Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Writing While the Rice Boils: Self-Publishing Tips for Indie Authors

?These days, you can barely click a link without hearing something about ebooks, self-publishing, or indie authors. Along with all the other decisions and jobs a writer undertakes, this one is a big one. I still don't know which way I'll go when my manuscript is ready, so I figure it's a good idea to stay on top of what's happening.

And there's a lot happening.

A new title.
There's something new. Authors who start out putting their own book up for sale and later accepting print deals are now called 'hybrid authors'. Agent Kristin Nelson explains what's going on with hybrid authors.

One of those authors is Nelson's own Hugh Howey, the author of Wool. Nelson (and many other agents) courted him. A nice way for things to work out, right? Check out Howey's own account of how things went down.
?
Another author enjoying great ebook sales that led to a print deal is Jennifer L. Armentrout, with her book Wait for You. Forbes published an article on her, titled The Fast-Track to Making a Million Dollars from Writing Books.

A new perception.
There used to be quite a stigma attached to those who took on publishing themselves. There's still some stigma, but not like it used to be. In fact, indie authors are increasingly proving that they don't need publishers at all--or might accept them on their own terms. Check out this post called Self-Publishers: The New Generation of Cool Kids.

Even the Big Six (or five) are discovering huge sales in the ebook market. Lucrative electronic sales were documented by Publishers Weekly.

A new opportunity.

Many authors are discovering the benefits of publishing single short story titles and anthologies in ebook form. Author and writing teacher James Scott Bell promotes this idea. He's got a nice list of traditionally published books, but found extra money by publishing his short story titles. His article (which includes some great plotting info for short story writers) will encourage writers who have found little success querying literary journals. And speaking of literary journals, it was fascinating to read how one writer used an actual New Yorker story to query literary journals. His results are worth reading in The New Yorker Rejects Itself: A Quasi-Scientific Analysis of Slush Piles.

A new perspective.
Pricing ebooks remains a murky area. With hundreds of thousands of individuals making their own decisions, as opposed to a handful of long-standing publishers, there's a huge number of different ideas on pricing. One idea is to offer the first book in a series free, in order to entice readers to take a chance on a new author. Writer Jordyn Redwood examines this idea in Is Free Always Good? On the other hand, some authors believe that free or low-cost pricing devalues the product. Dean Wesley Smith makes some pertinent points on the subject in The New World of Publishing: Book Pricing from Another Perspective. Definitely worth some consideration.

So where do you fall? On stigma, pricing, perception, etc. Is the idea of going the indie route attractive to you? Have you already taken the plunge?

Source: http://writingwhilethericeboils.blogspot.com/2013/03/self-publishing-tips-for-indie-authors.html

Pepco

Monday, March 25, 2013

Acoustic monitoring of Atlantic cod reveals clues to spawning behavior

Mar. 22, 2013 ? For decades researchers have recorded sounds from whales and other marine mammals, using a variety of methods including passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to better understand how these animals use sound to interact with each other and with the environment. Now, for the first time, researchers report using this technology to record spawning cod in the wild.

Acoustic behavior in cod has been of interest for several decades, but few studies have observed their use of sound as part of reproductive behavior. Although both sexes produce low frequency "grunts," only male Atlantic cod make this sound during spawning season.

Researchers from NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and their colleagues from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS), School of Marine Science & Technology at UMass Dartmouth (SMAST), and Cornell University's Bioacoustics Research Program recently reported their findings, online, in the ICES Journal of Marine Science.

"Few current coastal cod spawning sites are known, especially given historical data that indicate many cod spawning sites once existed along the New England coast. Passive acoustics makes locating potential sites much easier." said study co-author Sofie Van Parijs, who heads the passive acoustics group at NOAA Fisheries' Woods Hole Laboratory.

The findings have implications for conservation and management of this iconic species and possibly for other recreational and commercial fish species. Species in more than 100 families of fish are known to produce sounds. The cod family contains several sound-producing species, including haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), pollock (Pollachius virens) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

The researchers report on a 2011 pilot study in northern Massachusetts Bay. A single marine autonomous recording unit (MARU) was deployed at a depth of 51 meters (168 feet) within a seasonal fishery closure area established to protect a coastal cod spawning aggregation.

The MARU recorded continuously for 75 days during the spring spawning season, with the acoustic sounds confirmed as cod grunts. Cod were also captured in the vicinity of the MARU as part of a tagging study being conducted concurrenty at that time by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) confirming that cod were present.

Male cod grunts were recorded on 98 percent of the recording days. The grunts, were most often heard during daylight hours, and were most common in late May and early June. The MARU was deployed from April 14 through June 27

"We acoustically captured the start of the 2011 spawning period but not the end," said Van Parijs. "Future deployments of multiple MARUs over larger areas and in conjunction with tagging studies could help determine movement patterns of cod in the spring, and give a better picture of how cod are distributed within the spawning protection area. In addition, underwater cameras could provide insight into the structure of the spawning aggregation."

Atlantic cod are known to gather in high concentrations in very small areas to spawn, sometimes forming vertical columns or "haystacks." They often return to the same location to spawn, a behavior known as spawning site fidelity.

In the spring of 2012, the researchers deployed an array of nine MARUs in the same area as the 2011 pilot study to record cod acoustics through an entire spawning season and over a larger area.

Lead study author Keith Hernandez, formerly a researcher in Van Parijs' group at NEFSC and now a graduate student at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in California, says human-produced sounds might mask cod grunts in coastal areas with high human activity, an issue of concern since grunts and other sounds can be used to advertise for females and warn off competitors.

The next steps for passive acoustic monitoring are to explore the size and extent of known cod aggregations, and to locate other spawning aggregations in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank region. Researchers also need to determine if the grunt data can be used to develop an index of relative cod abundance.

"We're already looking at the acoustic data we've collected from other projects in the region, including the Ocean Noise Budget in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and other offshore monitoring studies," said Van Parijs. "We continue to work with colleagues at the Mass DMF, whose cod tagging studies contribute core information and complement federal efforts."

The study was funded by NOAA's Ocean Acoustics Program.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.


