Thursday, December 27, 2012

Ben Affleck: "I Am Not Running for Office"

Ben Affleck might be one of Hollywood's most politically outspoken celebrities, but don't expect him to follow in the footsteps of fellow stars-turned-politicos Arnold Schwarzenegger or Clint Eastwood

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/ben-affleck-i-am-not-running-office/1-a-510926?dst=iv%3AiVillage%3Aben-affleck-i-am-not-running-office-510926

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Chinese leadership increases Internet censorship to curb ...



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Chinese leadership increases Internet censorship to curb dissidenceChina?s?new communist leaders are increasing already tight?controls?on?Internet?use and electronic publishing following a spate of embarrassing online reports about official abuses.

The measures suggest?China?s?new leader, Xi Jinping, and others who took power in November share their predecessors? anxiety about the?Internet?s?potential to spread Opposition to one-party rule and their insistence on?controlling?information despite promises of more economic reforms.

?They are still very paranoid about the potentially destabilising effect of the?Internet,? said Willy Lam, a politics specialist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. ?They are on the point of losing a monopoly on information, but they still are very eager to?control?the dissemination of views.?

This week,?China?s?legislature took up a measure to require?Internet?users to register their real names, a move that would curtail the Web?s status as a freewheeling forum to complain, often anonymously, about corruption and official abuses. The legislature scheduled a news conference on Friday to discuss the measure, suggesting it was expected to be approved.

That comes amid reports Beijing might be disrupting use of software that allows Web surfers to see sites abroad that are blocked by its extensive?Internet?filters. At the same time, regulators have proposed rules that would bar foreign companies from distributing books, news, music and other material online in?China.

Beijing promotes?Internet?use for business and education but bans material deemed subversive or obscene and blocks access to foreign websites run by human rights and Tibet activists and some news outlets.?Controls were?tightened?after social media played a role in protests that brought down governments in Egypt and Tunisia.

In a reminder of the Web?s role as a political forum, a group of 70 prominent Chinese scholars and lawyers circulated an online petition this week appealing for free speech, independent courts and for the ruling party to encourage private enterprise.

Xi and others on the party?s ruling seven-member Standing Committee have tried to promote an image of themselves as men of the people who care about?China?s?poor majority. They have promised to press ahead with market-oriented reforms and to support entrepreneurs but have given no sign of support for political reform.

Communist leaders who see the?Internet?as a source of economic growth and better-paid jobs were slow to enforce the same level of?control?they impose on movies, books and other media, apparently for fear of hurting fledgling entertainment, shopping and other online businesses.

Until recently, Web surfers could post comments online or on microblog services without leaving their names.

That gave ordinary Chinese a unique opportunity to express themselves to a public audience in a society where newspapers, television and other media are state-controlled. The most popular microblog services say they have more than 300 million users and some users have millions of followers reading their comments.

The?Internet?also has given the public an unusual opportunity to publicise accusations of official misconduct.

A local party official in?China?s?southwest was fired in November after scenes from a videotape of him having sex with a young woman spread quickly on the?Internet. Screenshots were uploaded by a former journalist in Beijing, Zhu Ruifeng, to his Hong Kong website, an online clearing house for corruption allegations.

Some industry analysts suggest allowing Web surfers in a?controlled?setting to vent helps communist leaders stay abreast of public sentiment in their fast-changing society. Still, microblog services and online bulletin boards are required to employ censors to enforce content restrictions. Researchers say they delete millions of postings a day.

The Government says the latest?Internet?regulation before the National People?s Congress is aimed at protecting Web surfers? personal information and cracking down on abuses such as junk e-mail. It would require users to report their real names to?Internet?service and telecom providers.

The main ruling party newspaper, People?s Daily, has called in recent weeks for tighter?Internet?controls, saying rumours spread online have harmed the public. In one case, it said stories about a chemical plant explosion resulted in the deaths of four people in a car accident as they fled the area.

Proposed rules released this month by the General Administration of Press and Publications would bar Chinese-foreign joint ventures from publishing books, music, movies and other material online in?China. Publishers would be required to locate their servers in?China?and have a Chinese citizen as their local legal representative.

That is in line with rules that already bar most foreign access to?China?s?media market, but the decision to group the restrictions together and publicise them might indicate official attitudes are hardening.

That comes after the party was rattled by foreign news reports about official wealth and misconduct.

In June, Bloomberg News reported that Xi?s extended family has amassed assets totaling $376 million, though it said none was traced to Xi. The Government has blocked access to Bloomberg?s website since then.

In October, The New York Times reported that Premier Wen Jiabao?s relatives had amassed $2.7 billion since he rose to national office in 2002. Access to the Times? Chinese-language site has been blocked since then.

Previous efforts to?tighten?controls?have struggled with technical challenges in a country with more than 500 million?Internet?users.

Microblog operators such as Sina Corp. and Tencent Ltd. were ordered in late 2011 to confirm users? names but have yet to finish the daunting task.

Web surfers can circumvent government filters by using virtual private networks ? software that encrypts Web traffic and is used by companies to transfer financial data and other sensitive information. But VPN users say disruptions that began in 2011 are increasing, suggesting Chinese regulators are trying to block encrypted traffic.

Curbs on access to foreign sites have prompted complaints by companies and Chinese scientists and other researchers.

In July, the American Chamber of Commerce in?China?said 74 per cent of companies that responded to a survey said unstable?Internet?access ?impedes their ability to do business.?

Chinese leaders ?realise there are detrimental impacts on business, especially foreign business, but they have counted the cost and think it is still worthwhile,? said Lam. ?There is no compromise about the political imperative of?controlling?the?Internet.?

(Associated Press)

Photo Courtesy:?methodshop.com

(c) NiTi Digital. Reproduction and/or reposting of this content is strictly prohibited under copyright laws.



Source: http://www.niticentral.com/2012/12/chinese-leadership-increases-internet-censorship-to-curb-dissidence.html

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Baby Shower Decor | Makin' A House A Home

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Source: http://makinahouseahome.blogspot.com/2012/12/baby-shower-decor.html

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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Unholy Jesus Art: 12 Unorthodox Depictions Of Jesus (PHOTOS)

Merry Christmas, dear readers!

