Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Lice!! Help!! - Adoption.com Forums

Do the following every night and morning for 7-10 days or until you go 2-3 days with no nits:

1. Put her hair up in a bun. Get a comfortable seat and a work lamp if your hubby has one, a pair of cuticle scissors and a trashcan with a plastic bag in it and reading glasses helped me.

2. Start at the back of the head and pull a few strands out at a time and look carefully. If you see a nit, just cut that strand of hair and put it in the bag in the trash can.

3. Go through all the hair on her head that way, it may take up to 3 hours at first, but each time will go faster. It took us SIX hours each time to go through our 8yo autistic fd's hair!!!

*Restrict her sitting to one chair and vacuum that chair at the end of the nite after she has gone to bed.

*Do not vacuum your house with the same vacuum cleaner bag as the one you've been using for her stuff. Change out the bag!!!

*Wash her sheets and pillow cases, and PJ's and yesterday's clothes every morning in hot water and dry on really hot.do not mix with your family's clothes.

*Wipe her plastic covered mattress and pillow with a bleach wipe every morning.

*Bag up all stuffed animals for at least 2-3 weeks.

*********Nix and Rid-X and other lice killing shampoos are insecticides!!! Do not use too often as they are easily absorbed into the blood stream thru the thin skin of the scalp.

+++++++++++The products do NOT kill the nits, no matter what anyone says! The nits are ''cemented'' to the hair in an extremely durable 'cement'' sac and the lice product will NOT get into that sac to kill the baby lice, they will just hatch and re-infest your child.

*It is a bit labor-intensive, but believe me, we have never been infested despite having fk that were.

You CAN do it!!!


Last edited by Momsalot : Today at 12:40 PM.

Source: http://forums.adoption.com/foster-parent-support/409387-lice-help.html

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The Russian Anarchist Prince Who Challenged Evolution

Peter Kropotkin circa 1900. Peter Kropotkin circa 1900

Photograph by F. Nadar.

Darwin?s publication of On the Origin of Species sparked major battles. The most famous may have been between science and religion, but there were disputes within science as well. One of the most heated was whether natural selection favored cooperative or competitive behaviors, a battle that still rages today. For almost 100 years, no single person did more to promote the study of the evolution of cooperation than Peter Kropotkin.

Kropotkin traveled the world talking about the evolution of cooperation, which he called ?mutual aid,? in both animals and humans. Sometime the travel was voluntary, but often it wasn?t: He was jailed, banned, or expelled from many of the most respectable countries of his day. For he was not only the face of the science of cooperation, he was also the face of the anarchist movement. He came to believe that his politics and science were united by the law of mutual aid: that cooperation was the predominant evolutionary force driving all social life, from microbes to humans.

Kropotkin was also a Russian prince. A private tutor named Poulain taught him about the French revolution and smuggled anarchist ideas into the Kropotkin household, where Peter?s father put on airs about the family?s royal ancestry. Poulain also took the boy to visit political agitators in Moscow. In 1854, at age 12, Kropotkin renounced his title, but he was still a child of privilege. He once had a strange encounter with Czar Nicholas I at a Royal Ball, and years later Peter ended up enrolled in the Corps of Pages.

Kropotkin?s father couldn?t have been happier about his son?s prospects at this elite breeding ground for Russia?s next generation of leaders. Peter, however, was bored out of his mind. ?Day after day passes,? he wrote his beloved brother, Sasha, ?almost the best days of life and you can?t make use of them, you simply vegetate, you don?t live.? He quickly rose to become the top student in the Corps, which also made him chief page to the Czar Alexander II (who had succeeded Nicholas I). When he wasn?t tending to the czar?s needs or taking classes, Peter spent his time doing what he loved to do most: soaking in nature?s beauty, reading about the burgeoning anarchist movement in Russia, and learning radical new ideas on evolution and natural selection propagated by an Englishman named Charles Darwin.

One of the perks of being the top student at the Corps was that when he completed his studies in 1862, he had first choice of any government appointment. To the utter amazement of his friends and the bewilderment of his father, he requested an appointment in the newly annexed Amur region of Siberia. The odd choice caught the attention of Czar Alexander II, who inquired, "So you go to Siberia? Are you not afraid to go so far?? ?No,? Peter replied, ?I want to work.? "Well, go,? the Czar told him. ?One can be useful everywhere.? And so, on July 27, 1862, he went.

Kropotkin?s adventures during his five years in Siberia were the stuff of movies. He crisscrossed 50,000 miles of the region, often ?lying full length in the sled ? wrapped in fur blankets, fur inside and fur outside ? when the temperature is 40 or 60 degrees below zero ?? His job was to inspect the dreaded prisons of Siberia, full of not just criminals but political agitators. He did so dutifully, but with disgust. The border of Siberia, he wrote, should have a sign like that from Dante?s Inferno: ?Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here.? The rest of his time was devoted to learning more about anarchist philosophy (often from anarchist leaders who had been banished to Siberia) and, most importantly, studying the natural history of animals and humans there.

