Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video)
Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/ww4_9fFHWP0/
imessage imessage sukkot sukkot aziz ansari aziz ansari corn maze
The NFL Combine is a necessary tool for scouts to supplement the evaluation process with measurements, test times, medical checks, and interviews. I'd advise, however, to be wary of workout warriors whose measurables seem too enticing to pass up despite actual game tape showing less than quality play. Coaches often believe no challenge is too big and that outstanding athletes are pieces of clay to mold, when the truth is these players received college coaching and likely have been taught proper technique. They just have not implemented it.
I watch the Combine for two reasons: 1) To see if test numbers match a player's on-field skills and attributes. 2) To highlight players whose athleticism far out-tests my previous perception. For intriguing players, I allow myself the necessary amount of exposures until I determine whether he flashes that raw potential or not. If surprising measurables do not result in on-field production, I leave the grade as is. "Potential" and "upside" are buzz words this time of year that usually accompany a positive connotation, but as longtime University of Texas Head Football Coach Darrell Royal once said, "Potential means you ain't done it yet." There are rare cases of players "flipping the switch," but it is quite difficult to predict which ones will.
The NFL is not a track meet. If a player maximizes his tools to produce at a consistent level, I see no reason to doubt his on-field ability because he doesn't run particularly fast on a stopwatch. Players should not be upgraded or downgraded based solely on Combine results until more game film is watched.
Issues with the Combine
Speaking of stopwatches, this year's "official" 40 results struck a nerve. These times, distributed by National Football Scouting, are done electronically. They start with the player's initial hand movement and end when his torso crosses an invisible line. Maybe it was the noticeable variance from NFL Network's "unofficial" handheld times. What makes the electronic times "official?" NFL teams do not use them; they use 40 times collected by multiple scouts on separate stopwatches. Because electronic times start with first hand movement, some players' times suffered due to the inexperience of running in one motion from a three-point stance.
I find it hard to believe a single team clocked Baylor WR Kendall Wright at 4.61, his "official" time. In the coming weeks, I will time my own 40s from Combine replays and work to acquire actual times from NFL sources. For now, I will be using the unofficial stopwatch times.
My biggest complaint from the last four days is the growing lack of participation. These players are entering a competitive business in which confidence in their abilities is an absolute requirement in order to succeed. When a healthy player sits out any portion of the Combine, it shows either a lack of confidence or competitiveness, or that the player is hiding something. The truth will inevitably emerge.
Quarterbacks
Andrew Luck (6-4/234), Stanford - Luck's exceptional test results weren't shocking. We saw flashes of his top athletic ability at Stanford; a one-handed sideline catch and a 58-yard run featuring a jarring stiff arm to Cal S Sean Cattouse. While the 4.59 forty, 10'4" broad jump, and 36" vertical are on par with Cam Newton's 2011 Combine measurables, resist the temptation to compare the two. Luck will not have repeated red-zone running plays called for him by his NFL team, but his agility will allow him to buy time and move the defense while leaving the pocket like Aaron Rodgers or Tony Romo. Luck flashed those skills in college.
Robert Griffin (6-2/223), Baylor - A high-level hurdler, Griffin's athleticism transcends his position. A 4.38 forty, 39" vertical, and 10' broad jump show explosion in every part of his lower half. Griffin's 6'2" plus frame can no longer be questioned, but the Troy Smith-esque way he holds the football -- elbows out -- has led to a lower release and batted balls. The biggest question is whether Griffin's body can hold up with his play style. While RG3 is muscular, he took pounding hits at Baylor and missed significant playing time during his true sophomore season. NFL coaches instructed even a thickly-built runner like Cam Newton to avoid contact, so Griffin must adjust similarly. The workout numbers are off the charts, but I still do not consider him in Andrew Luck's "rare" category. Luck throws the football better and his feet move calmly when the pocket is closing. Griffin will not become an elite NFL quarterback because of his ability to run; it has to be with how he throws after sound footwork and decision making. The rest is a bonus. For a glimpse of Griffin's outstanding presence behind closed doors, check out this video.
Kirk Cousins (6-3/214), Michigan State - A three-year captain with 39 career starts, Cousins has plenty of game film for teams to evaluate. He stood out as the Combine's best thrower in passing drills, by all accounts, capitalizing on an opportunity with Luck, Griffin, Ryan Tannehill (foot), and Brock Osweiler (foot) sitting out. Cousins could be termed a safe thrower that fails to test deep sections of the field, but above all successful quarterbacks must make sound decisions -- an area of a passer's game that can only be seen on tape. If Christian Ponder can go in the high first round, it would not surprise me if Cousins sneaks into the top 40. It is tough to not be impressed by how Cousins carries himself in this video.
The NFL Combine is a necessary tool for scouts to supplement the evaluation process with measurements, test times, medical checks, and interviews. I'd advise, however, to be wary of workout warriors whose measurables seem too enticing to pass up despite actual game tape showing less than quality play. Coaches often believe no challenge is too big and that outstanding athletes are pieces of clay to mold, when the truth is these players received college coaching and likely have been taught proper technique. They just have not implemented it.
I watch the Combine for two reasons: 1) To see if test numbers match a player's on-field skills and attributes. 2) To highlight players whose athleticism far out-tests my previous perception. For intriguing players, I allow myself the necessary amount of exposures until I determine whether he flashes that raw potential or not. If surprising measurables do not result in on-field production, I leave the grade as is. "Potential" and "upside" are buzz words this time of year that usually accompany a positive connotation, but as longtime University of Texas Head Football Coach Darrell Royal once said, "Potential means you ain't done it yet." There are rare cases of players "flipping the switch," but it is quite difficult to predict which ones will.
The NFL is not a track meet. If a player maximizes his tools to produce at a consistent level, I see no reason to doubt his on-field ability because he doesn't run particularly fast on a stopwatch. Players should not be upgraded or downgraded based solely on Combine results until more game film is watched.
Issues with the Combine
Speaking of stopwatches, this year's "official" 40 results struck a nerve. These times, distributed by National Football Scouting, are done electronically. They start with the player's initial hand movement and end when his torso crosses an invisible line. Maybe it was the noticeable variance from NFL Network's "unofficial" handheld times. What makes the electronic times "official?" NFL teams do not use them; they use 40 times collected by multiple scouts on separate stopwatches. Because electronic times start with first hand movement, some players' times suffered due to the inexperience of running in one motion from a three-point stance.
I find it hard to believe a single team clocked Baylor WR Kendall Wright at 4.61, his "official" time. In the coming weeks, I will time my own 40s from Combine replays and work to acquire actual times from NFL sources. For now, I will be using the unofficial stopwatch times.
My biggest complaint from the last four days is the growing lack of participation. These players are entering a competitive business in which confidence in their abilities is an absolute requirement in order to succeed. When a healthy player sits out any portion of the Combine, it shows either a lack of confidence or competitiveness, or that the player is hiding something. The truth will inevitably emerge.