Last year we celebrated the merry holiday with the ten best depictions of Jesus in art. This time around we decided to celebrate some artists on the naughty list who portrayed Jesus in a not-so-holy light.

The following collection of unorthodox depictions of JC range from silly to racy to offensive to straight up weird. See the religious icon as a drunk, a babe, the POTUS, the King of Pop and so much more. Behold the naughtiest depictions of Jesus in art!

Which bad Jesus is your favorite? Let us know in the comments but be warned: some of these Jesus depictions are NSFW.

  • The Divine Accident

    "Ecce Homo" by Elias Garcia Martinez, touched up by Cecilia Gimenez

  • The Jock

    "Boxing Jesus" by Nancy Fouts from Crucifixion Exhibition at Corey Helford Gallery

  • The Inked Up One

    "Crucifixion" by Natalia Fabia From Crucifixion at Corey Helford Gallery

  • The Sexually Active One

    "The Misadventures of Romantic Cannibals" by Enrique Chagoya

  • The Potty-Mouthed One

    "Piss Christ" by Andres Serrano Edward Tyler Nahem gallery

  • The POTUS One

    "The Truth" by Michael D'Antuono

  • The Sexy One

    "Stigmata" by Ray Caesar Crufixion at Corey Helford Gallery

  • The King

    "American Jesus" by David LaChapelle at Paul Kasmin Gallery

  • The Last One At The Party

    "Crucifixion" by Glenn Barr from Crucifixion at Corey Helford Gallery

  • The One That Put Staples Out Of Business

    "Push-Pin Jesus" by Rob Surette, Portrait of Jesus made from 24,790 push pins.

  • The Banned NSFW One

    "A Fire in My Belly, A Work in Progress (1986-87)" by David Wojnarowicz

  • The Super Duper Frightening One

    Jake and Dinos Chapman The Milk of Human Weakness III with 'God Does Not Love You - F.T.W.', oil on canvas and 'God Does Not Love You - F.M.L.', oil on canvas 2011 Mixed media 107 7/8 x 96 7/16 x 28 3/4 in. (274 x 245 x 73 cm) ? Jake and Dinos Chapman Photo: Stephen White Courtesy White Cube

Also on HuffPost:

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/25/unholy-jesus-art-worst-best-christmas-offensive_n_2360631.html

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College survey: Accounting grads have best shot at job offer

National Association of Colleges and Employers? sixth annual student survey shows that graduating accounting majors have the highest percentage of job offers, followed by those studying engineering and computer science.

The survey found that 68 percent of the most recent accounting majors received job offers.

The report is based on reponses from nearly 16,000 bachelor?s degree level seniors. Among the findings for the class of 2012:

About two-thirds expect to go right into the workforce after graduating, and about one-third plan to go to graduate school.

Graduating seniors said they preferred work with meaning and cited ?government? as their industry of choice, followed by human services and education.

They also want employers that offer opportunity for personal growth, job security and friendly co-workers.

The most important benefits are annual salary increases, 401(k) matches and tuition reimbursement. Prior surveys always listed medical insurance as the most sought benefit, but this fell to fourth on the list, possibly because the Affordable Care Act now allows adults to stay on parents? insurance plans until age 26.

Source: http://businessweekly.readingeagle.com/?p=7114&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=college-survey-accounting-grads-have-best-shot-at-job-offer

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Pope decries slaughter of 'defenseless' Syrians

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City and to the World) speech from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI has wished Christmas peace to the world, decrying the slaughter of the "defenseless" in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate. Delivering the Vatican's traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, a weary-looking and hoarse-sounding Benedict on Tuesday also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City and to the World) speech from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI has wished Christmas peace to the world, decrying the slaughter of the "defenseless" in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate. Delivering the Vatican's traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, a weary-looking and hoarse-sounding Benedict on Tuesday also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, center, holds the Baby Jesus as he and clergy arrive to pray at the Grotto, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, at the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, attends Christmas Midnight Mass at Saint Catherine's Church in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, center, holds the Baby Jesus in Saint Catherine's Church at the end of the Christmas Midnight Mass and leads the procession to the Grotto, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, at the nearby Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, center back, and clergy pray in the Grotto, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, at the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, at the conclusion of the Midnight Mass, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

(AP) ? Pope Benedict XVI wished Christmas peace to the world Tuesday, decrying the slaughter of the "defenseless" in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate.

Delivering the Vatican's traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Benedict also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies.

He prayed that China's new leaders respect religion, a reference to persecution Chinese Roman Catholics have at times endured under communism.

As the 85-year-old pontiff, bundled up in an ermine-trimmed red cape, gingerly stepped foot on the balcony, the pilgrims, tourists and Romans below backing St. Peter's Square erupted in cheers.

Less than 12 hours earlier, Benedict had led a two-hour long Christmas Eve ceremony in the basilica. He sounded hoarse and looked weary as he read his Christmas message and then holiday greetings in 65 languages.

In his "Urbi et Orbi" speech, which traditionally reviews world events and global challenges, Benedict prayed that "peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict that does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims."

He called for easier access to help refugees and for "dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict."

Benedict prayed that God "grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path to negotiation."

Israel, backed by the United States, opposed the Palestinian statehood bid, saying it was a ploy to bypass negotiations, something the Palestinians deny. Talks stalled four years ago.

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said that in a meeting with the pope last week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas "emphasized our total readiness to resume negotiations." The Palestinians have not dropped their demand that Israel first stop settlement activities before returning to the negotiating table.

Hours earlier, in the ancient Bethlehem church built over the site where tradition holds Jesus was born, candles illuminated the sacred site and the joyous sound of prayer filled its overflowing halls.

Overcast skies and a cold wind in the Holy Land didn't dampen the spirits of worshippers in the biblical West Bank town. Bells pealed and long lines formed inside the fourth-century Church of the Nativity complex as Christian faithful waited to see the grotto that is Jesus' traditional birthplace.