Kropotkin expected to see the brutal dog-eat-dog world of Darwinian competition. He searched high and low?but nothing. ?I failed to find, although I was eagerly looking for it,? Kropotkin wrote, ?that bitter struggle for the means of existence, among animals belonging to the same species, which was considered by most Darwinists (though not always by Darwin himself) as the dominant characteristic of the struggle for life, and the main factor of evolution.?

Instead he saw mutual aid?everywhere. ?In all these scenes of animal life which passed before my eyes,? Kropotkin wrote, ?I saw Mutual Aid and Mutual Support carried on to an extent which made me suspect in it a feature of the greatest importance for the maintenance of life, the preservation of each species and its further evolution.? And it wasn?t just in animals. The peasants in the villages he visited were constantly helping one another in their fight against the brutal environment of Siberia. What?s more, he noted a correlation between the extent of mutual aid displayed in a peasant village and the distance of that village from the hand of government. It was just as the anarchists had suggested. ?I lost in Siberia,? he wrote, ?whatever faith in state discipline I had cherished before. I was prepared to become an anarchist.?

He was also prepared to challenge the biological orthodoxy that natural selection led only to competition. He was still a Darwinist, and an adamant one, but he thought the process of natural selection, especially in brutal climates like Siberia, could lead to mutual aid, not only competition. His nascent ideas on anarchism and biological evolution were beginning to merge into one.

After five years in Siberia, Kropotkin moved on to study at the University of St. Petersburg, where on paper his focus was mathematics, but in reality his major was studying to be an anarchist. He was good enough at it that the czar had him arrested and thrown in the Peter and Paul Prison in St. Petersburg. Kropotkin described its history: ?Here Peter I tortured his son Alexis and killed him with his own hand ? here the Princess Tarak?nova was kept in a cell which filled with water during an inundation, the rats climbing upon her to save themselves from drowning ? here were annals of murder and torture, of men buried alive, condemned to a slow death, or driven to insanity in the loneliness of the dark and damp dungeons.? Eventually Peter escaped. It was an incredible, front-page news jailbreak, involving months of preparation, spies, shills outside the prison pretending to be drunk to distract the guards, and a co-conspirator playing a mazurka on the violin as a signal to make a break for it.

Source: http://feeds.slate.com/click.phdo?i=0d77048aac9d3d68e0ff526e035869b7

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California judge rules large Arizona campaign donation can be audited

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How IT Outsourcing Services Can Save A Business Time and Money

October 31st, 2012 by amrinder Leave a reply ?

As a company expands there will inevitably come a place when its owners begin to fight to manage most of the necessary procedures. Once a company has an excessive amount of work to take on it?s own, simplest and the quickest solution to break things down is through outsourcing. There are many advantages to outsourcing; some of these are evident, but others are possibly less so. Here is a rapid outline of a number of the gains that come with outsourcing your information technology business to an IT support Crawley firm.

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rent outsource it services

IT outsourcing services might help to provide a clear advantage if the work will be outsourced to specialists are employed by a body which with more experience and knowledge. Not absolutely all companies will have the right people for a given task ? but if different companies work together and share employees, there is a better possibility of problems being solved with the right expertise.

Still another advantage of outsourcing when it comes to IT support Crawley or any other IT service is risk ? sharing. Errors happen even in the most efficient organizations, but if something goes wrong with one of the businesses involved, the other might help keep things afloat. computer support london

With outsourcing you stand a chance of finding companies that may work at a lower cost, making the process more cost effective than it would have been if handled internally. It could fall in a different time zone ? effectively enlarging the amount of hours in which your organization is able to run if the company to which you might be outsourcing is in another country then.

This is merely a brief summary of some of the numerous advantages of outsourcing your IT company. Irrespective of what sort of IT business you are running, you will discover that there are many advantages to outsourcing. If you put some idea into the issue a way may be found by you to create your company become quicker, more efficient and more affordable.

Source:http://cannabismrsacure.letstalkaboutpot.com/how-it-outsourcing-services-can-save-a-business-time-and-money/

Source: http://www.theoutsourceblog.com/2012/10/how-it-outsourcing-services-can-save-a-business-time-and-money/

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Google's refreshed Nexus 7 on sale now, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 sign-up pages go live

Google's refreshed Nexus 7 on sale now, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 signup pages go live

Remember the 8GB Nexus 7? So long, old friend. The 16GB Nexus 7 has now taken center stage in Google's Play Store, with $199 netting you a slate that's currently boasting a "now shipping" status. Those willing to fork out $249 can get a 32GB model (also listed as "In Stock"), while $299 provides access to a GSM-enabled 32GB model that'll hop onto cellular networks -- unfortunately, that one's listed as "coming soon." Those hoping to keep themselves informed about the incoming Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet can visit the source link in order to register for email updates, with shipments expected to begin in many nations on November 13th.