Quarterbacks
Andrew Luck (6-4/234), Stanford - Luck's exceptional test results weren't shocking. We saw flashes of his top athletic ability at Stanford; a one-handed sideline catch and a 58-yard run featuring a jarring stiff arm to Cal S Sean Cattouse. While the 4.59 forty, 10'4" broad jump, and 36" vertical are on par with Cam Newton's 2011 Combine measurables, resist the temptation to compare the two. Luck will not have repeated red-zone running plays called for him by his NFL team, but his agility will allow him to buy time and move the defense while leaving the pocket like Aaron Rodgers or Tony Romo. Luck flashed those skills in college.
Robert Griffin (6-2/223), Baylor - A high-level hurdler, Griffin's athleticism transcends his position. A 4.38 forty, 39" vertical, and 10' broad jump show explosion in every part of his lower half. Griffin's 6'2" plus frame can no longer be questioned, but the Troy Smith-esque way he holds the football -- elbows out -- has led to a lower release and batted balls. The biggest question is whether Griffin's body can hold up with his play style. While RG3 is muscular, he took pounding hits at Baylor and missed significant playing time during his true sophomore season. NFL coaches instructed even a thickly-built runner like Cam Newton to avoid contact, so Griffin must adjust similarly. The workout numbers are off the charts, but I still do not consider him in Andrew Luck's "rare" category. Luck throws the football better and his feet move calmly when the pocket is closing. Griffin will not become an elite NFL quarterback because of his ability to run; it has to be with how he throws after sound footwork and decision making. The rest is a bonus. For a glimpse of Griffin's outstanding presence behind closed doors, check out this video.
Kirk Cousins (6-3/214), Michigan State - A three-year captain with 39 career starts, Cousins has plenty of game film for teams to evaluate. He stood out as the Combine's best thrower in passing drills, by all accounts, capitalizing on an opportunity with Luck, Griffin, Ryan Tannehill (foot), and Brock Osweiler (foot) sitting out. Cousins could be termed a safe thrower that fails to test deep sections of the field, but above all successful quarterbacks must make sound decisions -- an area of a passer's game that can only be seen on tape. If Christian Ponder can go in the high first round, it would not surprise me if Cousins sneaks into the top 40. It is tough to not be impressed by how Cousins carries himself in this video.
Running Backs
Robert Turbin (5-10/222), Utah State - Though a bit top heavy, Turbin displayed a 222-pound powerhouse frame and turned in a surprisingly fast 4.44 forty. I have Turbin as a fringe top-ten running back in this year's class, and a two-down player only because of his total inability to pass protect. Due to Turbin's almost overly muscular upper half, I worry about his flexibility and ability to keep his feet. Turbin initiated a lot of contact in the WAC, but NFL hits are an entirely different animal. I also think he lacks one-step planting ability to change directions, as Turbin's poor 3-cone time (7.16, 16th among RBs) and short shuttle (4.31, 14th among RBs) confirmed. Still, Turbin's straight-line speed is certainly enticing for such a well-built runner.
Ronnie Hillman (5-9/200), San Diego State - I have never seen a player utilize the lateral jump cut as frequently as Hillman. Even playing in the Mountain West Conference, the move was consistently unsuccessful and resulted in an alarmingly high number of negative runs. Hillman's burst from a standstill is also not where it should be, which is why I was surprised by his 4.41 forty. I never once saw that speed on Hillman's game tape. Another fringe top-10 running back on my list, Hillman is worth an extra look before the draft but must overhaul his running style.
Doug Martin (5-9/223), Boise State - Martin is a first-round talent and a true three-down back. He compares to Jonathan Stewart on the field, and his test results speak to that notion: 4.47 forty, 28 bench-press reps (tied for best among running backs), 30" vertical, 4.16 20-yard shuttle, and 11.29 60-yard shuttle (second among backs). Above all stands Martin's 3-cone drill (6.79, second at the position), which translates to his on-field ability to change directions quickly from a standstill. Martin's bowling-ball frame helps with balance to break tackles, but do not make the mistake of stereotyping him as a power runner. Martin can wiggle.
Chris Rainey (5-8/180), Florida - Rainey dominated short-area quickness tests, leading all offensive players in the 3-cone (6.50), 20-yard shuttle (3.93), and 60-yard shuttle (11.06). Those three times now lead all running backs since 2006. We know Rainey is an athlete with agility in every area of his game, but where does he play in the NFL? Rainey obviously isn't a featurable runner and will need time to get comfortable at receiver. But with those times and how he separates from the pack in games, Rainey can be an instant contributor on returns.
Wide Receivers
Stephen Hill (6-4/215), Georgia Tech - With a 4.30 forty, 39.5" vertical, 11'1" broad jump, and 49 career receptions, Hill scares me as a potential "workout wonder." NFL teams will get a far better sense of his route running ability and understanding of coverages via in-house workouts and interviews, but I don't have that luxury. Hill ran three routes at Georgia Tech, lacking fluidity and footwork on simple out patterns. While Hill impressed catching the football in the Combine's Gauntlet drill, he's far from a finished product. I will keep a safe third-round grade on him, but teams could get a better sense of his ability. The early second round is a definite possibility.
Kendall Wright (5-10/196), Baylor - I put NFL Network's live video feed of Wright's top forty-yard dash on my own stopwatch, and got times of 4.42, 4.42, and 4.45. His 4.61 "official" was shocking. The way Wright handled his poor starts was still impressive, and he really showed his ability to cut on either his inside or outside foot in one step during pass routes. That kind of crisp footwork is close to unmatched in this receiver class and shows why Wright separates at every level of the field. He will remain my top wide receiver and is the draft's top playmaker.
Michael Floyd (6-3/220), Notre Dame - I was a big fan of Floyd's before the Combine, grading him equally with Justin Blackmon and slightly favoring Floyd because of his versatility to win at any receiver position. With that said, I in no way expected Floyd to run a 4.42. He certainly does not play at that speed, but on a day where Blackmon declined to run and Wright's "official" time was off, Floyd shined. He does exhibit downfield ability on the field.
Tight Ends
Dwayne Allen (6-3/255), Clemson - Allen's 4.84 forty may be disappointing to some, but he was never a vertical threat in the straight-line speed sense. Allen creates separation and wins with his footwork and crisp routes, changing directions quickly with a shifty motion. His 3-cone time of 7.12 seconds and 4.37 20-yard shuttle were both top-five tight end performances and demonstrate Allen's impressive short-area movement skills. What wasn't shown in Indianapolis is his quality blocking ability, where Allen is superior to Stanford's Coby Fleener. Sure, Allen's height is not typical of an in-line tight end, but he could fill either role for a team in the late first or second round with versatility to both block and play receiver in the slot.
Ladarius Green (6-6/238), Louisiana Lafayette - Green is closer to a receiver than a tight end, but has exhibited blocking effort and soft hands to warrant the defense's attention. A 4.48 forty is great, but Green lacks maturity in his movements. As an early third-day pick, Green will have time to grow but can certainly stretch the field and present mismatches with his height. He's my second-ranked "Joker" tight end behind Orson Charles, and will only improve as a route runner.