Duncan Hardock, 24, a writer from MacLean, Va., traveled to Bethlehem from the republic of Georgia, where he had been teaching English. After passing through the separation barrier Israel built to ward off West Bank attackers, he walked to Bethlehem's Manger Square where the church stands.

"I feel we got to see both sides of Bethlehem in a really short period of time," Hardock said. "On our walk from the wall, we got to see the lonesome, closed side of Bethlehem ... But the moment we got into town, we're suddenly in the middle of the party."

Bethlehem lies 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Jerusalem. Entry to the city is controlled by Israel, which occupied the West Bank in 1967.

For those who couldn't fit into the cavernous Bethlehem church, a loudspeaker outside broadcast the Christmas day service to hundreds of faithful in the square.

Their Palestinian hosts, who welcome this holiday as the high point of their city's year, were especially joyous this season, proud of the United Nations' recognition of an independent state of Palestine just last month.

"From this holy place, I invite politicians and men of good will to work with determination for peace and reconciliation that encompasses Palestine and Israel in the midst of all the suffering in the Middle East," said the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal in his annual address.

Back at the Vatican, Benedict offered encouragement to countries after the Arab spring of democracy protests. He had a special word for Egypt, "blessed by the childhood of Jesus."

Without citing the tumultuous politics and clashes in the region, he urged the North African region to build societies "founded on justice and respect for the dignity of every person."

Benedict prayed for the return of peace in Mali and harmony in Nigeria, where, he recalled "savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians."

The Vatican for decades has been worried about the well-being of its flock in China, who are loyal to the pope in defiance of the communist's government support of an officially sponsored church, and relations between Beijing and the Holy See are often tense.

Speaking about China's newly installed regime leaders, Benedict expressed hope that "they will esteem the contribution of the religions, in respect for each other, in such a way that they can help to build a fraternal society for the benefit of that noble people and of the whole world."

Acknowledging Latin America's predominant Christian population, he urged government leaders to carry out commitments to development and to fighting organized crime.

In Britain, the royal family was attending Christmas Day church services at St. Mary Magdelene Church on Queen Elizabeth II's sprawling Sandringham estate, though there were a few notable absences. Prince William is spending the holiday with his pregnant wife Kate and his in-laws in the southern England village of Bucklebury, while Prince Harry is serving with British troops in Afghanistan.

Later Tuesday, the queen will deliver her traditional, pre-recorded Christmas message, which for the first time will be broadcast in 3D.

______

Dalia Nammari in Bethlehem and Cassandra Vinograd in London contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-12-25-Christmas/id-f4752aaed4ec40d2bce9d9e7c39f7003

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Secrecy over Mandela's health fuels concern

View images of civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, who went from anti-apartheid activist to prisoner to South Africa's first black president.

By Ron Allen, NBC News

JOHANNESBURG -- Nelson Mandela's life is an open book. Volumes chronicle every aspect of his 94 years. However, all that changed earlier this month when he was hospitalized.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma and his spokesman have released several brief statements saying essentially that Mandela "continues recovering,? and that there?s ?no crisis.??The latest, issued Monday, said Mandela would spend Christmas Day in hospital, with Zuma asking "all freedom-loving people around the world to pray for him."

All this has done little to quell the widespread fear in South Africa and around the world that the end of the life of ?Madiba? -- as the beloved elder statesman is affectionately known here ? is near.

After more than two weeks of rumor, speculation and cryptic comments, very little is known for certain about how Mandela is really doing as he recovers from surgery to remove gallstones and treatment for a respiratory infection.

Country 'a bit nervous'
It?s been his longest hospital stay since everything changed in South Africa, when Mandela was released from prison and apartheid ended some two decades ago.

?For a man of his age, Mandela is not doing badly,? Tokyo Sexwale, the government?s minister of human affairs, said in an interview in the garden outside his home.

Sexwale, who has known and worked closely with Mandela since the 1970s, is also a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, or ?the center of his memory,? as Sexwale calls it.

From prisoner to liberator, Nelson Mandela's fight for equality in South Africa serves as a shining example of justice and peace. Here's a look at the pivotal moments in the life of South Africa's first black president.

'Who is my Mandela?' South Africans consider icon's place in a changing world

He said the Foundation receives anywhere from 6,000 to 7,000 messages of prayer, support and concern every week for Mandela.

?I hope, Godspeed, he?ll still be with us for quite some time. The country feels a bit nervous, it?s like a family losing the father,? he added.

He did not reveal specific details about Mandela?s condition or prognosis.

?You have to speak quite loudly to him,? observed Peter Paul Ngwenya, who told NBC News that he was last with Mandela a few weeks ago.

?He is very forgetful,? he said of the man he clearly idolizes. ?He does remember faces and he does remember names.?

Nelson Mandela undergoes surgery to remove gallstones

Former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated for a recurring lung infection. South African authorities gave few details about his illness, but have now said the 94-year-old is responding well to treatment. NBC's Rohit Kachroo reports.

Sexwale and Ngwenya are former freedom fighters and political prisoners, a generation younger than Mandela.

Sexwale was sentenced in 1977 to 18 years on Robben Island for treason and terrorism.? He served 13 years, much of it while Mandela was there.

Trying to avoid 'death-watch circus'
Ngwenya was convicted of similar offenses in 1985 and sentenced to 15 years. History was kind to him and as apartheid crumbled he was released early in 1990.

The government has been notably brief about their hero's health.

Its line is that it must protect Mandela's privacy, dignity, and give his doctors the space they need to care for him.

?They really don?t want to turn this into a ghoulish, death-watch circus,? said Brooks Spector, a retired diplomat, academic, and NBC News consultant in South Africa.

Secretary of State Clinton tells of the important life lessons she has learned through her friendship with Nelson Mandela.

Killings of S. Africa farmers a toxic apartheid legacy

What's more, this is not a culture like in America, where doctors routinely hold daily press briefings about high profile cases.

?The government has never felt comfortable with the prying eyes of the media,? Spector said.