Continue reading Google's refreshed Nexus 7 on sale now, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 sign-up pages go live

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Google's refreshed Nexus 7 on sale now, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 sign-up pages go live originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/P9iTkKRqhrY/

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sandy could impact unsuspecting used-car buyers

By Paul A. Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

It could be days, even weeks, before the storm-battered Eastern Seaboard dries out.? Brutal winds and extensive flooding, from Maine to the Carolinas, has wrecked homes and businesses, and left millions without power, even the New York subway system forced to close.

The destruction is likely to include thousands of vehicles damaged or destroyed by floodwater. In some cases, vehicles can be repaired. But many will have suffered extensive, irreparable damage and should be scrapped.? That doesn?t mean they will be.?

If recent history is any indication, a number of seriously flood-damaged vehicles will wind up on used car lots and sold to unsuspecting consumers. Experts say half of the vehicles damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Floyd were put back on the road.

?A car that?s been in a flood, with the engine submerged for any length of time, will never be the same,? said Carl Sullivan, who has nearly two decades of experience inspecting vehicles for AiM, a California-based team of auto inspectors.? ?It?s important for used car shoppers to know how to spot flood damage no matter where they live, because these cars can end up on a dealer lot anywhere in the country.?

Sandy Taking Steam Out of Strong Oct. Sales

Many states, such as New York and New Jersey, have strict rules covering vehicles that have been totaled in accidents or floods ? as well as those repurchased by a manufacturer under so-called lemon laws.

The good news is that the federal government began to require totaled vehicles be listed on a national database as of 2009.? But there are still ways to get around that, experts warn.?

Appropriately known as ?title washing,? crooked owners or dealers will sometimes move cars from state to state to state, as record-keeping and registration policies vary across the country and a notation that indicates the vehicle was wrecked in one state may ?wash? off when it?s moved to another state.

In some cases, AiM warns that scam artists may switch VINs, or Vehicle Identification Numbers, to eliminate the record of a car that was damaged by floodwaters.

Hot Wheels Chevy Camaro is no Toy

How many cars were damaged or destroyed by this week?s massive storm remains to be seen but as many as 600,000 vehicles were claimed by Hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Wilma in 2005, according to CarFax, a service designed to help potential used car buyers track the history of a vehicle.?

?Many of these cars are still showing up for sale around the country,? CarFax notes, the service?s website pointing out that of 75,000 vehicles damaged by 1999?s Hurricane Floyd, ?more than half were put back on the road.?

In some cases, the damage may be minimal and easily repaired, especially if it didn?t reach the engine. Fresh water from flooded streams may have less of an impact than saltwater that can quickly result in extensive corrosion.? But flooding, in general, can cause extensive damage.

?A car?s engine, electronics, fuel system, airbags and brakes are all extremely susceptible to flood water,? said AiM?s Sullivan. ?It?s extremely important to find any water damage before you invest your money in a used car, and a professional inspection will find flood damage no matter how a seller tries to hide it.?

The veteran inspector offers up a number of tips on what a used car buyer should watch for to help catch a vehicle damaged by flooding:

  • Water or condensation in the headlights or taillights could be a tip-off to flood-related problems.
  • A musty odor in the vehicle, which may be from moldy carpeting or padding. If possible, pull up the carpeting to see how far water may have risen in the vehicle, and also if any moisture remains.?
  • Mud in the seat belt tracks or seat belt tensioners.?
  • Water in the spare tire well in a vehicle?s trunk.?
  • A sagging headliner, particularly on a late-model vehicle.?
  • Corrosion in the vehicle?s undercarriage, such as on brake lines or around the fuel tank;

This could be a sign of saltwater damage. It?s different from snow-belt cars which typically get road salt on frame rails, notes AiM. But when corrosion appears near the top of the springs or shock towers are corroded, these are clears signs a vehicle has suffered flood-related damage.

Nation?s Fastest Highway Opens

A close inspection can turn up other tips, says Sullivan, who says he even found two fish under one vehicle?s back seat. ?That was a pretty sure sign the car had been flooded.?

As for what to do if it?s your car that?s been damaged by a flood, your first step is likely to involve checking your insurance policy. Comprehensive policies usually cover flood damage. Liability insurance is likely limited to any damage caused by a collision.

If your vehicle appears to have been involved in flooding, the National Automobile Dealers Association recommends you not try to start it until it?s been thoroughly inspected and cleaned.?

But if possible, take steps to dry out the vehicle as quickly as possible to reduce corrosion and other potential damage.