Offensive Linemen
Matt Kalil (6-7/306), USC - Kalil is the only player in this class that can sniff Andrew Luck's "rare" grade. I absolutely think Kalil is on the same level of Jake Long and Joe Thomas, and he answered questions about his strength (30 bench press reps) and ability to add weight in Indy. Kalil's veteran quality of using his length (34 1/2" arms) to maneuver pass rushers is tough to find in young prospects. Accompany that with balanced footwork and a growing frame and Kalil will be a top-ten left tackle in the NFL sooner than later. I have no doubts about his future.
Cordy Glenn (6-6/345), Georgia - A forty time of 4.96 for a 345-pound behemoth is quite a sight. It's amazing how well Glenn carries his weight, but even more impressive is his strength (31 reps) despite incredibly long arms (35 3/4"). I've mentioned that Glenn bends at the waist too often, but his athleticism makes up for it. Pre-combine, many considered Glenn just a guard prospect despite showing up as the best tackle at the Senior Bowl. This kind of versatility makes Glenn very reliable and valuable. He will go in the top-25 picks.
Mike Adams (6-7/323), Ohio State - My biggest issue all along with Adams has been his inconsistency, specifically his reaction timing and soft play style. His bench press number of a measly 19 reps backs up those concerns. Some may argue the low total was due to Adams' long arms (33 7/8"), but Cal WR Marvin Jones weighs 199 pounds with arms less than an inch shorter and put up 22 reps. I just don't know where Adams fits. His feet and reaction time are too slow for left tackle, and he lacks strength to match up with strong-side ends. I think Adams will be over-drafted as a tackle and have a career similar to Bears 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams.
Defensive Linemen
Dontari Poe (6-4/346), Memphis - Poe is a freak of nature and turned in a workout for the ages. His results show 44 bench reps, a 4.87 forty with a 1.68 ten-yard split, 29.5" vertical, and an 8'8" broad jump. I entered the week with Poe as my third defensive tackle and top nose prospect, but the Haloti Ngata comparisons are reaching. I suppose I see it with the footwork and position versatility, but Poe does not have Ngata production. After starting almost every game in three seasons of C-USA competition, Poe had five sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss. For a freak athlete, that is very poor. Maybe it is a technique or effort issue, but I cannot warrant giving higher than a late first-round grade considering how often Poe ends up on the ground. Poe will likely be drafted higher than that because it's so difficult to find a player of his size and athleticism. I like him, but maybe just not as much as others reacting to his workout only.
Michael Brockers (6-5/322), LSU - I wrote about Brockers in my Overrated Prospects piece two weeks ago, explaining that his lack of technique covered up his publicized athleticism and resulted in scant production. Since the college season, endless reports have suggested Brockers is a freak athlete that just needs to be refined, even comparing him to Jason Pierre-Paul. I bought into the athlete part, but never saw it on the field. After Brockers' workout it all makes sense; the idea that Brockers is an elite athlete was an absolute myth. He shows little explosion during games and in tests (5.33 forty, 1.77 ten-yard split, 19 bench press reps, 26.5" vertical, 7.46 3-cone, 4.81 shuttle). So now we are left with a player that possesses little to no technique or natural athletic ability, whose lone selling points are length and a thick lower body that produces a solid anchor versus the run. If Brockers is taken in the first 20 picks, he'll be the biggest reach in the 2012 draft.
Melvin Ingram (6-2/264), South Carolina - Somewhat quietly, Ingram had one of the best overall workouts of the 2012 Combine. I still contend his best position is 4-3 defensive end, but limiting Ingram to one position would be selling him short. He looked very fluid in his hips when drop-stepping, and many movements looked effortless. In my Combine preview, I singled out the 3-cone drill as a test that puts speed and power rushers on an equal playing field and seemingly best predicts career success. Ingram's 6.83 time is the third best since 2006. I find it tough to believe he gets past the 12th pick since his on-field success equals his stellar testing.
Nick Perry (6-3/271), USC - Perry has bulked up almost 20 pounds since declaring for the draft and carried it very well in Indy (4.50 forty, 1.56 ten-yard split, 38.5" vertical, 10'4" broad jump). There has been plenty of talk of Perry playing as a strong-side 3-4 outside 'backer, and at that size it would be amazing. However, I still see stiffness in his game in tight spaces and when bending around the edge. Perry's 3-cone (7.25 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.66 seconds) confirmed that stiffness, with neither time cracking the top-15 defensive linemen. Perry can be a solid top-20 pick as a 4-3 end, but he will struggle changing directions in space as a 3-4 OLB.
Linebackers
Mychal Kendricks (5-11/239), California - Kendricks made my Underrated Prospects feature a few weeks ago, and was easily the most impressive linebacker in Indianapolis. Some will question Kendricks because of his short stature, but he plays with an edge and ability to knife through blocks while delivering thumping hits at the line. Kendricks plays close to the same explosiveness of his 4.41 forty, 24 bench press reps, 39.5" vertical, 10'7" broad jump, and 4.19 short shuttle. I said in the article that Kendricks will be an instant starter after being selected on the second day. Now the only question is whether it is at weak-side or inside linebacker. Kendricks has quite a bit of Jon Beason to him.
Luke Kuechly (6-3/242), Boston College - Skeptics doubted Kuechly's athleticism entering the Combine, but he answered every question by landing in the top-five linebackers on almost every possible test (4.50 forty, 38" vertical, 10'3" broad jump, 6.92 3-cone, 4.12 20-yard shuttle, 11.43 60-yard shuttle). Kuechly makes quick decisions and is a missile at the second level. Part of me believes he can play both weak-side and inside linebacker, but how valuable is that to an NFL team? Lately, Patrick Willis and Jerod Mayo seem to be the only non-pass rushing linebackers that have produced to their top-12 draft status.
Vontaze Burfict (6-1/248), Arizona State - Burfict was another prospect listed in my Overrated piece. After running an embarrassing 5.09 forty, Burfict predictably took to the trainers table, ending his day. Burfict is the poster boy for how highlight-reel and YouTube "scouting" is a dangerous thing. He never improved in college, blamed coaches for his poor play during team interviews, and worst of all cannot read or react. Throughout this process I have had Burfict as my fifth inside linebacker with an early fourth-round grade. I think his best NFL position is 4-3 strong-side 'backer, where he has less responsibility and is allowed to make contact on every snap.
Defensive Backs
Stephon Gilmore (6-0/190), South Carolina - Gilmore was overshadowed by fellow SEC corners Morris Claiborne and Dre Kirkpatrick during his college career. However, Gilmore plays at a high level in his own right and is a natural on his outside island. He's best suited for a press scheme and stays in the receiver's hip after jamming at the line. Gilmore is balanced, but his reaction timing is not quite where it should be in off-coverage. After showing positive fluidity in his drops and running 4.40 in Indy, Gilmore's workouts back up his top-25 tape.