Journal Reference:

  1. K. M. Hernandez, D. Risch, D. M. Cholewiak, M. J. Dean, L. T. Hatch, W. S. Hoffman, A. N. Rice, D. Zemeckis, S. M. Van Parijs. Acoustic monitoring of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in Massachusetts Bay: implications for management and conservation. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 2013; DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fst003

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/gsg4Q19uLo0/130323152912.htm

a wrinkle in time

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Syracuse Holds Off Cal 66-60, Advances To Sweet 16 In NCAA Tournament

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Carl Hall #22 of the Wichita State Shockers dunks the ball in the first half while taking on the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Carl Hall #22 of the Wichita State Shockers steals the ball from Gary Bell, Jr. #5 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs alongside Demetric Williams #5 of the Shockers in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Demetric Williams #5 of the Wichita State Shockers and Kevin Pangos #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs go after a loose ball in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Kevin Pangos #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts in the first half while taking on the Wichita State Shockers during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Kelly Olynyk #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs drives to the basket against Ehimen Orukpe #21 and Carl Hall #22 of the Wichita State Shockers in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Ron Baker #31 of the Wichita State Shockers and Elias Harris #20 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs go after a loose ball in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Carl Hall #22 of the Wichita State Shockers and Kelly Olynyk #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs go after a loose ball in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Cleanthony Early #11 of the Wichita State Shockers blocks Sam Dower #35 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Cleanthony Early #11 of the Wichita State Shockers reacts after making a three-pointer in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Carl Hall #22 of the Wichita State Shockers dunks the ball in the first half while taking on the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Ron Baker #31 of the Wichita State Shockers and Elias Harris #20 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs go after a loose ball in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Carl Hall #22 and Cleanthony Early #11 of the Wichita State Shockers react after Early makes a three-pointer in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Wichita State vs. Gonzaga

    Mike Hart #30 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Carl Hall #22 of the Wichita State Shockers go after a loose ball in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at EnergySolutions Arena on March 23, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Trent Lockett #22 of the Marquette Golden Eagles dives for the ball against Kellen Dunham #24 of the Butler Bulldogs in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Trent Lockett #22 of the Marquette Golden Eagles grabs a loose ball against Roosevelt Jones #21 of the Butler Bulldogs in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Head coach Buzz Williams of the Marquette Golden Eagles looks on from the sideline in the first half against the Butler Bulldogs during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Andrew Smith #44 of the Butler Bulldogs drives to the basket and draws a foul against Davante Gardner #54 of the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Junior Cadougan #5 of the Marquette Golden Eagles shoots against Kellen Dunham #24 of the Butler Bulldogs in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Andrew Smith #44 of the Butler Bulldogs reacts after a play against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Derrick Wilson #12 and Trent Lockett #22 of the Marquette Golden Eagles celebrate after a defensive play in the first half against the Butler Bulldogs during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Rotnei Clarke #15 of the Butler Bulldogs reacts after making a basket against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Jamil Wilson #0 of the Marquette Golden Eagles reacts after having a foul called on him in the first half against the Butler Bulldogs during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Head coach Brad Stevens of the Butler Bulldogs talks to his players after a double flagrant foul in the first half against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Butler vs. Marquette

    Jamil Wilson #0 of the Marquette Golden Eagles handles the ball against Roosevelt Jones #21 of the Butler Bulldogs in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Cody Ellis #24 is called for a foul as he and Jordair Jett #5 of the Saint Louis Billikens defend against Johnathan Loyd #10 of the Oregon Ducks in the second half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Cody Ellis #24 of the Saint Louis Billikens drives past Carlos Emory #33 of the Oregon Ducks in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Cody Ellis #24 of the Saint Louis Billikens and Arsalan Kazemi #14 of the Oregon Ducks vie for posession in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    The Oregon Ducks bench reacts in the first half against the Saint Louis Billikens during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Arsalan Kazemi #14 passes the ball to Damyean Dotson #21 of the Oregon Ducks on a fast break in the first half against the Saint Louis Billikens during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Rob Loe #51 of the Saint Louis Billikens goes up against the Oregon Ducks in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon Henderson/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Arsalan Kazemi #14 of the Oregon Ducks drives against Cody Ellis #24 of the Saint Louis Billikens in the fist half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Head coach Jim Crews talks to Kwamain Mitchell #3 and Grandy Glaze #1 of the Saint Louis Billikens in the first half against the Oregon Ducks during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Kwamain Mitchell #3 of the Saint Louis Billikens drives against Arsalan Kazemi #14 of the Oregon Ducks in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    E.J. Singler #25 of the Oregon Ducks falls on Dwayne Evans #21 of the Saint Louis Billikens as Jordair Jett #5 of the Saint Louis Billikens recovers the loose ball in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Grandy Glaze #1 of the Saint Louis Billikens drives against Tony Woods #55 of the Oregon Ducks in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon Henderson/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Arsalan Kazemi #14 of the Oregon Ducks rebounds over Grandy Glaze #1 of the Saint Louis Billikens in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Tony Woods #55 of the Oregon Ducks goes up for a shot over Rob Loe #51 of the Saint Louis Billikens in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Head coach Dana Altman (L) and assistant coach Tony Stubblefield of the Oregon Ducks react in the first half against the Saint Louis Billikens during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Damyean Dotson #21 of the Oregon Ducks goes up against the Saint Louis Billikens in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Mike McCall Jr. #11 of the Saint Louis Billikens guards Johnathan Loyd #10 of the Oregon Ducks in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon Henderson/Getty Images)

  • Oregon vs. Saint Louis

    Arsalan Kazemi #14 of the Oregon Ducks rebounds over Grandy Glaze #1 of the Saint Louis Billikens in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at HP Pavilion on March 23, 2013 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Kevin Ware #5 of the Louisville Cardinals defends Wes Eikmeier #10 of the Colorado State Rams in the second half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Colton Iverson #45 of the Colorado State Rams looks on in the first half agaisnt the Louisville Cardinals during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Peyton Siva #3 of the Louisville Cardinals falls trying to dribble around Colton Iverson #45 of the Colorado State Rams in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Montrezl Harrell #24 of the Louisville Cardinals takes a charge as Colton Iverson #45 of the Colorado State Rams goes up for a dunk in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Colton Iverson #45 of the Colorado State Rams handles the ball against Stephan Van Treese #44 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Montrezl Harrell #24 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts after a play against the Colorado State Rams in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Dorian Green #22 of the Colorado State Rams celebrates after making a three point basket against the Louisville Cardinals in the first half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Colton Iverson #45 of the Colorado State Rams looks up after being poked in the eye in the first half against the Louisville Cardinals during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Peyton Siva #3 of the Louisville Cardinals steals the ball from Greg Smith #44 of the Colorado State Rams in the second half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Colorado State vs. Louisville