Flush and replace all fluids and lubricants, including motor oil and transmission fluid, and replace all filters and gaskets that were exposed to water.

Experts suggest brake parts be inspected ? and, if necessary, replaced.? Bearings should also be repacked on rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Among the parts most vulnerable to damage are electrical components, whether electronic engine controllers, airbag systems or infotainment systems. All wiring and components should be carefully inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

Also check to see if foam, padding and insulation has been soaked. They may not easily release moisture and could quickly develop mold or mildew.

NADA warns that damage from flooding may not begin to become apparent for 90 days or more.

That?s why most flood-damaged vehicles will be declared total losses.

?We?d say that if water got any further than the floor of the car, it?s junk,? said Tom Magliozzi, half of the NPR ?Car Show? team known to fans as Click and Clack.

?

Source: http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/30/14804980-sandy-could-impact-unsuspecting-used-car-buyers?lite

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Assistant Professor of Performing Arts | ART JOBS: Theatre Education

Art obs: Thiel College, Greenville, PA

Job Description

The Performing Arts Department of Thiel College invites applications for a tenure-track replacement for the theatre director beginning August, 2013.

Teaching responsibilities include: four classes per year including acting, directing, technical theatre, theatre history, children?s theatre and oral interpretation. Candidates will be expected to support the core curriculum when appropriate within areas of expertise. The successful candidate will also direct, design and oversee all aspects of main stage productions, and supervise student workers and all aspects of the theatre program. MFA or Ph.D is required.

Visit www.thiel.edu for more information about Thiel College.
Thiel College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity among its faculty and staff.
Qualified minority applicants are encouraged to respond.

How to Apply

Candidates should email (preferred) a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, three current professional reference letters including email addresses or phone numbers of references, and graduate transcripts to employment@thiel.edu, or mail application materials to Human Resources, Thiel College, 75 College Avenue, Greenville, PA 16125. Review of applications will begin immediately. For optimal consideration, materials are due by December 15, 2012.

?

?


? Job Title: Assistant Professor of Performing Arts
? Job Type: Full-Time Job
? Employer: Thiel College
? website: http://thiel.edu
? Location: Greenville, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Categories: Education, Featured, and Theatre. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: arts education, assistant, assistant professor, college, design, education, performing arts, stage, and teaching. State: Pennsylvania. Job expires in 30 days.

Source: http://artjobs.artsearch.us/job/assistant-professor-of-performing-arts/

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Tax cuts will create a mess says Economics Society | TrakkerNews ...

Bridgetown.

The purpose tax concessions by Leader of the Opposition Leader Opposition Owen Arthur will create a? mess in the economy and widen the deficit unless several state corporations are sold.This is the view of president of the Barbados Economics Society? Ryan Straughn.

Last Sunday at the annual gneral conference of the Barbados Labour Party, Arthur announced a range of tax concessions in a 15 point plan if his party is elected to office.

"Obviously this is election time and I dont wish to speculate on the Opposition's intentions but given what is taking place right now, removing all of those taxes will make a bigger hole in the Government's finances and it's deficits:, says Straughn,

According to Straughn, more disposable income in households and businesses potentially means more economic activity.

"The way I see it, both for households nd businesses any increase in disposable income right now has to go toward paying any debts or building back up reserves. To that extent, on the face of it, I don't necessarily see it increasing growth from that perspective and therefore the Government's finances are not necessarily likely to improve in that scenario", Straughn warned. ?

Source: http://www.caribbeantrakker.com/2012/10/tax-cuts-will-create-a-mess-says-economics-society/

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Investing in Canadian Real Estate: For Savvy Investors, Commercial ...

Canada?s commercial real estate market has roared back to life but where are the best returns and safety for investors looking forward?

Despite the incredible performance of Canadian commercial real estate over the last two years experts predict that this is really just the beginning of a new era. There clearly isn?t much of an argument against real estate standing out at the best investment vehicle both right now and ahead but while residential real estate continues to do OK, commercial property investments are clearly where it is at for savvy investors.

A recent Commercial Investor Report revealed positive growth in commercial real estate sales and dollar volume in virtually every market in Canada for the first half of 2012, with demand continuing to outpace supply.

This of course continues to drive up property values and returns and it isn?t just big funds wading in either, Realtors report private investors and smaller investment groups are also gaining a ?serious foothold? in the market, especially when it comes
to urban and suburban retail storefronts.

So where to invest to cash in on this trend?

All eyes are clearly on Alberta as the superior commercial real estate investment destination of the moment. Calgary has done very well in the past and will no doubt continue to do OK in the near future, even if its popularity and expensive market cause growth to slow as we hit the end of 2012.

Those looking for more growth, better returns and more security are increasingly turning to Edmonton as their favorite investment destination and it is definitely a market pegged to continue to see a rapid upward swing well through 2013 and beyond.