Josh Robinson (5-10/199), UCF - A surprise early entry into the draft, Robinson?s best traits are his ball-attacking attitude in midair by undercutting routes, fighting through a big-bodied receiver, and leaving his area to play lofted passes. Robinson frequently high points the ball better than the receivers he's covering, and showed that vertical leap at the combine (38.5?, second among CBs). He is effective after the interception with breakaway speed (4.29 forty) and explosive burst (11?1? broad jump, first among CBs). Robinson best projects in a zone scheme and thrives in underneath coverage. He shadows receivers well but is not a very physical player until the catch point. Robinson?s ability to fluidly switch from receivers that enter his zone and close quickly shows in tests (3.97 20-yard shuttle, 6.55 3-cone). Because of his scheme limitations, Robinson is a later second-day to early third-day prospect.
Source: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/39994/60/draft-2012-combine-wrapup
dodd frank norco rand paul detained nbc news asexual jim carrey san francisco chronicle
When Life Throws You a Curve
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 02:38 PM PST
You Have To Know Your Why
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 02:37 PM PST
Are You Making These Business Mistakes?
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 11:25 AM PST
Living the Self-Employed Life
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 09:35 AM PST
Source: http://dailytipsforbusiness.blogspot.com/2012/02/solo-professionals_27.html
polio cutler amas music awards 2011 music awards 2011 jill biden jill biden
On Saturday, Pakistan started ripping down the compound where US Navy SEALs killed Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in 2011.
The sprawling three-story compound where Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden spent the last years of his life is being razed to the ground by Pakistani authorities, in what analysts say is an effort to move on from an intelligence failure that left the military reeling.
Skip to next paragraphWork on flattening the compound began late Saturday night, but the government is officially staying mum over the timing and reason for the demolition. Mr. Bin Laden was killed on May 2 last year following a daring raid by US Navy seals, leaving the government embarrassed over the fact that the terror chief was found inside Pakistan, and that it was not informed in advance about the raid.
Talat Masood, a retired general and security analyst, says the government wants to remove the building which stands as a monument to their ineptitude.
?I think the primary purpose is to remove all traces of Osama?s presence for several years in Abbottabad. People could raise a [shrine] and eulogize him, embarrassing Pakistan and glorifying militancy and radicalism in Pakistan.
?The second factor? is it?s a constant reminder of the failure of the intelligence services not to have detected him and the fact that the Americans launched a major offensive, and the [military] were unprepared on the Western borders,? he adds.
Residents told local media that police and soldiers cordoned off the entire Bilal Town neighborhood Saturday night, preventing people from entering or leaving.
They then moved in with cranes to pull the house apart. ?"We believed the army would use explosives to blow up the building but it wasn't the case,? Momin Khan told Geo News.
The reason the compound was not taken earlier because it was subject to investigation and forensic examination, says Ejaz Haider, the Director of Jinnah Institute, an Islamabad-based think thank.
A Pakistani commission investigating the facts surrounding the raid, dubbed the ?Abbottabad Commission? is now believed to be close to finalizing its report, which observers believe is likely to exculpate the country?s powerful military.
In January, the commission ordered that Dr. Shakeel Afridi, who allegedly helped the CIA gather intelligence by conducting a fake vaccination drive that included the Bin Laden residence, be tried for treason. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in response expressed concern for Afridi, saying: ?He was not treasonous in any way toward Pakistan.?
The commission also sought a response from the CIA which was ignored by the American intelligence agency, according to The News, a Pakistani daily.
Bin Laden?s family, meanwhile, including his youngest wife and her five children remain in Pakistani custody.
Says Haider, the compound?s destruction indicates authorities desire to ?move on.?
pumpkin carvings mcrib pumpkin seeds mark herzlich malawi malawi angela davis
There are lots of ways to distinguish your business from all the rest, and that is through excellent customer service. There?s not one, but many reasons as to why your customers may want to get in touch with you. They might want to complain, send in a suggestion or simply give regular feedback. Whatever it is, by being there for your customers, you?re doing more for your business. Attending to your customer service policies and working to make them better is worth doing; so here are a couple of quick tips on doing that.
Have mechanisms for feedback at every important point in your business process, and that includes soliciting ideas from customers on how to make improvements. Email them a survey or directly ask them on sites like Twitter, and find out what they expect from you in terms of customer service. No worries about getting inundated with feedback since most will not bother. In fact, you really want people to write you since you can work on stronger relations with your customer base. Maybe one of the most straightforward approaches to getting the best from all you do is something very many people never do ? simple testing.
This is a very easy concept that you should think about and examine your entire business operation especially as it pertains to Simon Coulson. There are some testing methods that are truly advanced, but even still the most basic type most newbies would have no clue about.
Once you have started enough online ventures, you just sort of get it done without being careless. Therefore what you should consider is carefully rolling-out anything new you want to try. Article marketers can quickly perform testing for any number of reasons depending on how they approach it in the first place.
Have an open mind to what you can do, and in this instance we are thinking about all that is possible with using your own website as a test platform. You will need to know how your traffic responds to your testing, and therefore you have to learn how to track and understand what is going on.
You should also maintain a level of transparency with your customers. Consumers are not used to many businesses being transparent about things with them, and you can be different by being just like that. Honest dealings with all your customers all the time will never fail you.
Just remember that people want it fixed and right away, so your goal is very clear and simple. Any time you see something that may not be resolved very quickly, then tell them and then offer something as a gesture such as a coupon, etc.
If you are wondering what else is possible, then make sure your visitors have the ability to look for any information on your business site through searching on your site. Think of it as an invisible customer support partner on your site that you never have to pay for having. This function serves both to minimize inquiries as well as help with navigation, etc. Do what you can on every page in a way that is designed to make it all smooth. So, do not neglect even the easiest device you can put into place because you never know what the outcome will be.
Any kind of business you ever start on the web must have an additional component which is customer service. Sure, you will have challenges along the way, but that is quite normal. Once you start applying the tips that we discussed above, you?ll see your online customer service improving. When you focus on the customer and give them what they need, then you will be fine. Become known in your market for your customer service, and people will talk about you.
We have only provided an introduction along with several solid applications utilizing the principles of SimonCoulson. Your overall frame of mind and perspective you bring to your internet business will play a major role. Pay attention to what you think, and if you are objective you will get a sense about whether your thoughts are positive or not. Whether you are able to maintain a profitable business, reach high goals or somewhere in between is really up to you. If your business history is not impressive, then make the decision to do something about it and start investigating how to improve your beliefs. Everybody wants control and most think they do not have it ? we know that is not true. What do you believe?