    Colton Iverson #45 of the Colorado State Rams handles the ball and is fouled by Gorgui Dieng #10 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 23, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

  • Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/24/syracuse-cal-ncaa-scores-2013_n_2942025.html

    Ned Rocknroll

    Blockbuster's ailing UK stores sold to investment firm

    LONDON (Reuters) - Blockbuster's chain of film and computer game rental shops in Britain has been sold to an investment firm, two months after the struggling retailer went into a form of bankruptcy protection, administrators said on Saturday.

    Deloitte, which took control of Blockbuster's British operations after it entered administration on January 16, said the company had been sold to Gordon Brothers Europe for an undisclosed sum.

    Under the terms of the deal, the global restructuring specialist will keep 264 of Blockbuster's 528 stores, safeguarding the jobs of nearly half its 4,190 staff.

    Blockbuster's UK shops fell victim to increased competition from supermarkets, the shift towards people watching films over the internet and a harsh economic backdrop in Britain.

    "This transaction provides Blockbuster a future in the UK," said Deloitte's Lee Manning, joint administrator.

    The new owners said the surviving shops would reopen under the Blockbuster brand, licensed from U.S. satellite TV company Dish Network, which owns the American operation.

    Gordon Brothers Europe said it would make a "substantial" investment in the stores, offering new products to try to return the company to profitability.

    "We acknowledge the industry is in transition; we know that we have a challenge ahead but there is still a market to be served," Frank Morton, chief executive officer of Gordon Brothers Europe, said in a statement.

    Blockbuster opened its first shop in Britain in 1989 and its blue and yellow branding soon became a familiar site in most high streets across the country. It had nearly three million members before it closed its doors.

    It was one of a string of household names in British retailing hit by the internet, increased competition and years of weak economic growth.

    (Reporting by Peter Griffiths; editing by James Jukwey)

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blockbusters-ailing-uk-stores-sold-investment-firm-162911541--finance.html

    reba mcentire

    Saturday, March 23, 2013

    Simple Ways To Live A Stress free Life - Way To be healthy

    Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives. Most often, people get stressed with work, family, relationships and money. It is perfectly normal to be stressed. However, the important thing is to learn how to deal with it and prevent it from affecting your overall health. It has long been known that stress can affect your physical, mental and emotional health. In fact, a mind and body specialist has said that up to 90% of physician visits are stress-related. By learning how to cope with stress, you can prevent this from happening so as to maintain your good health.

    Stress Free Life

    Keeping stress at bay should not be difficult. In fact, there are a lot of ways on how you can easily manage stress.


    Diet
    Don?t skip breakfast but be mindful of your food choices in the morning. You may want to eat breakfast that?s low in fat as fat takes longer to digest and in addition, can also aggravate an already uneasy stomach. It is also a good idea to choose food that?s rich in complex carbohydrates as it raises serotonin levels making you feel relaxed and calm. Food high in protein also helps boost brain chemicals to let you focus better.
    When it?s time for lunch, don?t be in a hurry. Take at least 10 minutes to eat your lunch ? smell the food, slowly chew your food and savor the taste. Using all your senses will give your mind a break from the stresses of the day.


    Quick, Relaxing Massage
    Sometimes, a 30-second massage is all you need to feel better. If you have had a stressful day, massage your head with these simple steps. Rest your elbows on your desk, place your thumbs just under your eyebrows and let the weight of your head rest on your thumbs for at least 10 seconds. Using your thumbs and index fingers, pinch your eyebrows and hold for a second before moving your fingers about half an inch out. Repeat the steps until you have covered the entire eyebrow area.


    Meditate
    Meditating first thing in the morning can also help you deal with stress better. You may want to set aside five to ten minutes in the morning to meditate and relax your mind and body before starting your day. It would also be helpful to meditate during your lunch break. Meditating at least 15 minutes at lunch will help you relax and in turn, be more productive at work.


    Say It Out Loud
    One of the reasons why people find it hard to deal with stress is because they tend to keep it to themselves. Talking to your friends and family about your problems is a great way to release stress. Having someone listen to you will help you to get it off your head and to start moving forward.
    These are only some of the simple ways on how you can live a stress-free life. Always keep in mind that stress can affect your health so learn how to manage it to stay healthy inside and out.

    Health and Fitness article by FitFarms.co.uk Weight Loss Boot Camp. Three camps to choose from in Derbyshire, Somerset and Dorset UK.?

    Source: http://way-to-be-healthy.blogspot.com/2013/03/simple-ways-to-live-stress-free-life.html

    pat buchanan slither

    'I needed to tell him something'


    Nothing will bring Robbie and Alissa Parker's 6-year-old daughter back, but learning more about the shooter who took Emilie?s life at Sandy Hook Elementary might help ease their pain.

    Emilie Parker (AP/Family)

    That mission led the grieving parents to a recent face-to-face meeting with the gunman?s father.

    "I felt strongly that I needed to tell him something, and I needed to get that out of my system," Alissa Parker told CBS News. "I felt very motivated to do it, and then I felt really good about it and prayed about it. And it was something that I needed to do."

    Peter Lanza?s estranged son, Adam, shot and killed 20 first-graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14. The 20-year-old gunman committed suicide as police were closing in. Adam also killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, at their home before going to the school. His parents had divorced in 2009 after a long separation.

    Reported motives for the rampage have focused on Adam?s mental health, his obsession with violent video games and a fascination with mass killers.

    The Parkers, who didn?t reveal what Peter Lanza shared with them during their emotional meeting, said there are still a lot of unknowns, but that they don?t hold him responsible.