The recent rise in manufacturing sales, which hit $6.2 billion in AB in August, shows a solid foundation and backbone, one places like the U.S. lacks.

This of course signals strength in the industrial real estate sector, while multifamily is booming from the massive influx of new population fleeing other provinces, Europe and even America. Office is holding up well too and even new buildings are being leased well before being finished.

However, it is retail property which is really the hot item today. New brands continue to surge in to Edmonton, head offices are relocating here from Calgary, retail sales and consumer confidence continues to rise and it is clearly a favorite among the swarms of new residents flooding into the province.

So investors looking for the maximum potential growth, security and long term passive income streams as well as above average returns will certainly find shopping plazas in Edmonton a superior commercial real estate investment option now and looking forward over the next 5 plus years.

Want to learn more about how you can profit from commercial real estate and shopping plazas in Edmonton, Canada or get more information on some of the great opportunities that are available today? Contact Howard now by phone at 866-986-8673 or email him right away at howardm@redevgroup.ca.

Thank you for reading.

Richard Crenian
www.redevgroup.ca

Source: http://investmentsincanada.blogspot.com/2012/10/for-savvy-investors-commercial-property.html

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How sweep it is: Giants finish off Tigers

The San Francisco Giants celebrate defeating the Detroit Tigers in Game 4 of baseball's World Series on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Detroit. The Giants won the World Series 4-0. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Paul Kitagaki Jr.) MAGS OUT; LOCAL TV OUT (KCRA3, KXTV10, KOVR13, KUVS19, KMAZ31, KTXL40); MANDATORY CREDIT

The San Francisco Giants celebrate defeating the Detroit Tigers in Game 4 of baseball's World Series on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Detroit. The Giants won the World Series 4-0. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Paul Kitagaki Jr.) MAGS OUT; LOCAL TV OUT (KCRA3, KXTV10, KOVR13, KUVS19, KMAZ31, KTXL40); MANDATORY CREDIT

San Francisco Giant's catcher Buster Posey and pitcher Sergio Romo celebrate defeating the Detroit Tigers in Game 4 of baseball's World Series on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Detroit. The Giants won the World Series 4-0. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Paul Kitagaki Jr.) MAGS OUT; LOCAL TV OUT (KCRA3, KXTV10, KOVR13, KUVS19, KMAZ31, KTXL40); MANDATORY CREDIT

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Sergio Romo (54) and catcher Buster Posey and celebrate after striking out Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) to win Game 4 of baseball's World Series Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Detroit. The Giants won 4-3. (AP Photo/Tim Donnelly)

San Francisco Giants celebrate after the Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers, 4-3, in Game 4 of baseball's World Series Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Detroit. The Giants won the World Series 4-0. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

San Francisco Giants celebrate after the Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers, 4-3, in Game 4 of baseball's World Series Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Detroit. The Giants won the World Series 4-0. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

DETROIT (AP) ? Kung Fu Panda, The Freak, The Beard and all their seed-throwing buddies are on top of baseball ? again.

They may be under the radar, unappreciated and unexpected. But they're unassailable, the winner of two World Series titles in the last three years.

Their sweep of the Detroit Tigers, completed Sunday night with a 4-3, 10-inning win, was simply historic.

No National League team had swept a World Series since the 1990 Cincinnati Reds.

No NL team had won twice in a three-year span since the Big Red Machine in 1975-76.

"I'm numb, really, the fact that we've won two World Series in the last three years," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "This will sink in, but right now, I'm kind of speechless on that."

This happens in the NL only slightly more often than appearances of Haley's Comet. They are just the fifth NL team to accomplish the feat since the 1907-08 Chicago Cubs, joining the 1921-22 New York Giants, the St. Louis Cardinals of '44 and '46, the Los Angeles Dodgers of '63 and '65, and that Big Red Machine.

And these Giants did it with small ball, becoming only the fifth big league team ? and the first since the 1982 Cardinals ? to win the title after finishing dead last in home runs during the regular season.

"Our guys had a date with destiny," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said.

Marco Scutaro delivered one more key hit this October, a go-ahead single with two outs in the 10th inning against Phil Coke.

On a night of biting cold, stiff breezes and some rain, the Giants sealed the title when Sergio Romo got Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera to look at strike three for the final out.

"Tonight was a battle," said Giants catcher Buster Posey, the NL batting champion. "And I think tonight was a fitting way for us to end it because those guys played hard. They didn't stop, and it's an unbelievable feeling."

Posey, the only player in the starting lineup when San Francisco win the 2010 clincher at Texas, celebrated with his teammates in the center of the Comerica Park diamond. In the clubhouse, they hoisted the trophy, passed it around and shouted the name of each player who held it.