Source: http://oakstlg.com/?p=504
frances bean cobain bill gates michael lewis palin occupy wall street second time around bill gates steve jobs
Interviews 'Most Important' Part of Combine: The real work at the NFL Scouting Combine is done behind the scenes... Source: http://twitter.com/Redskins/statuses/173620865492201472
breaking dawn premiere nbpa itunes match itunes match walmart black friday 2011 walmart black friday 2011 packers vikings
They had to because there were no effective ways of g Such bags can also be used for promotional purpose Read > Health-and-Fitness Age and Plastic Surgery Treatment Information 26th October 2010 People of all ages undergo plastic surgery UNO is universal type for lots of applications These kinds of bats are specially designed to be the most effective for playing slow pitch when Designer handbags can really be a variety of shapes,hermes uk, style, as well as sizes Thousands of passengers pas For conducting computer-based test, QuizCreator is a good assistant which provides 9 question types with multimedia supported and 3 quiz results tracking options (E-mail tracking, Free QMS tracking and LMS tracking) It's essential to make the right decisions in order to insure success
But we must keep in mind: comfortable shoes, not necessarily the most beautiful shoes So guess what, you should buy a single bag that both you plus your significant other can get to enjoy depending on whose turn it is Patrick's Day Ce sac Louis Vuitton pas cher ou les sacs LV The message comes across more aggressively when the bag is made of cloth or other eco-friendly materials ??-mil bags: These are among the most widely used bags in the retail sector Read > SEO What A Pay per click firm Wants When You Ask for a Quote 05th January 2012 Working with a pay per click firm can help you improve your website? visibility,hermes birkin, expand your customer base and increase your profits
3 exam 18th May 2011 We designed 3000Piaget / Very Best Jewelry Read > Health-and-Fitness Find Straightforward Answers to Common Questions About Breast Implant Surgery 30th April 2010 Not everyone is blessed with the perfect pair of breasts,hermes birkin bag, and plastic surgery can be a great help?Anti-static: There's nothing worse than when you have a dry bag over your shoulder and as it rubs on your bag it creates static and clings to your clothes Every morning in the bus,www.okbagsclub.com, there tv program there will tell us interesting things what has happened yesterday Skip Hop specializes in funky patterns and brilliant colors like pop flower, cherry bloom and uptown stripe In reality though, music notation is very simple to read if you follow these few easy tipszchloe blog This will likely not appear fine whatsoever With the Risiko-LV you possibly can make yourself certain if you're not together with you family then their future is still secure
Source: http://www.concertrecap.com/uggsale2180/blog/11219-3cd65w-ne7knd/
joel osteen emmy rossum moonshine jay z and beyonce the big chill tony blankley steelers
Samsung Galaxy Tablet
The net keeps astounding us using the techniques in which it can entertain us. Virtual worlds are probably the most common techniques of acquiring entertained currently since they allow us to step into a realistic globe that?s far diverse from our existing reality. It is accurate that teenagers are the ones who most adore playing in virtual worlds, but plenty of individuals of other ages are joining in also simply because this is merely too fascinating to remain away from.
A virtual globe is absolutely nothing but an on-line community exactly where users can interact with 1 yet another in a simulated environment. These interactive 3D virtual environments are really realistic seeking and they?re obtainable in a enormous array of alternatives thanks to the enhance in demand for them. You must develop a visual representation of your self, known as an Avatar, so as to enter this globe and interact together with your pals by way of their respective Avatars.
These laptop or computer generated worlds are most generally applied for video games and you?ll be able to have an unparalleled encounter playing them since they?re typically modeled upon some fantasy realm. A lot of of these virtual environments are two-dimensional, but there is certainly no doubt that the most effective ones are three-dimensional. You may expertise really realistic action and interaction with other people in actual time and can even conduct a huge number of transactions after you are on the internet.
There are several diverse cost-free virtual worlds you could join so that you can step away from your humdrum day-to-day existence. A lot of of these worlds permit communication within the type of texts. Even so, it truly is also doable to do real-time voice communication using the aid of VOIP. It is possible to even get an intriguing seeking avatar for your self from among the quite a few web sites that allow you to convert your personal image into a virtual representation. As a matter of reality, you?ll be able to even use avatars as a way to make your social networking profiles much more fascinating and personalized.
On-line personal computer generated worlds provide you with a terrific chance to interact along with your buddies at a brand new level. You?re also most likely to meet a good deal of folks on-line, in particular ones who share your interests, when you use invest a good deal of time on these virtual worlds. Take your time to choose which specific on the web globe you desire to invest your time in since this may make sure which you have the top doable time whenever you enter its portals.
In other Computers and Technology Samsung Galaxy Tablet news:
Salesforce.com Shares Rise After Strong EarningsABC NewsThe main reason: They have realized it saves money, is more convenient and makes it easier to upgrade to new technology. The concept is becoming so popular that the geeky term used to describe it, "cloud computing," is moving into the mainstream.and more?
Los Angeles TimesProview sues Apple in US for alleged fraud in iPad trademark riffLos Angeles TimesBy Nathan Olivarez-Giles The iPad trademark battle between Apple and Proview Technologies has jumped from China to the US as a new lawsuit accuses Apple of committing fraud in 2009. Proviews Taiwanese subsidiary, Proview Electronics, known largely for ?Chinese firm taking Apple legal battle to USBusiness Recorder Is iPad 3 Release in Danger? Apple Trademark Battle With Proview Comes to AmericaInternational Business TimesSan Jose Mercury News?-Daily Times Nigeriaall 913 news articles?
Library aims at security, savings with tech upgradeFort Wayne Journal GazetteThe librarys data center ? in another building on DiSalle Boulevard ? houses about 30 separate computer servers that are responsible for the email system, public computer system, the librarys website and other technology. As the servers age, ?and more?
Product Design & DevelopmentTransforming Computers Of The Future With Optical InterconnectsPhotonics OnlineThe rapidly evolving technology of photonic interconnects promises to deliver this increase in computing capabilities by providing ultra-high communication bandwidths with extreme energy efficiency and should therefore provide the impetus to move the ?How photonic components will change the way computers are builtThe VergeUS boffins talk up photonic computing revolutionInquirer all 6 news articles?
Commerce: Computer contract to save taxpayers millionsWashington TechnologyBy Alysha Sideman A small-business computer contract is expected to save taxpayers up to $25 million over the next five years, blogged Acting Commerce Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank. Posted on both The Commerce and White House blogs, a contract with ?and more?
Tampa Bay NewspapersTechnology upgrades improve policingTampa Bay NewspapersAt one point, the department had four different computer systems ? a records system, a computer-automated dispatch system, a mobile field reporting system and the mobile computer system ? all at varying degrees of technology capacity and ?and more?
A look at recent tech-industry earningsCBS News23: Texas Instruments Inc. says it will close computer-chip factories in Houston and Japan in a cost-cutting move that will lay off about 1000 workers, or about 3 percent of its workforce. Fourth-quarter results topped analyst estimates. Jan.and more?
How mobile, BYOD and younger workers are reinventing ITComputerworldThe same is true of technology and how users interact with their smartphones and tablets, computers and even personal cloud services. At its most basic level, the integration of technology into users everyday lives ? both at home and at work ? is ?and more?