    ?Were there missteps in the raising of his son? Possibly,? Alissa Parker told CBS News in the exclusive interview.

    Some have pointed fingers at Nancy Lanza for reportedly not seeking more help in dealing with Adam?s social and psychological struggles and allowing him to be near guns.

    ?Looking from the outside in, it?s hard to not think that there were things that she could have seen,? Alissa Parker said. ?Do I think it was her fault? I?m sure that there were things that she?s going to have to be accountable for, but again, it?s not my burden to carry.?

    The Parkers said they weren?t mad at Peter Lanza. Instead, they believe he holds the keys to preventing another similar tragedy.

    Adam Lanza (AP)

    ?I wanted to tell him that there was a lot of hope and opportunity to gain from this,? Allisa Parker said. ?Because there was information and things to be learned from what happened, and without his cooperation, it would go nowhere.?

    The day after his daugther?s death, Robbie Parker showed compassion for the shooter?s family, telling reporters, ?I can't imagine how hard this experience must be for you and I want you to know that our love and our support goes out to you as well."

    A spokesman for Peter Lanza told Yahoo News that Robbie?s ?emotionally brave gesture? help set the tone for the parents to meet.

    ?There was a deep level of appreciation, that given the Parker family?s trauma, that they would still see fit to reach out to Peter,? said Errol Cockfield, the spokesman.

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/newtown-victim-parents-seek-answers-adam-lanza-father-140137659.html

    cnet

    Friday, March 22, 2013

    Did Obama Win Because He Addressed White Americans as Individuals? (Atlantic Politics Channel)

    Share With Friends: Share on FacebookTweet ThisPost to Google-BuzzSend on GmailPost to Linked-InSubscribe to This Feed | Rss To Twitter | Politics - Top Stories Stories, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

    Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/293678333?client_source=feed&format=rss

    ryan o neal

    North Korea's military threatens U.S. bases

    By Jack Kim

    SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said it would attack U.S. military bases on Japan and the Pacific island of Guam if provoked, a day after leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a mock drone strike on South Korea.

    The North also held an air raid drill on Thursday after accusing the United States of preparing a military strike using bombers that have overflown the Korean peninsula as part of drills between South Korean and U.S. forces.

    North Korea has stepped up its rhetoric in response to what it calls "hostile" drills between South Korea and the United States. It has also been angered by the imposition of fresh U.N. sanctions that followed its February 12 nuclear test.

    Separately, South Korea said a hacking attack on the servers of local broadcasters and banks on Wednesday originated from an IP address in China, raising suspicions the intrusion came from North Korea.

    "The United States is advised not to forget that our precision target tools have within their range the Anderson Air Force base on Guam where the B-52 takes off, as well as the Japanese mainland where nuclear powered submarines are deployed and the navy bases on Okinawa," the North's supreme military command spokesman was quoted as saying by the KCNA news agency.

    Japan and U.S. Pacific bases are in range of Pyongyang's medium-range missiles.

    It is not known if North Korea possesses drones, although a report on South Korea's Yonhap news agency last year said it had obtained 1970s-era U.S. target drones from Syria to develop into attack drones.

    "The (drone) planes were assigned the flight route and time with the targets in South Korea in mind, Kim Jong-un said, adding with great satisfaction that they were proved to be able to mount (a) super-precision attack on any enemy targets," KCNA reported.

    It is extremely rare for KCNA to specify the day on which Kim attended a drill. It also said a rocket defense unit had successfully shot down a target that mimicked an "enemy" Tomahawk cruise missile.

    North Korea has said it has abrogated an armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War and threatened a nuclear attack on the United States.

    Although North Korea lacks the technology to carry out such an attack, Washington said it would deploy more anti-missile batteries in Alaska to counter any threat.

    PYONGYANG HAS HACKED SOUTH KOREA BEFORE

    The hacking attack brought down the servers of South Korean broadcasters YTN, MBC and KBS as well as two major commercial banks, Shinhan Bank and NongHyup Bank.

    South Korean communications regulators said the attack originated from an IP address based in China.

    An unnamed official from South Korea's presidential office was quoted by the Yonhap news agency as saying the discovery of the Chinese IP address indicated Pyongyang was responsible.

    Investigations of past hacking incidents on South Korean organizations have been traced to Pyongyang's large army of computer engineers trained to infiltrate the South's computer networks.

    At least one previous attack was traced to a Chinese IP address.

    South Korea's defense ministry said it was too early to blame the North but said such a cyber capability was a key part of its arsenal. Experts say thousands of North Korean engineers may have been recruited for the purpose.

    "Throughout the world, states that create cyber warfare and engage in those types of activities are precisely the same countries that develop nuclear weapons," Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said.

    "North Korea has strongly stepped up development of asymmetrical strategy with nuclear development and many types of ballistic missiles as well as a special forces of 200,000 strong."

    (Additional reporting by Ju-min Park. Editing by Dean Yates)

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/north-koreas-military-threatens-u-bases-within-target-021350990.html

    rosario dawson

    Thursday, March 21, 2013

    Potential immune benefits of strong vitamin D status in healthy individuals

    Mar. 20, 2013 ? Research from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) shows that improving vitamin D status by increasing its level in the blood could have a number of non-skeletal health benefits.

    The study, published online in PLOS ONE, reveals for the first time that improvement in the vitamin D status of healthy adults significantly impacts genes involved with a number of biologic pathways associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. While previous studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk for the aforementioned diseases, these results go a step further and provide direct evidence that improvement in vitamin D status plays a large role in improving immunity and lowering the risk for many diseases.

    Vitamin D is unique in that it can be both ingested and synthesized by the body with sun exposure. It is then converted by both the liver and kidneys to a form that the body can use. An individuals' level of vitamin D, or their vitamin D status, is determined by measuring the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood. Vitamin D deficiency, which is defined as a status of less than 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, can cause a number of health issues, including rickets and other musculoskeletal diseases. Recently, however, data suggests that vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and vitamin D insufficiency (between 21-29 ng/mL) is linked to cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

    The randomized, double-blind, single-site pilot trial involved eight healthy men and women with an average age of 27 who were vitamin D deficient or insufficient at the start of the trial. Three participants received 400 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D per day and five received 2,000 IUs per day for a two-month period. Samples of white blood cells (immune cells) were collected at the beginning of the two-month period and again at the end. A broad gene expression analysis was conducted on these samples and more than 22,500 genes were investigated to see if their activity increased or decreased as a result of the vitamin D intake.