First the government said it was a visit for "routine tests."

Later, it was revealed he had a "respiratory infection."

Finally came the announcement about the surgery, all with little explanation, and no opportunity for the media to ask questions.

Since Mandela entered an unidentified hospital on Dec. 8 there has been something of a shell game. Is he at this or that hospital?

Is he heading home, or there already?? Maybe he's going to Qunu, his homeland in a remote part of the Eastern Cape. Mandela has said he wants to spend his final days there.

South Africa releases newly-minted bank notes showing the smiling face of former president Nelson Mandela. NBCNews.com's Dara Brown reports.

All about peace, reconciliation
For days the government would only say Mandela was in a hospital in Pretoria, the capital, without saying which one.

Professor Adam Habib, of the University of Johannesburg, said the problem was that ?the government tends not to be transparent and that breeds conspiracy theories.??

Habid said his sense of things was that ?Mandela is not on his deathbed.?

He said he did not think the government was lying about Mandela?s condition, but the entire situation should be handled in a ?more mature way.?

It doesn?t help that there?s growing and widespread criticism of the government and Zuma, who faces hundreds of corruption allegations.

And nearly 20 years after Mandela was elected president, it?s difficult to find anyone who truly believes the nation and its leaders have lived up to his dream and his ideals.

Meanwhile, South Africa hopes and prays for the best. When you ask someone here about Mandela, there?s often a pause before an answer. It?s a brief difficult moment when many perhaps allow themselves to contemplate the inevitable.?

Reflecting on the last time he saw the quite frail Mandela a few weeks ago, Ngwenya said he was ?sad to see him like that, but I was happy that he?s still around, because it?s like to have a parent who brought you up, and now you?re looking after them.?

?It is good that your grandchildren and your children can still see this icon,? he added.

Sexwale noted, ?We draw strength not from the fact that Mandela is in the declining part of his years, but from the youth of his ideas. That?s what keeps this country alive.?

Those ideas, he said, were all about peace and reconciliation. ?I hope the memory of his ideas will be that which will drive not only our people here in South Africa, but all those who are inspired all over the world.?

More world stories from NBC News:

Follow World News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and?Facebook

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/24/16126285-secrecy-over-mandelas-health-fuels-concern-for-south-africa-icon?lite

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Monday, December 24, 2012

Video: How Will and Kate are spending the holidays

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Source: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/50283314/

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Close to Home: Holiday Drinks--Low calorie

Every fun Holiday Party starts with a festive drink. ?I love to have a themed cocktail at every party even a cookie exchange. ?Check out the Rudolph noses we did last year. ?However festive and only once a year, these drinks can pack on unwanted calories. ?Close to Home partnered with DailyBuzz Food and Sweet'N Low as a tastemaker to come up with a festive low calorie drink.


This is what I had to work with !!

This is what I came up with !?


Nothing says the holidays more than the flavors of Cranberries and Oranges. ?I chose this one because not only for the ease but the look. ?How festive with the floating cranberries. ?This recipe is created for one beverage but you could probably make a pitcher of the mixture and then add the tonic water to serve.



Cranberry Orange Gin Fizz

?(2-inch) orange rind strip
1 tablespoon fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup ice cubes
3 tablespoons gin
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1/4 cup tonic water
Preparation

Muddle orange rind strip, fresh cranberries, and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes, gin, and fresh orange juice. Cover with lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds). Pour into an 8-oz. glass; top with tonic water. Serve immediately.
*Frozen cranberries, thawed, may be substituted.
FROM:Norman King, Southern Living

I found some great Holiday and New Year's Eve Drink recipes on Real Simple and thought I would share them. ?I also thought I would share adapted as lower calorie. ?Wherever you see sugar, use Sweet'N Low for a sweeter and lower calorie Holiday beverage.

Serves 4| ? Pomegranate Martinis
Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vodka
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup Cointreau
lime slices, for garnish
Directions
Chill 4 martini glasses. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the sugar and ? cup water to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large pitcher, combine the sugar syrup with the vodka, juices, and Cointreau. Add 2 cups ice and stir until well chilled.
Strain the martinis into the chilled glasses; garnish each with a lime slice.

Mulled Wine with Cranberry

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
2 pieces star anise
3 cups dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the cranberry juice cocktail, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the wine and cranberries and bring back to a simmer. Serve warm.

Easy Blender Eggnog
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 large eggs
3/4 cup brandy
Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream, sugar, and nutmeg just to a simmer.
In a blender, blend the eggs on low speed for 1 minute. With the motor running, gradually add the hot cream mixture. Blend until frothy, about 30 seconds more. Add the brandy and blend to combine. Serve warm.

Lemony Gin Punch
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 cup club soda
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup gin
lemon wedges, for garnish
Directions
In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a simmer. Remove from heat, stir in the honey, and let cool.
In a large pitcher, combine the sugar syrup with the club soda, lemon juice, and gin. Serve over ice; garnish each glass with a lemon wedge.

Mango Fizzes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sugar
1 orange wedge
2 1/2 cups sparkling wine
3/4 cup mango nectar
1 teaspoon orange bitters
orange zest twists, for garnish


Directions
Place the sugar on a small plate. Rub the rims of 4 Champagne flutes with the orange wedge, then dip the rims in the sugar to coat.
In a large pitcher, combine the wine, mango nectar, and bitters. Serve in the prepared flutes; garnish each with an orange zest twist.

This was a compensated post from Daily Food Buzz and Sweet'N Low. ?All the opinions are mine own.


Source: http://www.stayingclosetohome.com/2012/12/holiday-drinks-low-calorie.html

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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Health & Fitness: Back Pain - Some Clues to Discovering the Cause ...

Are you searching for the origin of your back pain? In this report, we will present information that will help you find some explanations. There is no simple answer, however, because back pain is one of those ambiguous symptoms resulting from many different causes. Even when you discover where the root of your back pain lies - which is a step in the right direction - you may not be able to totally eliminate the pain.