"World Series champions!" hollered outfielder Hunter Pence, who started the pregame seed-tossing ritual.

Pedro Sandoval, nicknamed Kung Fu Panda, was benched for most of the 2010 Series and then went 8 for 16 this year, including a three-homer performance in Game 1, to win MVP honors.

"I was ready for the moment," he said. "I was waiting for the opportunity to be in the playoffs again."

Cabrera delivered the first big hit for Detroit, interrupting San Francisco's run of dominant pitching with a two-run, wind-blown homer over the right-field wall in the third.

Posey put the Giants ahead 3-2 with a two-run homer in the sixth and Delmon Young hit a tying home run in the bottom half.

San Francisco then won a battle of bullpens.

Ryan Theriot led off the 10th with a single against Phil Coke, moved up on Brandon Crawford's sacrifice and scored on a shallow single by Scutaro, the MVP of the NL championship series. Center fielder Austin Jackson made a throw home, to no avail.

"We were very adamant that we have to step on their throats," Giants pitcher Barry Zito said. "We saw what they did to New York."

Santiago Casilla got one out in the ninth for the win. Romo struck out the side in the bottom of the 10th for his third save of the Series.

The Giants finished the month with seven straight wins and their seventh Series championship. They handed the Tigers their seventh straight World Series loss dating to 2006.

"Obviously, there was no doubt about it," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "It was freaky. I would have never guessed we would have swept the Yankees and I would have never guessed the Giants would have swept us."

The Giants combined for a 1.42 ERA, outscored the Tigers 16-6 and held them to a .159 batting average ? third-lowest in Series history ahead of only the 1966 Baltimore Orioles (.146) and 1966 Dodgers (.142).

"This was the worst day of my career," Tigers catcher Alex Avila said. "They played great, and we didn't. It's that simple."

The NL has won three in a row for the first time in 30 years. San Francisco won six elimination games en route to the title.

Once again, San Francisco took an early lead. Pence hit a one-hop drive over the center-field fence for a double and Brandon Belt tripled off the right-field wall on the next pitch for a 1-0 lead in the second.

The next inning, Cabrera gave the Tigers a reason to think this night might get them back on track to end a title drought dating to 1984.

With two outs and a runner on first, Cabrera lofted an opposite-field fly to right ? off the bat, it looked like a routine out shy of the warning track. But with winds gusting over 25 mph, the ball kept carrying, Pence kept drifting toward the wall and the crowd kept getting louder.

Just like that, it was gone.

Cabrera's homer gave Detroit its first lead of the Series, ended its 20-inning scoreless streak. Trailing for the first time since Game 4 of the NL championship series, Posey and the Giants put a dent in Detroit's optimism. Scutaro led off the sixth with a single and clapped all the way around the bases when Posey sent a shot that sailed just inside the left-field foul pole for a 3-2 lead.

Young, the ALCS MVP against the Yankees, made it 3-all with another opposite-field homer to right, this one a no-doubt drive.

But other Tigers disappointed. Prince Fielder, signed to a $214 million deal last winter, finished 1 for 14 (.071) against the Giants without an RBI. Cabrera, the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years, was 3 for 13 (.231) with three RBIs.

"You just don't get to write your own script," Fielder said.

San Francisco did. The Giants overcame a 2-0 deficit against Cincinnati in the best-of-division series by winning three straight on the road. They overcame a 3-1 hole against defending champion St. Louis in the league championship. And then they became the first champion that hit the fewest home runs in the majors since St. Louis in 1982.

Brian Wilson ? aka The Beard ? missed nearly the entire season. Tim Lincecum ? aka The Freak, was ace of the staff during the 2010 title run. He morphed into a middle reliever who held the Tigers hitless in a pair of outings.

Sandoval said "heart" was the critical ingredient.

"It's amazing what they accomplished," Bochy said. "I think when you look at this club, the terms 'teamwork,' 'team play,' and 'play as a team,' that's used loosely, but these guys truly did. They set aside their own agenda and asked what's best for the club. And we put guys in different roles, nobody ever said a word, complained or anything, and that's the only way it got done."

NOTES: Detroit 2B Omar Infante broke his left hand when he was hit by a pitch from Casilla in the ninth. ... Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, was at the game. ... In addition to the bat Sandoval used for his first two homers in the opener, the Hall of Fame received Ryan Vogelsong's jersey from his Game 3 win, Bochy's warm-up jacket, Gregor Blanco's glove, Pence's bat ? named "Tim" ? Scutaro's spikes, Brandon Crawford's cap and Matt Cain's spikes.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-10-29-World-Series/id-3ad9c1cb6fc34d5791af173765f60703

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Monday, October 29, 2012

Health Insurer Humana Gamifies Fitness

 Net Impact health games behavior change

This article is part of our coverage of Net Impact 2012. To follow along, visit this page.