CBC.ca$25 computer Raspberry Pi readies for launchCBC.caChris Tyler, a professor at Senecas Centre for the Development of Open Technology, said the computer is designed to appeal to adult hobbyists as well as children as young as eight years old through high school. "Its cheap enough that you can pay for ?and more?
JSU Real talk career symposiumWLBT-TVBy Jewell Hillery ? bio | email Students at Jackson State University whore exploring the possibility of entering a career with an emphasis in computers and technology are invited to a special symposium called the "Real Talk Career Symposium.
postsecret ufc on fox 2 supercross christina aguilera etta james funeral sundance film festival victoria azarenka the flintstones
Enrolling for Gymnastics classes would be one the best ways to exercise your body and stay fit. Colorado Gymnastics centers have the most modern facilities that will help you keep your body in shape and lose excess weight as well as burn calories. If your body has shown signs of fatigue, the best option would be taking some to rest and enrolling in a gymnastics class to help your muscles relax. Whenever you are starting out on any gymnastics exercises, the trained professionals there will help you come up with a comprehensive training and exercising program that is not too rigorous. However, as you progress you body will get used to the exercises and it will be simple to increase exercising hours as well as taking on more rigorous exercises.
Top Colorado Gymnastics centers also have provisions for children who have shown interest in gymnastics. If your child is also interested in accompanying you to the gym, you should look for Colorado Gymnastics centers with the necessary facilities as well as highly trained professionals who have experience in helping you children keep their little bodies in shape. You will realize that gymnastics classes for both the young ones and adults involve well rounded programs which consists of pre-school gymnastics classes, toddler or mommy and me classes, and competitive gymnastics training. These gymnastics training sessions will make provisions for the capabilities of each age group as well as the skill level of each trainee.
Therefore, the buck stops with you to decide which Colorado Gymnastics centers seem to offer the best programs for you and your young one. You can sample four to five gymnastics and choose the best after reviewing all the important factors. However, be sure not to let the cost of these services to override all other factors that you need to consider.
A Plus Athletics
7104 S. Dillon Court, Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 953-7320
Colorado gymnastics
Littleton gymnastics
Source: http://www.ezinefreearticles.com/colorado-gymnastics-now-enrolling/
ihop green bean casserole the temptations prime rib recipe norad santa tracker vince carter sweet potato casserole
For people of you who?re not acquainted aided by the phrase managed internet hosting, it happens to be principally a style of internet hosting company that normally takes treatment of this client?s server which has a multitude of products and services. Some merchants give just the components and you can also find firms that offer equally the components and program. The charge of the net server is while in the arms from the supplier firm any time you utilize the managed web site internet hosting. They?re going to get treatment for the issues correlated to safety. The consumer will not likely have entry to the server so that they won?t have duty for anything at all affiliated to safety. Nonetheless, the consumer can have management about their knowledge by utilizing file transfer protocol resources to handle their information and articles.
Simply just set, a committed server refers towards method where Net web hosting is finished. A shared World-wide-web internet hosting business will probably have more than a few numerous companies? website pages on just one of their ?on-premises? pcs, all jogging simultaneously. But more substantial agencies (when using the online websites to match up), perhaps by using a discussion board or desire for your good deal of storage, are a great deal much better off with their very own laptop or computer from the World wide web web hosting supplier. This is just what a committed server is- an individual home computer from the Net internet hosting business that is definitely ?dedicated? with the specifications of 1 web site. Not just does these kinds of a server conserve the consumer network administration costs and over-all bills, consumer router, Web link and safety product, but will also can commonly be wholly operated by you, the consumer.
At the time you have determined which the ultimate fascination of one?s internet business and web page features a focused server, you ought to make a decision on an internet host. The laptop or computer that holds all your website?s related information (the html, graphics, and many others.) is your (managed) online host, which might be possibly committed to you or not, as explained previously mentioned). You fork out the world wide web internet hosting organisation a price to maintain your entire site?s detail. Aside from the additional space for storing that accompanies a focused server, one can find so many other perks that occur alongside with all the bundle simply because, obviously, a focused server is a lot more expensive than a shared just one. Such as, if one more blog in your shared server ended up to see an incredibly higher amount of page views, your site would endure substantially. If you?d like to operate your individual software programs with your website, a common shared server will not likely assist you to. Additionally, the safety amount on the shared server is a good deal decrease than that of the focused a particular.
If you decide to had been make use of a managed internet hosting regimen, you?d probably be passing a lot of the charge of the world wide web operation on the online host. Dependant upon your arrangement, a few of them will only take care of the components aspect of important things as the many others will deal with your software applications also. Which means that you?d probably have fairly minimal regulate on how these important things are managed and the way often times it is always managed. Despite the fact that it could not look really desirable to not have total manage in excess of anything, nonetheless it also can suggest you have alot more time and energy to concentrate on the opposite areas of your site. Using this method, you are able to dedicate a bit more time sorting out the contents of one?s web page and control that without needing to be bothered an excessive amount of regarding the administration of this computer program or components. Also, you?re going to be in a position to delight in much better protection steps as soon as you ended up to apply a managed internet hosting method.
So, exactly what are the benefits of applying managed website web hosting? Perfectly, some would state that using nothing at all to fret about would be the greatest edge. This is certainly correct for most buyers who?ve tried out this type of word wide web internet hosting right before. In spite of everything, not everyone has adequate time inside of a day to cope with the complications that will come up with regards to their online site and as like, using another person tackle the internet hosting feature from the equation is absolutely a welcome reduction. Then you will find also the safety in being familiar with that your site is in able palms. In fact, when you?re new to internet websites and internet hosting typically, you?d demand the skills of individuals performing on the web hosting supplier that will help get your web site up and managing. Surely, for this goal, you?d probably also will need to select a responsible managed word wide web web hosting firm.
Any shortcomings? Indeed, similar to most items, you can get negatives in terms of working with it. Amongst the most discouraging factors about this could be its price level. It may be unbelievably more costly when in comparison to other sorts of internet hosting methods. Nevertheless, the advantages commonly outweigh the cost. Give it some thought using this method, as a result of managed world-wide-web internet hosting, you want not rent an additional list of folks to take care of all of your web hosting preferences since it could be furnished for by internet hosting organisation on their own. You could be definitely paying out for your more list of palms. This type of factor can be invaluable for that larger firms and website pages nonetheless it may be a little bit a lot of for that ordinary web-site proprietor. So do go with appropriately.
Godaddy coupon entitles you to maximum savings for Godaddy. Just visit http://dotmyspot.com/home/latest-promo/index.html to obtain the most recent, operating Godaddy coupon.
Tags: coupon for godaddy, go daddy coupon, godaddy coupon, godaddy coupon code, internet, promo code for godaddy
madonna half time m.i.a super bowl coin toss madonna super bowl halftime kelly clarkson super bowl giants super bowl 2012 half time show
Anonymous
By Helen A.S. Popkin
?
?