People that have back pain sometimes overlook the fact that their mobile device could be the source of the problem. These problems are actually affecting younger people. This is because older adults typically do not use tablets and smart phones as much as the younger generation. These devices don't harm your back directly, of course. Specifically, it is how we use the devices which causes problems. The way that you're back becomes injured is through repetitious motion, constantly bending over your laptop to communicate or holding your mobile device in such a way that it causes a strain. Although most people will not understand that their use of electronic devices is causing their back problems, over time, it is easy to see that our habitual use of certain devices is causing our difficulties.

Many people that own a computer often carry it with them. If you do this on a regular basis, this can actually cause back pain to occur. The distribution of the weight, and the way you carry this bag, factors into the damage that occurs. The way that you carry your purse, if you have one, can also add to the back discomfort that you may experience. The less you carry, the better off you'll be. Suitcases are another potential hazard. Use one that rolls over one that you have to carry. Any bag or suitcase should have rollers. By having this option, you can save yourself a lot of backache and potential injury in the coming years.

This will ultimately cause havoc with spinal degeneration. In order to have a healthy spine you need to know how significant a part your discs play to support vertebrae and require a considerable amount of water. Dehydration is a very important issue that should be tended to at all times in order to allow the most efficient process for keeping our health at its best.

Without proper treatment, bone density will lessen in strength with age and may cause degenerative disc disease. Of course there are a lot of additional things that will end up causing back pain for the elderly. While you are young, pay close attention to staying fit and taking special care to give your body the nutrients and supplements needed to sustain great bone health.

Unfortunately, even your doctor may not be able to accurately diagnose why you are having back pain. In a lot of cases, the problem is easy to ascertain. If you improperly lifted a heavy box you may pull a muscle and end up with back pain. However, in other instances, the cause isn't so obvious. In this report, we've only mentioned some of the many reasons that someone might get a backache, or more serious back pain.

Source: http://health-and-fitness-way.blogspot.com/2012/12/back-pain-some-clues-to-discovering.html

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Source: http://otitipaki.posterous.com/health-fitness-back-pain-some-clues-to-discov

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Pacts in MF Global liquidation could free up cash

Settlements between parties with completing claims in the liquidation of MF Global could speed up payment to customers of the collapsed brokerage, with one agreement potentially freeing up as much as $600 million for U.S. customers.

Two separate agreements were announced on Saturday. One is between James Giddens, the bankruptcy trustee overseeing the liquidation of MF Global's main brokerage unit, and Richard Heis, who is overseeing the liquidation of the company's United Kingdom operations. Giddens and Heis agreed to resolve all claims between the two corporate entities.

Giddens also reached an agreement resolving claims between the estate representing creditors of the brokerage unit and the one representing those of parent company MF Global Holdings Ltd.

Giddens said in a prepared statement that the agreements "are in the best interests of former customers and other creditors," and allow trustees to request court approval for additional cash distributions.

The agreement between the brokerage unit trustee and the UK-based unit could result in $500 million to $600 million being returned to the estate for U.S. brokerage customers, the parties said.

Giddens said he has applied with a U.S. bankruptcy court to make additional distributions as a result of the agreement.

Heis said the agreement will "clear important obstacles and allow us to significantly reduce reserves that have blocked us from additional distributions to the former customers and creditors of MF Global UK."

Due to litigation, just 10 percent has been distributed so far out of the $2.5 billion that's been collected for those customers, Heis said.

With the agreements in hand, "we will move quickly to get money in agreed claimaints' pockets at the earliest opportunity," Heis said.

Giddens has been combing through the accounts of MF Global since it filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2011. MF Global, which was headed by former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, collapsed after making a disastrous bet on European debt.

Regulators have been investigating whether MF Global tapped money from clients' accounts as its financial condition worsened. That would violate securities laws. Brokerages are required to keep customer money separate from the firm's money.

Much of the money that went missing belonged to farmers, ranchers and other business owners who used MF Global to reduce their risks from the fluctuating prices of commodities such as corn and wheat.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-12-22-US-MF-Global-Settlements/id-b643c659e0ca4432adc1a857d993fe57

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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Prototype: Pest Control in the Sky, Courtesy of a Raptor

[unable to retrieve full-text content]In a twist on the ancient sport of falconry, more companies are employing hawks and falcons to keep birds like sea gulls and pigeons away from areas where they aren?t welcome.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/23/business/pest-control-in-the-sky-courtesy-of-a-raptor.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

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Why You Need Systemized Training In A Home Based Business ...

Why would you need systemized training in a home based business? Well let's face it, whenever you start a new job you usually get training, but we're not just talking about initial training, what we are also talking about is duplication. Meaning, you're ability to not only learn the training to be effective in your own business, but also to the point in which you can teach others the same training quickly and easily so they too can be effective with their own business. Sounds pretty simple, right? But it's not quite as simple as one might think and I'll explain... This entry was posted in WORK FROM HOME TIPS. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on February 25, 2011 by American Diversified Publications

Okay, we?ve all dreamed of making over 30K a year while working from the comfort of our homes. But like most people, knowing where to begin is half the battle. Now I've been in the work-at-home industry for over 30 years. And what I'm about to tell you in this article will teach you everything you need to know to change your life and start making a great income from the comfort of your home. Earning money from home is actually very easy and doesn't require any startup fees in most cases.

My wife and I have a variety of successful work at home businesses. Some of which we've done for over 30 years most of which we started for free. I can show you how to start your own work from home business today and start earning money within days and the best thing about it is, I can show you how to do this for free, so if you have already spent countless hours and lots of money looking for legitimate work from home job's, then please spend five minutes to read the rest of this article

KNOWLEDGE IS KING

Working from home has become such an attractive lifestyle , most people like being able to work from their home while still spending time with her family. So please, let me tell you the first and most important step in achieving your goal of financial independence from home has got to be knowledge. That?s right, knowledge! Not cash, not some fancy bunch of tools, but knowledge that's king, that's right knowledge will be the most powerful tool you have in your arsenal to avoid the work at home scams and apply yourself in the most profitable areas.