By Erica Schlaikjer

For some companies, ?corporate social responsibility? is an after-thought or marketing tool; for others, it?s core to their business.

Humana, a Fortune 100 healthcare company, recently?got serious about its commitments and formalized a CSR program in 2009, as we learned at the Net Impact Conference in Baltimore.

Humana started as a nursing home company. Now, the company markets and administers health insurance services in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

Humana has been socially responsible for decades, establishing an ethics program in the mid-?90s, encouraging employees (or ?associates?) to volunteer in their communities, and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to charitable causes through the Humana Foundation.

This year, it?made headlines?for becoming the first U.S. health insurer to follow?Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines?for sustainability reporting.

One of the primary ways it encourages customers to stay healthy is through the design of play?leveraging behavioral economics, mobile technology, gamification and social media.

Here are a few examples:

Video Games:?Humana partnered with video game developer Ubisoft?to develop Humana-branded fitness content for??Your Shape?: Fitness Evolved 2012,? ?a workout program available on Xbox Kinect that offers players more than 90 hours of fitness activities, including cardio boxing, jumprope and yoga.

Online Games:?FamScape?is?a online game that encourages more physical activity by families.?There is also the?Humana Horsepower Challenge, in which students are given pedometers to keep track of their steps. Teams of school systems compete against each other, and kids who are most physically active earn rewards to accessorize their horse avatars. Students in the program did six times as much physical activity than before the program started.

Toys: The company created a prototype of ?Grand 2 Grand,? wirelessly connected teddy bears that are designed to let?grandparents and grandkids communicate with each other. When one person hugs a bear, the other lights up and vibrates.

Community: Earlier this year, Humana and the Humana Foundation announced a three-year partnership with KaBOOM! ?to build more than 50 multi-generational playgrounds in communities across the country.

Bicycles:?Humana, Trek Bicycle Corporation and Crispin Porter + Bogusky created the?B-cycle?bikesharing system, which?measures the distance traveled on each ride and helps bikers keeps track of calories burned and carbon emissions avoided. Members can review their health and transport information on a personal B-cycle web page.

Mobile Apps: Humana offers a couple of health-focused iPhone apps. GoldWalker?is?an adventure and strategy game where players have to move around in the real world to travel through the virtual world of towns and mining camps to accomplish tasks and find gold.?Colorfall?allows players to exercise their body and their brain in a color-matching game, resembling Tetris. Players must move around the physical world to take photos of different colored items to complete the game.

Interactive: The Humana Well-Being Tour stops off at state fairs and other community gatherings to offer?live in-person gameplay. Guests can play the ?Your Shape? game on Xbox Kinect, get a biometric screening, take a spin on a stationary bike, and receive a free pedometer through the WalkIt Program.

Golf: Humana signed on as title sponsor of an annual PGA tournament, formerly the Bob Hope Desert Classic, to promote well-being.?The Humana Challenge?tracks the steps of spectators through its HumanaWalkit?program.?The event formed as the result of an eight-year partnership between Humana and the William J. Clinton Foundation. This year, it?raised?more than $2 million in donations to benefit?40 local charities.

The 2012 Humana Challenge was named ?Sports Event of the Year? By SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily, beating out other sporting dynamos like the 2011 NBA Finals and Super Bowl XLVI.?During the event the company also supports other healthy activities with ancillary events like a 5-mile walk and a farmer?s market.?Jim Turner, director of corporate communications, says it?s ?well-being, with a side of golf.?

In other words, health, with a side of play.

To learn more about Humana?s three pillars of ?healthy people, healthy planet, and health performance,? you can download its ?Well-Being?Starts?With Us? report.

Erica Schlaikjer, based in Washington, D.C., is the founder of Benevolent Media, a media and events company dedicated to celebrating storytelling and design for good. You can follow Erica and ask her questions on Twitter: @eschlaik and @benevolentmedia.

Image courtesy Humana.

Scroll down to see comments.


Source: http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/10/health-insurer-humana-gamifies-fitness/

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Office space in Japan ? Market Review ? Real Estate Japan | Tokyo ...

Tokyo vacancy rate weathers massive supply and passes its peak
Grade A rents near turnaround at 29,900 yen/tsubo

Economic Conditions

After the japanese economy posted strong growth during the first due in part to measures that included reconstruction demand and subsidies, a countertrend has become evident as the real GDP growth rate for Q3?2012 is forecasted to decrease by 1.7 points trom the previous quarter to 1.5%. According to the Bank of Japan?s?Economic Survey of Enterprises in Japan (Tankan), the DI for large manufacturing enterprises fell 2 points from the previous quarter to -3, but the forecast DI remained?unchanged. In the near future, if the response to the European economic crisis moves ahead smoothly, demand from overseas is expected to recover, and the economy is to gradually pick up again. Apprehension remains however, over a continuation of the historically high yen exchange rate and The possible negative impact on business with China?regarding the territorial dispute over the Senkaku islands.