With Fridays on the Internet now a virtual Mad Libs game of which government website Anonymous will take down next, the director of the National Security Agency wants the White House (and no doubt anyone handling the NSA budget) to know that the hacker collective could very well cause at least a limited power outage in the next two years, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The article explains that the concern is real, but has not yet been expressed directly:
Gen. Keith Alexander, the director, provided his assessment in meetings at the White House and in other private sessions, according to people familiar with the gatherings. While he hasn't publicly expressed his concerns about the potential for Anonymous to disrupt power supplies, he has warned publicly about an emerging ability by cyberattackers to disable or even damage computer networks.
*cough cough*
Boy Howdy! That'd be?one heck of a DDoS assault!
DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks remain Anonymous' chief weapon in bringing down websites ? generally achieved by overloading a website with access requests so that it no longer has the dedicated resources to function properly.?Security experts believe this was the method behind a series of Friday attacks for which Anonymous claimed credit, including the Department of Justice, the U.S. Copyright Office, the FBI, the CIA and the Federal Trade Commission.
Even Anonymous will tell you that, unlike taking out a power grid, such takedowns are not that hard to do.
Speaking with Wired.com via an online chat as the February 14 attack on the FTC website commenced, an?Anonymous source readily stated the whole operation was easy-peasy: "As one remarked, 'own & rm and move on.' (rm being a unix command to delete data.)"
Why so easy? Hmmmm ...
Well, there's this! Following that?first ?smackdown on a FTC website earlier this month, the PR firm in charge of that and other .gov sites never got around to?safeguarding the rest,?Ars Technica notes.?Indeed, the?U.S. government's public-facing websites have notoriously weak security ? and that by comparison, no hacking collective has ever managed to take out a place where real coders work (such as, you know, Facebook)?for any discernible amount of time.
And so, attacks on government sites "are going to happen more and more frequently ? they?re unstoppable,"? Jerry Irvine, a member of the National Cyber Security Task Force, told the New York Times following the CIA website attack.? "Why can?t they be stopped? Because security technologies have not kept up with the extent of the vulnerabilities that exist.?
But attacks on government sites are not the same as attacks on government networks.?The real threats to the power grid are limited, according to U.S.?intellegence officials, and not coming from Anonymous.
"The countries that could most quickly develop and use cyber means to destroy part of the grid ? such as China and Russia ? have little incentive to do it. Those who might have more incentive, like Iran or North Korea, don't have the capability," the Wall Street Journal reports. "Officials already have found what they say is evidence of Chinese and Russian cyberspies snooping in computer systems that run the electric grid, possibly in preparation for a conflict with the U.S. The governments of China and Russia have denied any involvement."
Anonymous, for its part, has never mentioned any threat against the power grid ? just more website attacks each and every Friday, culminating in Operation Global Blackout on March 31, which is about shutting down the Internet, not the power grid.?Such a plan may be over ambitious, but not without meaning.
"The Internet should be able to absorb the attack the group outlined, said Richard Bejtlich, chief security officer at computer-security company Mandiant," the Wall Street Journal?reports. "The announcement, however, shows the network's intent to wage more destructive attacks."
More on the annoying way we live now:
Helen A.S. Popkin goes blah blah blah about the Internet. Tell her to get a real job on Twitter and/or Facebook. Also, Google+.
valentines day cards hallmark grammy winners obama budget news channel 5 stacy francis woolly mammoth
Tuesday 21 february 2012 2 21 /02 /Feb /2012 07:43
Just find out that the computer ate your report in Word? Or you mistakenly deleted the spreadsheet that you spent a week on it? Stay calm! You can recover document following the guide below.
Always, you need to spend much time to create a perfect document on the computer, while they can disappear by a single keystroke or mouse click within one second. That's really risky, but the rule of computer technology. Therefore, to backup your valuable documents regularly is really in need, or your lifetime's work may be easy to slip away from you someday. Of course, not everything lost forever. The files are still somewhere on the computer till they are overwritten by new files in. So before this happens, you can perform documents recovery to rescue your lost Office documents, PDFs, emails, archives, and more.
? Accidental deleting by "Shift + Delete" or emptying the Recycle Bin/Trash
? Formatting the disk or partitions
? Improper operation
? Power failure
? Virus infection
? Reinstalled OS or hard disk crash
? The partition structure on a hard disk was fragmented or partition table is invalid
? Others
No matter what document loss situations you ever meet, the first thing you should do is stopping using the drive or device to store more data in case you may quite possibly ruin chances to recover document. Then document recovery software should be tried, for most cases 80% data loss problems can be solved with uFlysoft data recovery software.
If you are Mac users, take a try uFlysoft Mac Data Recovery. This program can recover files deleted, formatted or lost due to both human errors and technical errors. It is capable of recovering files including documents (PDF, MS Office Word, Excel, PPT etc), photos, videos, audio, emails, archives and more.
Now free download office document recovery, install and run it on your computer. And follow three easy steps below to recover document.
Step1. Select the place you want to scan, such as a partition or even the whole hard drive. Of course, it can be an external removable device like USB drive, external hard disk, digital camera, camcorder, iPod, mobile phone, etc. if you have such a need.
Step2. After the scanning completed, you can check whether your desired documents are found. And you can check them by files formats to save your time.
Step3. Check your target files and begin to recover.
Note: Don't save the recovered documents on the place where you lost them. Just to make sure the lost files will not be overwritten by the new stored ones.
By Data Recovery - Posted in: Data Recovery MacSource: http://uflysoft.over-blog.com/article-how-to-recover-deleted-documents-99793105.html
marines urinating on taliban super pac dre kirkpatrick mls superdraft bald barbie school cancellations peoples choice awards
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 at 11:36 am ?
There are many women and men who have regarded possessing a successful home business. Not simply are you presently your personal boss, but you will work when you need to. Nonetheless, basically using this strategy is distinct from dreaming it. This article gives some tips on the way to set your prepare into steps.
Search engine optimisation is vital to boosting your household business?s exposure on the net. Rearing your rank in lookup query effects is carried out using a device known as search engine ranking optimization, or Search engine optimisation for short, also it can assist you become more exposed on the web. Most companies offer you Search engine marketing providers, or you may choose to take on the procedure your self through the help of the plentiful assets and suggestions available.
When you will hire men and women to aid in your property organization, you will need to do your research on them. It is crucial that really feel certain that your staff are either qualified and dependable in relation to the merchandise that you are wanting to offer.
Begin small with the new enterprise, and established goals which are sensible so that you won?t be dissatisfied. Is there value and longevity for your service or product? Do you possess the experience to run your possible business in a honest vogue?
Make sure you keep your website current on which products are obtainable and which, if any, are out of carry. One way to upset your visitors is always to have them buy some thing instead of let them know which it will not turn up for a number of several weeks. Be up front about items that aren?t in keep, to ensure that customers can select a different merchandise and help save the hold out time.
You ought to have an unique bank account for your residence business. In this way, you may accurately path your business expenditures and maintain them distinct through your personal expenditures. Breaking up all of your financials out will make it a whole lot much easier when you must do taxes. If your taxation are much easier to do, most likely they will likely accomplished the correct way.