    At the end of the pilot, the group that received 2000 IUs achieved a vitamin D status of 34 ng/mL, which is considered sufficient, while the group that received 400 IUs achieved an insufficient status of 25 ng/mL.

    The results of the gene expression analysis indicated statistically significant alterations in the activity of 291 genes. Further analysis showed that the biologic functions associated with the 291 genes are related to 160 biologic pathways linked to cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and CVD.

    Examining gene response elements, or sequences of DNA bases that interact with vitamin D receptors to regulate gene expression, they also identified new genes related to vitamin D status. To ensure that their observations were accurate, the researchers looked at 12 genes whose level of expression does not change, and those genes remained stable throughout the trial period.

    "This study reveals the molecular fingerprints that help explain the non-skeletal health benefits of vitamin D," said Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD, professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at BUSM and leading vitamin D expert who served as the study's corresponding author. "While a larger study is necessary to confirm our observations, the data demonstrates that improving vitamin D status can have a dramatic effect on gene expression in our immune cells and may help explain the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk for CVD, cancer and other diseases."

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    The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Boston University Medical Center, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

    Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.


    Journal Reference:

    1. Arash Hossein-nezhad, Avrum Spira, Michael F. Holick. Influence of Vitamin D Status and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Genome Wide Expression of White Blood Cells: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial. PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (3): e58725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058725

    Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

    Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

    Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/_80AxjeIAlc/130320212824.htm

    Marina Krim

    One Step Closer To Its Grave: Google Starts Removing Links To Reader From Its Top Menus

    Google_Reader_logoGoogle is shutting down Google Reader on July 1 and to say that quite a few people are unhappy about this move would be an understatement. Today, Google Reader moved one step closer to its grave as Google is now quietly removing links to it from the black menu that graces the top of virtually every core Google product.?Google Reader itself, of course, is still available for the time being. For now, it seems the link is only gone from Gmail. It’s still available from other products (including Reader itself) and the main search page, but judging from the reaction on Twitter and other sites, it’s clear that this was the main gateway to Reader for many of its users. Chances are, it’s just a matter of time before any mention of Reader will be gone from all of Google’s menus. These changes, after all, always tend to take a while to propagate across Google’s properties. Oddly enough, Google is still allowing new users to start using Reader, but that may just be because there is nobody left on the team to make any major changes to its code. Google didn’t waste any time after it announced the closure of Reader. Right after Google’s CEO Larry Page made the announcement, Google already removed its official app?from its Play Store and we’ll likely see more of this in the near future. Already a dozen times today, I've clicked on the "More" link on Gmail to get Reader only to find the link isn't there. This is gonna suck.—   (@jrebello21) March 20, 2013 Ummm, I'm sorry Google, but didn't you say July 1st? So why can't I find a link anywhere for my Google Reader that I can use until then?— Heidi (@heidishenk) March 20, 2013 They took the Reader link out of the Gmail dropdown menu?! TOO SOON @GOOGLE.— Katherine (@katherine77) March 20, 2013 Google has already removed the Reader link from the admin bar. Maybe it is a sign that I need to unGoogle my life.— Daryle Dickens (@DaryleDickens) March 20, 2013

    Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/0xr7zXys6cU/

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    Wednesday, March 20, 2013

    These Stone Shades Are Fit for a Flinstone

    Whether pedaling to Rock Vegas with the top down or boarding a pterodactyl flight to Hollyrock, no self-respecting cave man leaves his igneous abode without proper eye wear. Now, both the stone age man about town and modern cool hunters can rock a pair of retro wayfarers made of, well, rock. More »


    Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/jUo8oZ5sBGE/these-stone-shades-are-fit-for-a-flinstone

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    General: Gitmo buildings in need of major repair

    (AP) ? As much as $170 million is needed to improve facilities for the troops stationed at the Guantanamo Bay detention center that President Barack Obama has marked for extinction, the top U.S. commander in South and Central America said Wednesday.

    The head of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. John Kelly, told the House Armed Services Committee that upgrades to buildings including barracks and the dining hall for the American personnel assigned to the joint task force at the U.S. base in Cuba are badly needed. He described the living conditions at Guantanamo as not quite squalor but "pretty questionable."

    "We need to take care of our troops," Kelly said.

    Kelly also said, though, that the detainees are living in humane conditions. He attributed a hunger strike that has grown to 25 detainees to frustration among prisoners over the failure to close Guantanamo. The hunger strike has become the largest and most sustained protest at Guantanamo in several years.

    Obama had pledged to shutter the prison at Guantanamo soon after taking office but Congress opposed it, passing a law that prohibits the government from transferring Guantanamo prisoners to U.S. soil and requiring security guarantees before they can be sent elsewhere in the world.

    Kelly told the committee that the facilities at Guantanamo were designed as temporary structures and never intended to last as long as they have. The prison opened on the base in January 2002.

    "These are things that we have to do right now," Kelly said of the repairs. "I'm assuming Guantanamo will be closed someday. But if you look at the past 11 years when it was supposed to be temporary, who knows where it's going."

    Kelly said none of the projects are aimed at improving the "lifestyle" of the detainees. But the improvements will increase security and improve the ease of movement for the detainees, which will benefit the guards by making their jobs less complicated, he said.

    Kelly also said there's a proposed project to replace one of the facilities where "special detainees" are housed. But he declined to discuss details of the project.

    The general estimated the price tag for the repairs at between $150 million to $170 million. Construction work at Guantanamo is expensive, he said, because of the base's remote location and lack of local labor.

    "So a 10-penny nail costs 20 cents," Kelly said. "Everything's more expensive."

    Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the committee's top Democrat, raised concerns over the medical care for the 166 detainees at the prison. They are getting older, Smith said, and may soon require better medical care than is available at Guantanamo.

    "And as the law stands now, and we have an inmate who has a heart attack, doesn't die, but needs more complicated care, where's he going to get it in Guantanamo?" Smith said. "He's not. And that opens up all kinds of implications in terms of human rights violations and problems that we would have with our own laws, as well as with international laws."