START A 30K BUSINESS FREE

We?ve all seen the ad?s ?Be your own boss,? ?Fire your boss,? ?Make $463 a day? ?Make $500, each night while you sleep? While they all sound good. I can asure you that some of them actually are great work at home opportunities. But, it?s sorting out the good ones from the bad ones that can be such a frustrating process. Not to mention very costly. So again, I say knowledge is king! With the right knowledge you can have your business up and running within hours. That?s the number one reason why I suggest that you start your research with our leading publication, the "HOME WORKER'S DIRECTORY". Our directory will give you turnkey business strategies to get your business up and going in a snap. With our years of valuable research & inside knowledge of the work at home industry, we'll have you making money in no time without any startup fees.

AFFILIATES CAN EASILY MAKE OVER 30K

Now, I already know what you?re saying, how can a homeworker directory make me 30K a year. Well that?s simple knowledge, as we discussed earlier, knowledge will be the most powerful tool you have in your arsenal to avoid the work at home scams and apply yourself in the most profitable areas. That?s where our leading publication the "HOME WORKER?S DIRECTORY" becomes your most valuable tool in starting your own home business or gaining legitimate home employment. Our dedicated research staff has spent countless man-hours & many years thoroughly researching every opportunity out there, everything from making an extra $300 a week assembling beaded jewelry or CD cases, to earning $3000 a week working from home as an affiliate for a Fortune 500 company. We also offer a wealth of small business startups, along with hundreds turn key franchise opportunities not to mention hundreds of freebie websites. So whether you want to make $300 a week or $3000 a week it?s best to start with a lot of research and knowledge.

WHY OUR DIRECTORY IS THE LEADER

ONE: Our directory contains complete and detailed listings of every company which includes: company name, physical address, telephone number, fax & e-mail addresses along with a detailed description of the type of work you will be doing and how you be paid for that work.

TWO: You will always have access to American Diversified?s award-winning customer service department. Our customer service specialists will always be available to answer any questions you may have Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM Central time & through our monthly newsletter. You will receive updates and access to our daily blog informing you on the ever-changing work-at-home industry.

THREE: Being a leading publisher in the work-at-home industry has its advantages. Every year thousands of work-at-home companies request pricing to advertise their company in our directory. But our philosophy is different. We will never accept money for advertisement in our directory. Our strict guidelines only allow credible companies with excellent customer service history to list in our directory. Unlike our competitors, who will list any company that pays them to be in their directory. We only take quality listings that meet our strict guidelines. Never paid ones!

FOUR: American Diversified Publications has been in the same location for over 10 years with a real physical address? Not a P.O. BOX. You will also have access to our trained customer service specialists that can be reached by phone Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM Central time.

FIVE: Speed and accessibility. By ordering our digital download, you can have instant access to over 500 opportunities, along with our award-winning customer service, so you can start earning money right away!

SIX: Always check out the company or franchise that you?ll be working for or investing in, they should have an acceptable 36 month reporting period with the BBB along with their full contact information listed.

We are so confident in our work at home package, that if you are not 100% completely satisfied, simply return all provided materials within the first 30 days for a full refund of your purchase price minus shipping and handling.

Order the Home Workers' Directory Today! & receive everything you need to start your FREE Mail Processing Program

ENTER COUPON CODE (EASY MONEY) TODAY AND GET $5 OFF OUR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD VERSION OFFER EXPIRES 12-29-12


Source: http://www.easywork-greatpay.com/blog/why-you-need-systemized-training-in-a-home-based-business/

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Wall Street Week Ahead: A lump of coal for 'Fiscal Cliff-mas'

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wall Street traders are going to have to pack their tablets and work computers in their holiday luggage after all.

A traditionally quiet week could become hellish for traders as politicians in Washington are likely to fall short of an agreement to deal with $600 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts due to kick in early next year. Many economists forecast that this "fiscal cliff" will push the economy into recession.

Thursday's debacle in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Speaker John Boehner failed to secure passage of his own bill that was meant to pressure President Obama and Senate Democrats. This only added to worry that the protracted budget talks will stretch into 2013.

Still, the market remains resilient. Friday's decline on Wall Street, triggered by Boehner's fiasco, was not enough to prevent the S&P 500 from posting its best week in four.

"The markets have been sort of taking this in stride," said Sandy Lincoln, chief market strategist at BMO Asset Management U.S. in Chicago, which has about $38 billion in assets under management.

"The markets still basically believe that something will be done," he said.

If something happens next week, it will come in a short time frame. Markets will be open for a half-day on Christmas Eve, when Congress will not be in session, and will close on Tuesday for Christmas. Wall Street will resume regular stock trading on Wednesday, but volume is expected to be light throughout the rest of the week with scores of market participants away on a holiday break.

For the week, the three major U.S. stock indexes posted gains, with the Dow Jones industrial average <.dji> up 0.4 percent, the S&P 500 <.spx> up 1.2 percent and the Nasdaq Composite Index <.ixic> up 1.7 percent.

IT COULD GET A LITTLE CRAZY

Equity volumes are expected to fall sharply next week. Last year, daily volume on each of the last five trading days dropped on average by about 49 percent, compared with the rest of 2011 - to just over 4 billion shares a day exchanging hands on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq and NYSE MKT in the final five sessions of the year from a 2011 daily average of 7.9 billion.

If the trend repeats, low volumes could generate a spike in volatility as traders keep track of any advance in the cliff talks in Washington.

"I'm guessing it's going to be a low volume week. There's not a whole lot other than the fiscal cliff that is going to continue to take the headlines," said Joe Bell, senior equity analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research, in Cincinnati.

"A lot of people already have a foot out the door, and with the possibility of some market-moving news, you get the possibility of increased volatility."

Economic data would have to be way off the mark to move markets next week. But if the recent trend of better-than-expected economic data holds, stocks will have strong fundamental support that could prevent selling from getting overextended even as the fiscal cliff negotiations grind along.

Small and mid-cap stocks have outperformed their larger peers in the last couple of months, indicating a shift in investor sentiment toward the U.S. economy. The S&P MidCap 400 Index <.mid> overcame a technical level by confirming its close above 1,000 for a second week.