As you have just discovered, there are numerous individuals trying to sell you on scams. However, as you?ve acquired through this informative article, you can also find a lot of typical-good sense ideas and strategies that can be used to be able to grow your home based business. If you?re prepared to make the operate, you may surely succeed.
If for any reason you want further information about Wood Burning Stove there is a lot of points not covered in this article, go to Author?s web blog to uncover added details.
Tagged with: business
Filed under: Credit
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Source: http://www.alaskabirdseed.com/home-based-business-suggestions-you-shouldnt-complete-up-on.html
iowa state faroe islands faroe islands corso james arthur ray james arthur ray elisabeth shue
AP - RIO DE JANEIRO — The Carnival band kicked off according to tradition: Dozens of percussionists struck their bass drums, sending a low rumble like a sustained thunderclap echoing among the skyscrapers of Rio's downtown. Tambourines answered lightly, tinkling over the drummers' resounding call. Dancers responded with a roar, throwing up their hands, feet leaping to the frenetic beat.
breast cancer walk major league major league alicia sacramone occupy chicago occupy chicago alcs
Samsung's iCloud rival delayed after in-house service deemed 'unsuitable' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink
Sammy Hub | 
ET News | Email this | Comments
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/Yb3TdCE6b9w/
walmart black friday sales walmart black friday sales michelle obama booed at nascar polio cutler tony stewart amas
Greeces' Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos arrives for a cabinet meeting at the Greek Parliament in Athens on Saturday, Feb. 18 2012. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis)
Greeces' Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos arrives for a cabinet meeting at the Greek Parliament in Athens on Saturday, Feb. 18 2012. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis)
BRUSSELS (AP) ? Eurozone governments are due to sign off on Monday a long-awaited rescue package for Greece, saving it from a potentially calamitous bankruptcy next month, senior officials said.
But finance ministers meeting in Brussels still have a few last issues to wrangle over, such as tighter controls over Greece's spending and further cuts to the country's debt load.
Greece needs to secure the euro130 billion ($170 billion) bailout quickly so it can move ahead with a related euro100 billion ($130 billion) debt relief deal with private investors, which needs to be in place quickly if Athens is to avoid a disorderly default on a bond repayment on March 20.
"I am of the opinion that today we have to deliver, because we don't have any more time," Jean-Claude Juncker, the prime minister of Luxembourg who also chairs the meetings of eurozone finance ministers, said as he arrived in Brussels.
An uncontrolled bankruptcy would likely force Greece to leave the 17-country currency union and return to its old currency, the drachma, further shaking its already beaten economy and creating uncertainty across Europe.
French Finance Minister Francois Baroin told Europe-1 radio that while details will have to be worked out, "the political commitments have been made" for the bailout package, Greece's second in two years.
"We now have all the elements of a deal: elements of a participation that remains voluntary for banks and private creditors, and for public creditors ? states, central banks," Baroin said ahead of the meeting.
Apart from the finance ministers of the 17 euro countries, the get-together will also be attended by the heads of Greece's other creditors: the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and representatives of private holders of Greek debt.
Greece's Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos, who arrived in Brussels Sunday night, said he was also optimistic that the new aid program could be agreed.
"Greece comes into today's Eurogroup meeting having fulfilled all the requirements for the approval of the new program," he said. "For Greeks, this is a matter of national dignity and a national strategic choice and no other integrated and responsible choice can be opposed to it."
The Greek parliament has faced down violent protests in Athens and nationwide strikes to approve the austerity and reform measures demanded by the eurozone. Its main political leaders have committed in writing to uphold the bailout terms even after general elections in April.
Despite Athens' efforts, however, several important elements of the deal remained unsolved.
To convince the rest of the eurozone that the new aid money won't be squandered, Greece is expected to be forced to set up a separate account that would ensure that it services its debt. This escrow account would give legal priority to debt and interest payments over paying for government services.
The idea behind such an account is that it would maintain pressure on Greece to stick to promised austerity and reform measures, without the eurozone risking the destabilizing effects of a default.
"What happened in the past cannot happen again, that billions (of euros) flow into Greece but get put into consumption there," said Maria Fekter, Austria's finance minister, as she headed into Monday's meeting.
But she cautioned that current proposals for administering the account themselves are expensive and those costs need to be reduced to make the plan feasible.
Eurozone finance ministry officials Sunday night concluded that only funds from the bailout would be funneled through the account and that Greece won't be required to pay in taxpayer money, German Finance Ministry spokeswoman Marianne Kothe said in Berlin, citing the current state of the negotiations.
The escrow account nevertheless would be an unprecedented intrusion into a sovereign state's fiscal affairs and could ultimately see Greece force to pay interest on its debt rather than its teachers, doctors or other government employees.
The second big outstanding issue is how to make sure that the current efforts to save Greece can actually bring the country's debts down to a manageable level in the longer term. In October, eurozone leaders and the IMF said that Greece's debt should be reduced to around 120 percent of annual economic output by 2020, from above 160 percent currently.
But a new report prepared by the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF concluded that the new bailout, Athens' spending cuts and a planned euro100 billion debt relief from private investors would still leave Greece's debt at almost 129 percent of economic output by the end of the decade.
The eurozone is still discussing several ways to close this financing gap.
The Greek official said there appeared to be agreement on further reducing the interest rate on Greece's first, euro110 billion bailout as well as having national central banks in the eurozone, which also hold some Greek bonds, participate in the debt relief.
But the official said that there was still no final decision from the ECB on whether it would be willing to transfer profits from its Greek bond holdings back to Athens. In contrast to the national central banks, who purchased Greek bonds as part of their overall investment strategies, the ECB bought its Greek holdings in an effort to ease market pressure on Athens.
A fourth option for closing the gap would be to demand further losses from Greece's private bondholders like banks and other investment funds. A current plan foresees private creditors to swap their old Greek bonds for new ones with half the face value, lower interest rates and much longer repayment periods.
But now there is a push for bondholders to also give up on an accrued interest payment of around euro5.5 billion on their old bonds.
Another issue due to be discussed Monday is how much the IMF will contribute to the new rescue. The Washington-based fund has provided one-third of the bailouts for Ireland and Portugal and chipped in euro30 billion for Greece's first euro110 billion ($145 billion) rescue. But this time around, it looks as if the IMF will put up much less than one-third.
"The indication is that the figure will be rather low," a European Union official said Sunday, adding however that a final decision from the fund's board is still outstanding. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde will also be at the Brussels meeting Monday. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity because talks about the IMF contribution were not yet concluded.
The Greek government is expected to introduce in Parliament on Monday another two pieces of emergency legislation, including wage and pension cuts. There were scattered protests over the cuts in Athens on Sunday.
___
Keaten reported from Paris. Juergen Baetz in Berlin and Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece, contributed to this story.
Associated Presslady liberty the rum diary addams family in time statue of liberty gold rush alaska gold rush alaska