    Kelly said there's a small naval hospital on Guantanamo that detainees have complete access to. He said he's received advice from the office of the Pentagon's general counsel that "we're within the law so long as they have access ? immediate access to any and all medical care on-island."

    Over the past few weeks, as lawyers returned from Guantanamo with accounts of clients weak from hunger and an angry standoff with guards, the military had said no more than a handful of prisoners met the definition of being on hunger strike, which includes missing nine consecutive meals.

    As of Wednesday, there were 25 hunger strikers, with eight receiving feeding tubes, according to Navy Capt. Robert Durand, a spokesman for the detention center. That's an increase of 11 since last Friday.

    During his testimony, Kelly said the detainees "had great optimism that Guantanamo would be closed" and were devastated when Obama said nothing about the facility in his inauguration speech or State of the Union speech.

    But lawyers who have represented Guantanamo prisoners said the protest began in early February when a relatively new officer in charge of camp operations, Army Col. John Bogdan, ordered an intensive search of the communal pod-like area where a majority of detainees are held. Guards confiscated personal items such as family letters, photos and mail from attorneys. The prisoners also said government-issued Qurans were searched in a way they considered religious desecration.

    ___

    Associated Press writer Ben Fox in San Juan, Puerto Rico, contributed to this report.

    ___

    Follow Richard Lardner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rplardner

    Associated Press

    Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-03-20-US-US-Guantanamo/id-3e1fe2c268d7476ba03e56203ea55c0e

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    Singaporean-Finnish Startup Nonstop Games Raises $2.9M For ...

    Nonstop Games, a Singaporean-Finnish gaming company (yes, really), just picked up $2.9 million from two Scandinavian venture firms, Creandum and Lifeline Ventures, to build out core games for iOS and Android.

    The company?s team has an interesting backstory. Henric Suuronen was a head of studio at one of Europe?s biggest social gaming companies Wooga, and a director at Digital Chocolate Finland before that. The company?s CEO, Juha Paananen, doesn?t have a long gaming career, but he previously ran Asia-Pacific business development for Nokia out of Singapore so he has lots of experience working in the mobile industry.

    Random fact of note: Juha is also the brother of Ilkka Paananen, CEO of Supercell, that Finnish gaming company that?s tearing up the charts with two top-grossing games in the top five. We?ve heard from multiple sources that the company is making more than $1 million a day on average, but they decline to talk about updated revenue figures since acknowledging a $500,000 per day revenue rate last fall.

    ?Supercell is a good target for success,? Juha Paananen said. ?When we pass them on the top list, I?ll send my brother a note.?

    Henric_solo_c_2Nonstop Games is also a pivot.

    The company, which used to be known as GamesMadeMe, was working on HTML5 titles. But we all know the end to that story: many developers have shifted away from HTML5 because of the technical difficulties associated with creating a great user experience from existing browser capabilities.

    ?It?s never that black and white,? Paananen said. ?The press wants to paint it as you have to go either native or HTML5. HTML5 might happen at some point but realistically, the app stores remain the main distribution channel at the moment.?

    With the funds, the company will launch its first game, a synchronous strategy title called Heroes of Honor, later this spring. It?s a fantasy world with three different factions fighting for power. Players in the game can build towns and armies and attack enemies in massive real-time battles between thousands of player armies. They say they?re testing the boundaries of real-time multiplayer with supporting thousands of player armies simultaneously.

    They also plan to grow out a San Francisco office and expand its development capacity out of Helsinki, Finland. They currently have 11 employees out of Singapore.

    Paananen said he chose Singapore in part because of its strategic location in Asia, which has been a pioneering region for free-to-play games. Many of the business models used today in the West borrow from the virtual goods economies that were established by early browser games in China and mobile titles in Japan.

    ?China has never had any other business model other than free to play,? Paananen said.

    He added, ?The other reason is talent. Singapore is still an emerging startup hub. The gaming community is not so established here but you can hire really, really smart people.?

    heroes-of-honor

    Source: http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/18/nonstop-games/

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    Tuesday, March 19, 2013

    Pilgrims hope Francis can revive Church with simple values

    By Catherine Hornby

    VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pilgrims who flocked to Rome for the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis on Tuesday had high hopes he can reform and revive the Catholic Church, bring it closer to ordinary people and focus global attention on helping the poor.

    "Ideas are changing under Francis. The powerful have to finally understand they can't destroy the world for money," said Francisca Fernandes, a psychologist who traveled to Rome from Patagonia in Argentina for the inauguration.

    People watched and cheered as Francis toured St. Peter's Square in an open white jeep, frequently stopping to greet the crowds and kiss babies. Many of them said they were struck by the new pope's openness and accessibility.

    "He has a very special presence, his smile and attitude. I feel close to him," said Veronique Blaise, a 40-year-old purchasing manager from Paris. "We need someone sincere and simple like him to bring back traditional values."

    Up to 200,000 people waving flags and banners crammed into the square to hear a homily in which Francis appealed for the protection of the environment and the defense of the weakest in society.

    "He touched me the most when he was talking about the poor, the sick and the aged - he has the world at heart," said Rev. Emmanuel Korsah, a priest from Ghana studying Church law at a Catholic university in Rome.

    "There will be a lot of challenges, but he means to face them, in the name of St. Francis and with the lifestyle of simplicity he wants to live," he said.

    Others noted that the Jesuit pope's humble style was a clear break with the past.

    "The new pope seems different. He is closer to young people," said Michele Del Grosso, a 17-year-old student who traveled overnight from Olevano sul Tusciano in southern Italy to take part in the Mass.

    "His approach is almost revolutionary," said 42-year-old sports writer Marco Da Milano. "His words are very interesting and also easy to understand."

    The former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has tried his best so far to flout Vatican pomp, stressing his role as bishop of Rome and frequently reaching out to greet well-wishers, to the obvious discomfort of his security detail.

    Some pilgrims attending the Mass said they believed Francis also has what it takes to shake up the Church's dysfunctional central administration, or Curia, which has been blighted by rivalry, scandal and infighting.