"We view the outperformance of the mid-caps and the break of that level as a strong sign for the overall market," Schaeffer's Bell said.

"Whenever you have flight to risk, it shows investors are beginning to have more of a risk appetite."

Evidence of that shift could be a spike in shares in the defense sector, expected to take a hit as defense spending is a key component of the budget talks.

The PHLX defense sector index <.dfx> hit a historic high on Thursday, and far outperformed the market on Friday with a dip of just 0.26 percent, while the three major U.S. stock indexes finished the day down about 1 percent.

Following a half-day on Wall Street on Monday ahead of the Christmas holiday, Wednesday will bring the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. It is expected to show a ninth-straight month of gains.

U.S. jobless claims on Thursday are seen roughly in line with the previous week's level, with the forecast at 360,000 new filings for unemployment insurance, compared with the previous week's 361,000.

(Wall St Week Ahead runs every Friday. Questions or comments on this column can be emailed to: rodrigo.campos(at)thomsonreuters.com)

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Additional reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak; Editing by Jan Paschal)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/wall-street-week-ahead-lump-coal-fiscal-cliff-235349469--finance.html

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Climate Change Is Killing the Economy: Here&#39;s ... - Yahoo! Finance

Congress this week is considering a $60 billion bill to pay for damages inflicted by Superstorm Sandy across three Northeastern states in late October. Though some Republican congressional members are balking at the sum, which the White House is requesting, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut say the damage is closer to $82 billion.

In either case, these sums are nothing compared to the long-term price the U.S. will pay as a result of extreme weather caused by climate change says Michael Hanemann, an economics professor specializing in climate change at Arizona State University.

"What we're going to experience is unprecedented in human history in terms of the type of climate we're creating for ourselves," Hanemann tells The Daily Ticker. "The rate of warming has increased maybe five times what it was in the early part of the 20th century. The earth is getting warmer faster."

The first 11 months of this year were the warmest on record for the United States and this summer's drought was the most severe since 1956. The U.S. Climate Extremes Index, which tracks the highest and lowest 10% of extremes in temperature, precipitation, drought and cyclones, reached a record high this year.

Hanemann says the increasing frequency of these unusual weather patterns prove that climate change is real and continuing. At the root of the earth's warming, says Hanemann, is the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Those emissions are declining somewhat in the U.S. but globally they reached a record high in 2011.

Hanemann says the earth has warmed almost 1 degree Celsius since just before the Industrial Revolution. GDP could permanently drop 2.5% if temperatures increase another 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), says Michael Livermore, Executive Director at NYU's Institute for Policy Integrity and research scholar at NYU Law School's Environmental Law Center.
Using today's GDP of roughly $16 trillion that amounts to a permanent $400 billion decline in GDP. Further warming would erase even more growth.

Climate change affects GDP in multiple ways:

  • Heat waves increase energy costs and contribute to droughts, which destroy crops and raise food prices.
  • Floods destroy or damage infrastructure, homes and businesses. Repairs can boost growth but lost earnings of businesses and individuals cannot be recovered. If those businesses never reopen, growth will decline even further.
  • Heat waves, floods and other effects of extreme weather also create health problems. Paying those increased health care costs often slow personal consumption and business investment.

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have asked the federal government for $82 billion for losses due to Superstorm Sandy. Losses from Hurricane Katrina topped $150 billion and Fitch Ratings recently reported that New Orleans hasn't completely recovered seven years later.

Livermore says there are steps government and individuals can can take now to slow the rate of increased warming and the damage that would follow.

For the government he suggests cap and trade legislation, development of cleaner renewable fuels and infrastructure projects including sea walls in New York City to protect against flooding and other consequences of more extreme weather.

He recommends that individuals insulate homes, drive more fuel-efficient autos and use other fuel-efficient products like compact fluorescent light bulbs and Energy Star refrigerators as well as support politicians who are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The costs for all of these moves "is nowhere near the costs we face if we don't act," says Livermore.

Hanemann recommends expanding the electric grid to accommodate increased use of air conditioning and expanded water storage. In the meantime, he says, "We need to prepare for more wildfires, floods and droughts."

Follow The Daily Ticker on Facebook!

More from The Daily Ticker:

Apple Stock Flirts With $500: Expect Value-Investors to Step In

Boehner Caves on Taxing the Rich: Will Republicans Go Along?

"Obscene" Stimulus Will Trigger 'Made in Japan' Crisis in 2013: Mauldin

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/climate-change-killing-economy-done-stop-161728576.html

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House pushes to complete $633 billion defense bill

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The House is moving toward completion of a $633 billion defense bill for next year that penalizes Iran's energy and shipping sectors.

A vote is expected Thursday evening.

The legislation responds to the new threats and upheaval around the globe while still providing billions for the decade-plus war in Afghanistan.

It would provide an additional 1,000 Marines for embassy security after the Sept. 11 assault on the diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed the U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

The bill would authorize $528 billion for the Defense Department's base budget, $17 billion for defense and nuclear programs in the Energy Department and $88.5 billion for the war in Afghanistan.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/house-pushes-complete-633-billion-defense-bill-182659008--politics.html

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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Norovirus Survives Restaurant Dishwashing Protocols

60-Second Science

Dishwashing protocols designed with food-borne bacteria in mind didn't cut the mustard in a test with noroviruses, which cause nasty gastrointestinal illnesses. Karen Hopkin reports.

More 60-Second Science

Thinking of eating out over the holidays? Well, you might consider bringing your own plate. Because a new study shows that the typical dishwashing procedures used by most restaurants can?t wash away viruses that can cause some serious stomach distress. Those unsavory findings are served up in the journal PLoS ONE. [Lizanel Feliciano et al, Efficacies of Sodium Hypochlorite and Quaternary Ammonium Sanitizers for Reduction of Norovirus and Selected Bacteria during Ware-Washing Operations]

Food poisoning is no fun. And one potential source of sickness when you dine out is the dinnerware. Plates, forks, and glasses could transfer a bug from contaminated foodstuff or a previous diner to you. Most public eateries follow certain industry guidelines when it comes to cleaning their tableware. But those protocols were designed with foodborne bacteria in mind. So what happens if the infectious agent is viral?

