.Y.) scored two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to defeat Columbus in the nightcap of an International League doubleheader to gain a split. Right fielder Jerad Head hit his 23rd homer of the season for the Clippers. In the first game, Joe Martinez (8-6) pitched six shutout innings for Columbus, and Josh Judy pitched a scoreless seventh for his 19th save. Advanced A Kinston Indians Indians 2, Nationals 0: A trio of Kinston (N.C.) pitchers set a season high with 18 strikeouts in a win over visiting Potomac (Md.) in a Carolina League game. Starting pitcher Mike Rayl (5-5) matched a career high with 11 strikeouts while walking two. Toru Murata struck out five over 2 innings. Preston Guilmet struck out two in 11/3 innings, and collected his 31st save. Notes: The previous season high for strikeouts was 16, set on May 31 against Wilmington (Del.). Rayl matched Marty Popham's July 17 11-strikeout night as Kinston's best individual performance of the year. A Lake County Captains Captains 3, Dragons 2 (10): Nick Bartalone scored on a wild pitch in the top of the 10th inning, and Lake County won a Midwest League game at Dayton. Left fielder Brian Heere clubbed his third home run for the Captains, an inside-the-park drive in the seventh. AA Akron Aeros The Aeros were idle Monday. A Mahoning Valley Scrappers The Scrappers were idle Monday. Independent Lake Erie Crushers The Crushers were idle Monday. Source: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/08/jerad_heads_homer_helps_columb.html Arsenal Scotland Carlos Tevez Borrowing & debt Radio 1 Clint Eastwood
Adam Miller labors for Aeros, Montero shines for Captains, Casas has three hits in Kinston loss, late rally lifts Scrappers, Lake Erie dominates Washington. AAA Columbus Clippers Clippers 5, Tides 4: LF Jerad Head (.282) hit a two-run homer and doubled in a run and 3B Jared Goedert (.206) added a two-run homer as host Columbus beat Norfolk (Va.) in the International League game. AA Akron Aeros SeaWolves 5, Aeros 0: RH Adam Miller (1-3, 7.01) stumbled on the comeback trail, giving up eight hits and five runs in two innings of relief as Erie (Pa.) beat the Aeros at Canal Park in the Eastern League game. Advanced A Kinston Indians Blue Rocks 4, Indians 1: SS Gerard Hall's two-RBI single in the seventh inning lifted host Wilmington (Del.) to the Carolina League win. RF Jordan Casas, recently promoted from Lake County, went 3-for-4 with a triple and scored the K-Tribe's run. A Lake County Captains Captains 7, Lugnuts 5: C Moises Montero (.175) doubled in a run in a three-run rally in the second inning and doubled and scored in the seventh as Lake County defeated host Lansing (Mich.) in the Midwest League game. Captains 3B Giovanny Urshela (.244) hit a two-run homer. A Mahoning Valley Scrappers Scrappers 4, Ironbirds 1: Mahoning Valley used RBI singles by C Jake Lowery (.273), 2B KC Serna (.264) and 1B Jerrud Sabourin (.195) and took advantage of sloppy defense by the IronBirds to score four runs in the eighth inning and win at Aberdeen (Md.) in a New York-Penn League game. Independent Lake Erie Crushers Crushers 7, Wild Things 0: OF Kellen Kulbacki tripled and C Kyle Shaffer doubled as Lake Erie rapped out 10 hits in the rout in Avon. Source: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/07/jerad_head_jared_goedert_homer.html Global economy Cornwall Students Eric Pickles Russell Brand Soap opera
A blast reported Friday evening near Al-Jinan University in the North Lebanon?s city of Tripoli, the National News Agency reported. "Explosions were heard and a huge fire erupted in the area,? the report said, adding that it ?may be due to the explosion of an arms? depot.? Initiail reports claimed several people were killed. read more Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/lebanon-dead-and-wounded-tripoli-clashes-blasts-412377 US Congress Documentary Pakistan cricket betting scandal International criminal court US supreme court Global terrorism
 A barricade on the road between Raska and Donje Jarinje is in the territory of central Serbia and it is most frequently being mentioned as yet another obstacle to giving of the candidate status to Serbia. Removal of that barricade is in competence of Serbia Home Ministry. Source: http://english.blic.rs/News//8429/Barricade-in-Serbia-obstacle-on-EU-path Awards and prizes Celestine Babayaro Global economy Cornwall Students Eric Pickles
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