    "I hope he can reform the establishment. Because he is an outsider, he can clean up a bit, said Franz Schoen, a 70-year-old pensioner from Lucerne, Switzerland. "There's a lot to do. I hope he has enough time to do it."

    (Reporting By Catherine Hornby; Editing by Philip Pullella and Tom Pfeiffer)

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pilgrims-hope-francis-revive-church-simple-values-144541649.html

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    Aviary launches photo-editing SDK for Windows 8 developers

    DNP

    Thanks to a partnership with AMD and Microsoft, Aviary's Photo Editor SDK will be available to Windows 8 developers starting today. While in the long run this could mean Windows 8 will gain more photo-centric apps, this new SDK will bring the the photo service to apps running on Windows 8 notebooks and tablets immediately, and those devices running AMD processors should benefit from "higher, optimized performance," according to the company.

    The Aviary app has been available on iOS and Android since last summer, though its customizable SDK is also used by services such as Flickr and Twitter, which integrate the photo-editing features into their respective apps. To kick off its launch on Microsoft's most current OS, Aviary announced partnerships with Rowi, Memorylage and several other apps available for download in the Windows Store.

    Filed under:

    Comments

    Via: All Things D

    Source: Aviary blog

    Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/18/aviary-photo-editing-sdk-for-windows-8/

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    DETROIT: A Feast For The Eyes And The Appetite | detroitdvotion

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    In the past we?ve taken you into some of Detroit?s great places to shop for antiques, today we?ll take you to the finest;?Du Mouchelles?auction house on Jefferson. Here ?you?ll find a selection of top quality antiques, more like a museum than a store. The Du Mouchelle family has been in business since 1927, they are experts in estate appraisals, they buy and sell fine diamonds, gems, jewelry, artwork and objects ?d art; they are probably best known as auction house.??Pausing at the front windows, I took a look inside while Kris snapped a few photos of the building. The first thing that caught me eye were beautiful pieces from an antique carousel, a couple of horses and a lion that at one time thrilled children as they rose and fell to the rhythm of loudly playing music. Once inside I was dazzled by the light reflecting off the multiple crystal?chandeliers?that hang from the ceiling. Kris pointed out a stairway to the second floor, so up we went.

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    The second floor is an immense space filled with gorgeous things; tall glass cases line the walls and make up rows on the floor, antique paintings, movie posters and cartoons are framed and hang on walls and dividers. As we roam the space I linger at displays of fine china decorated in frilly patterns, crystal pieces and highly detailed figurines. I love antique furniture; there was an amazing dining room table and chairs that I had to get a closer look at. The table was dark wood, thick legs are lavishly carved, two?candelabra?s rest on top. Glass counters are filled with a bevy of vintage jewelry. Each item bears a tag with a description, when the item goes up for auction and how much it is expected to sell for; many of the estimated prices surprised me, some higher, some lower than I would have thought. We?descended?the stairs back to ground level; a pair of lights look as if they once called a theater home, many large pieces are displayed here. All items that will be sold at the next auction are on display for potential bidders to see and touch before the bidding begins. Next time we come it will be to watch a live auction; I can?t wait.

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    It is such a beautiful day and Detroit has a spectacular riverfront, the thought of outdoor dining comes to mind; a gust of wind blows, reminding us that is still a couple of months away, we have the perfect compromise: lunch at?Volt. The?Renaissance Center?is often described as a ?city within a city?, I?d have to say that?s an accurate description; its seven towers and 5 million square feet can be a bit overwhelming. Today we are just concentrating on the central tower; home to the?Detroit Marriott, this is the tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the western hemisphere, not to mention the tallest building in Michigan. Volt is the Marriot?s ?lobby bar and restaurant, with floor to ceiling windows it offers a wonderful view along with contemporary dining. We placed our order and took in the bright and airy room while we waited for our food; translucent amber-colored glass bubbles dangle above the semi-circular bar, the carpet pattern is ?done in rich shades of red, purple, sapphire and gold, as are the accent colors of the room. Our lunch arrives; a Roast Turkey BLT served with a mini Caesar salad and Artichoke Dip with house made tortilla chips, everything was tasty! In the summer you can dine on the patio with an unobstructed view, now that?s something to keep in mind when the warm weather finally arrives. Before we left we took a walk around the tower, enjoying more water views and thinking there?s still more to explore?..next time.

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    It seems as though Detroit is always in the news for one awful thing after another; newspapers and newsrooms seem to take pleasure in the decline and despair of a city with a lion?s share of problems.?Allow us to tell you about the good.?Avalon International Breads?has been providing Detroit with wonderful products and positive stories for years, and they?re doing it again! Due to the bakery?s growing presence in restaurants, cafes, grocery stores and retail outlets they recently purchased a 50,000 sq ft building on Bellevue in Detroit that will serve as the center for production. This new branch of the business, City Ovens, recently held an open house to show off their new space and is it ever impressive! A former manufacturing facility, it has been turned into a pristine work space that is expected to double its current workforce.

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    We enter the building in the area that will eventually be a small retail outlet for baked goods, we are welcomed by employees and volunteers, they point the way to food, drinks, and tours. Each area is white from top to bottom, equipment shines in stainless steel, we pause at a table with an amazing spread of fresh-baked bread, fruit, veggies and dips. Visitors are huddled in small groups eating from paper plates, I see chocolate cake in the distance and waste no time snatching up a piece for us. We pass into the next room where the Marion Hayden Trio plays on a small platform stage, a huge oven is front and center in the room, it is so large I could stand up inside of it. Several feet away a cooler waits to be filled with all the tasty items that will go into Avalon?s goodies. In another space enormous stand mixers rest on the floor; whisks and dough hooks are as big as my head, I have to wonder how many people it takes to lift the bowl.There is such a positive vibe going on, good bread, cookies and chocolate cake seem to have that effect on people?.But it?s more than that, Avalon was the dream of two women who wanted to feed Detroiters? good quality products that are incredibly delicious. The bakery has become a neighborhood staple, a place where people stop in for a loaf of Scallion Dill, a Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie and a good cup of coffee; they provide sustenance for the body and the soul, and employment to boot; now that?s a success story!?Bad news is easy to find, you may have to dig a little deeper for the positive; but believe me, it?s out there!