To find out, researchers inoculated cream cheese and milk with either E. coli bacteria or a norovirus, famous for spreading throughout cruise ships. The researchers shmeared the mess over ceramic plates, utensils and glassware?and then put the dirty dishes in the wash. And they found that while the standard detergents did a decent job at sluicing away the E. coli, they didn?t get rid of the dairy-encrusted virus.

So bon appetit.? And caveat emptor.?Karen Hopkin [The above text is a transcript of this podcast.]


Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=7b9a17b1aa5af0b07e428081a7f329c5

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SilkRoad amplia su presencia en la regi?n de Asia-Pac?fico y recibe importante premio en China

SOURCE: SilkRoad technology, inc.

SilkRoad Technology, Inc.

El crecimiento de la empresa es impulsado por la creciente necesidad de soluciones de gesti?n del talento social del siglo XXI

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Dec 19, 2012) - SilkRoad, un proveedor l?der mundial de software de gesti?n del talento social , basado en la nube, anunci? hoy que ha ampliado su presencia en toda la regi?n de Asia-Pac?fico y Jap?n (APJ) con la adici?n de un n?mero significativo de nuevos clientes desde China en el norte hasta Nueva Zelanda en el sur. Youku y Jebson Group de China, Wacom Global y Credit Saison de Jap?n y TrustPower de Nueva Zelanda se suman a la lista de empresas que utilizan la innovadora Life Suite(R) de soluciones integradas de gesti?n del talento de SilkRoad para atraer a los empleados desde la precontrataci?n hasta la jubilaci?n.

"El reciente ?xito de SilkRoad en Asia se debe en gran medida a la creciente necesidad de soluciones de gesti?n de talento del Siglo 21 que ofrezcan capacidades m?viles centradas en los empleados para abordar los retos de una mano de obra moderna", dijo Flip Filipowski, CEO de SilkRoad Technology. "A medida que las empresas de la regi?n evolucionan para competir a escala mundial, es necesario que pasen de los procesos manuales de papel a una estrategia socialmente orientada y automatizada".

SilkRoad China fue recientemente reconocido como l?der innovador al ser nombrado el "Proveedor m?s Prometedor de Servicios de Recursos Humanos del A?o" por China Staff Awards, un reconocimiento influyente en la comunidad de recursos humanos de China. SilkRoad es el ?nico proveedor de gesti?n del talento que ha sido galardonado con este honor en el mercado chino.

"Nos estamos expandiendo en China porque tenemos soluciones innovadoras, pero igualmente importantes son las inversiones que hemos hecho a trav?s de nuestros equipos de servicio para apoyar nuestra creciente base de clientes", dijo Johnny Wang, director general de SilkRoad Gran China. "Es la combinaci?n m?s inteligente para asegurar el ?xito a largo plazo de nuestros clientes".

Para apoyar la creciente demanda de soluciones globales de gesti?n del talento en Jap?n, SilkRoad lanz? hace poco tiempo su sistema de gesti?n de aprendizaje GreenLight(R) en japon?s, y lo ha integrado en su software de gesti?n del desempe?o Wingspan(R). La integraci?n permite a las empresas ofrecer un solo programa de aprendizaje y desarrollo colaborativo a una base global de empleados.

El software de colaboraci?n social Point(TM) de SilkRoad, tambi?n est? siendo bien recibido en toda Asia. Point lleva la gesti?n del talento social un paso m?s all? mediante la uni?n de las funciones m?s populares de las redes sociales con la gesti?n del talento para conectar a los empleados entre s? y a sus organizaciones. Point alienta a los empleados a compartir pericia y conocimientos a trav?s de su organizaci?n, ayudando al mismo tiempo a la gerencia a entender mejor qu? y qui?n est? impulsando sus negocios.

La lista de clientes APJ de SilkRoad incluye a Colliers International y CrimsonLogic de Singapur; Veda y Save the Children de Australia, Bank of the Philippine Islands y Ayala Group de Filipinas; Tomen Electronics de Jap?n y Wise Group y Optimation de Nueva Zelanda. SilkRoad es el ?nico proveedor de gesti?n del talento basada en la nube que tiene capacidad de entrega y soporte completo en toda la regi?n en varios idiomas.

Para obtener m?s informaci?n acerca de las ofertas de software de gesti?n del talento Life Suite de SilkRoad, visite:
http://www.silkroad.com/HR_Software/Life_Suite_Social_Talent_Management_Software.html

Acerca de SilkRoad
SilkRoad es un proveedor global l?der de software de gesti?n del talento social basado en la nube. Su pasi?n por crear la mejor experiencia para el empleado impulsa todo lo que hace. La galardonada SilkRoad Life Suite(R) es un conjunto integrado de soluciones TM/HCM con marca de empleadores que potencia a las empresas con las ?ltimas innovaciones en materia de Web 2.0 y medios sociales: OpenHire(R) para la contrataci?n, RedCarpet(R) para la integraci?n de personal y acontecimientos de la vida, WingSpan(R) para la gesti?n del desempe?o, GreenLight(R) para la gesti?n del aprendizaje, Point(TM) y Eprise(R) para la colaboraci?n social y el contenido, y HeartBeat(R) para HRMS de confianza. Suite Life es ideal para empresas de todos los tama?os debido a su arquitectura ?nica y abierta "de comenzar en cualquier lugar", implementa la suite completa o comienza con una soluci?n y a?ade funcionalidades a medida que sea necesario. De cualquier manera, es el camino m?s r?pido para desarrollar empleados m?s productivos y emponderados que pueden r?pidamente aumentar el rendimiento empresarial. Visite www.silkroad.com, s?galos en Twitter @SilkRoadTweets o llame al 866-329-3363 (gratuito en EE. UU.) o al +1-336-201-5100.

Source: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=1739519&sourceType=3

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