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    Source: http://detroitdvotion.com/2013/03/18/detroit-a-feast-for-the-eyes-and-the-appetite/

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    Germany: Cyprus must finance EU bailout - The Local

    It was up to the Cyprus government how it chooses to finance the terms of a tough EU bailout deal, which should have a "calming effect" on the crisis-wracked eurozone, Germany said Monday.

    "How the country makes its contribution, how it makes the payments, is up to the Cyprus government," government spokesman Steffen Seibert said, as a finance ministry spokesman added the bailout would have a "largely calming effect" on the eurozone.

    The European Central Bank (ECB) opened the door on Monday to possible amendments to a tough EU bailout deal for Cyprus, arguing that as long as the financing secure, it was up to the Cyprus government to decide how to raise it.

    "It's the Cyprus government's adjustment programme, not the Troika's or any other government's," Germany-based ECB executive board director J?rg Asmussen told a conference here.

    The troika is the term used for international creditors, the European Union, the ECB and the International Monetary Fund.

    "If Cyprus's president wants to change something in the structure of the levy on bank deposits, that's in his hands. He must simply make sure that the financing is intact," Asmussen said.

    Cyprus President Nico Anastasiades is currently seeking the backing of MPs for an EU bailout deal that slaps a tax on bank savings under harsh terms that have jolted global markets and raised fears of a new eurozone debt crisis.

    Ahead of a parliamentary vote on the hugely unpopular measure on Monday afternoon, negotiators are seeking to soften the blow on small-time depositors, who have been stunned by the announcement that their savings will be skimmed.

    As a condition for a desperately-needed ?10 billion bailout for Cyprus, fellow eurozone countries and international creditors Saturday imposed a levy on all deposits in the island's banks.

    Deposits of more than ?100,000 will be hit with a 9.9 percent charge, while under that threshold the levy drops to 6.75 percent. The proposal must still be passed by parliament.

    Cyprus's share of the financing of the deal is around ?5.8 billion euros.

    ECB board member Asmussen insisted it was Nicosia's programme. "They must decide its parameters. It's not as if the Troika was adamant about this particular structure," Asmussen argued.

    Cyprus is the fifth eurozone country to turn to its partners for aid, but the first where savers are being asked to foot part of the bill.

    The deal sent European stock markets into a tailspin on Monday amid fears of a bank run in Cyprus.

    Asmussen said the situation in Cyprus's banking sector was such that "no easy, risk-free decision was possible."

    The situation in Cyprus was "unique," he said when asked whether similar conditions could be imposed on other countries seeking a bailout.

    AFP/jcw

    Source: http://www.thelocal.de/money/20130318-48595.html

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    iMore for iPhone app 2.0.1 bug fixes!

    iMore for iPhone app 2.0.1 bug fixes!

    Apple has just approved version 2.0.1 of the official iMore for iPhone app, and it's scintillating new features include... bug fixes and performance enhancements! We know some of you had trouble with sending in tips and posting comments, and both of those issues should now be fixed! Thanks for the patience!

    We're already planning 2.5 and 3.0, so if you have any additional bugs to report, or features to request, head on over to the iMore forum thread and let your voice be heard.

    If you're already using the iMore app, get the update now from the App Store. If you haven't tried it yet, download it now. (And then hurry up and enter our big iPhone giveaway contest!)



    Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/55BbSY8Xqyc/story01.htm

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    Monday, March 18, 2013

    U.S. regulators probing high-speed traders for "wash trades"

    (Reuters) - U.S. futures regulators are looking into whether high-speed traders indulged in "wash trading," a strategy in which they improperly buy and sell futures contracts without taking a position in the market, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the probes.

    The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is investigating suspected wash trades by high-speed firms in futures contracts tied to crude oil, precious metals, agricultural commodities and the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index, among other underlying instruments, the people told the Journal.

    Wash trades are banned under U.S. futures law.

    Investigators also are looking at the two primary exchange operators that handle such trades, CME Group Inc and IntercontinentalExchange Inc, the paper reported.

    Regulators are concerned the exchange systems are not sophisticated enough to flag or stop wash trades, the people said. (http://link.reuters.com/fyc76t)

    "We actively enforce rules prohibiting wash trading, and we are in the process of developing technology to prevent wash trades as prohibited by CME and CFTC at the trading-engine level," a CME spokeswoman told the Journal.

    CME plans to introduce new technology in the middle of this year, she said.

    An ICE spokeswoman told the newspaper that the exchange operator has employed wash-trade filters for years, and "we continue to enhance them."

    Neither CME not ICE would discuss details of communications with regulators about their filters. No exchange operator has been accused of wrongdoing, according to the Journal.

    None of the parties were immediately available for comment by Reuters outside of regular U.S. business hours.

    (Reporting by Sakthi Prasad; Additional reporting by Mridhula Raghavan in Bangalore; Editing by Chris Gallagher)

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/u-regulators-probing-high-speed-traders-wash-trades-031647522--finance.html

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    Insert Coin semifinalist: cSpring bipedal robot platform hands-on (video)

    Insert Coin semifinalist cSpring bipedal robot platform handson

    Those looking to tinker with humanoid robots aren't exactly lacking for options these days, but Cognitive Spring is taking a slightly different approach than most with its Arduino-based cSpring bipedal robot -- one of the semifinalists in the Insert Coin competition here at Expand. Rather than offering a readymade robot like Nao that largely makes software the focus of user customization, cSpring is designed to be highly customizable (and open source) on both the hardware and software fronts. Indeed, the company is hoping to encourage such development by rewarding crowd-sourced work with what it calls "paid achievements."

    As for the robot itself, it's currently designed to work with an 11-inch MacBook Air that conveniently doubles as its torso, and it relies on a PrimeSense motion sensor to monitor its surroundings. One of the real selling points for potential developers, though, are the array of servos that power the robot's legs, which can operate simultaneously and provide some 40 pounds of lift apiece. Those also give the robot a decent range of movement, although it hasn't yet learned to fully walk (that's one area the company suggests could be expanded upon by others).

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    Source: Cognitive Spring

    Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/0V_dUkfT8lw/

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