Demand

In Tokyo, The large new supply that came online during the previous quarter served to prime the demand. New supply at buildings in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka absorbed demand, which remained firm. In Tokyo and Osaka, demand has been increasing, not just at new large buildings in favorable locations, but also at older buildings and smaller to mid-sized existing buildings.?Examples of tenants relocating die to expansion of their business has increased. Tenants nationwide continue to be amenable to relocation. As tenants enjoy what are perceived to be affordable rents, the reasons for relocations are more positive, including relocation doe to office expansion. This is despite the continued strength of relocation demand in central city locations for the purpose of consolidation and increased earthquake resistance. In Saitama, vacant space is limited in buildings with the advanced earthquake resistance, which is preferred by tenants. Demand has thus begun to spread to buildings that are somewhat older or not as well located.

New Supply/Vacancy Rates

In Tokyo, newly developed buildings and those supplied during the previous quarter have had no difficulty filling vacancies, the Grade A vacancy rate improved by 1 point from the previous quarter to 9.3% and the vacancy rate for the 23 wards of Tokyo improved by 0.4 points to 7.5%. In Osaka, although the competition of a large building with unfilled vacancies directly connected to Shin-Osaka Station brought the grade A vacancy rate up 0.8 points from the previous quarter to 11.6%, the vacancy rate for the city as a whole improved by 0.1 points. In Nagoya, where two large scale buildings were completed, the closure of a large building for redevelopment helped bring the city?s overall vacancy rate down 0.4 points to 2.7%, due in part to expansion activity within the same building. Vacancy rates fell in Fukuoka as well, as a new building was completed with high occupancy pushed by perceived affordable rents. Furthermore, relocations to expand operations and new office set ups were also observed to contribute to the decline in vacancies. In other cities, amid a trend toward restricted new supply, demand concentrated steadily at high-performance buildings in central-city locations, resulting in a near universal trend toward improved vacancy rates. The vacancy rate in Kyoto rose as tenants relocated to Osaka for the purpose of office consolidation; Takamatsu showed mixed activities with secondary vacancies emerging while active corporate movements drew in new tenants.

Rent

As business sentiment recovered, Grade A assumed achievable rents remained unchanged at 29,000 yen/tsubo in Tokyo, 18,700 yen/tsubo in Osaka (+50 yen) and 22,150 yen/tsubo in Nagoya (-50 yen), suggesting that these cities have already hit bottom. Nationwide average asking rents are trending to be flat with the exception of the three major cities where rent discounting at older buildings have slightly brought down the average asking rents.??

TOKYO

Large buildings completed during the first half absorbed much of the demand, lowering the vacancy rate

The vacancy rate among grade A buildings fell by 1 point from the previous quarter to 9.3%. A major factor behind the decline was the filling of vacancies in large buildings completed with vacancies during the first half in Shinjuku and Marunouchi, among others. The vacancy rate fell below 1% in several areas where the supply-demand balance had already been tight, such as Nihonbashi and Osaki.

Tokyo Grade A Buildings

Rent trends stable and flat

Average assumed achievable rate was unchanged from the previous quarter at 29,900 yen/tsubo. Rents remained at or near the bottom since the beginning of the year. Despite concerns that large new supply during the first half would depress rents, vacancies were filled at existing buildings, while some new buildings completed with vacancies remaining were able to fill the void without shifting strategies to lower rents. The general result was stability in rent levels with exception of some buildings seeing increased rent levels in lockstep with improving vacancy rates.

Forward-looking reasons for relocation on the rise, with rents increasing after having bottomed-out

New demand this quarter was approximately 23,000 tsubo. This represents a decrease of nearly half of the new demand in the previous quarter, which was the highest recorded since the ?Lehman Shock? financial crisis. That being said, the new demand for the past quarter was in-line with the average for the past year.

Corporate tenants have been relocating for office consolidation and other cost-cutting motives but also office building upgrades and expansions, with the latter more frequently than before. Cases were observed where building owners who had been more flexible with leasing terms took a more aggressive stance on setting rent levels due to an abundance of inquiries. Relocations among large tenants have become evident as sufficient rent adjustments have been carried out and new supply has eased. Tenants have also started to notice the affordability of rents and tight supply going forward as rental adjustments have progressed and supply has begun to ease. large scale relocations of domestic and foreign financial institutions, major manufacturers and accounting/legal firms have thus been observed. New supply this quarter was limited to a building in Roppongi, and just two buildings of approximately 28,000 tsubo are expected to be completed during the entire second half. The vacancy rate peaked in Q2 and began a decline thereafter.

Tokyo 23 Wards

Vacancy declines as it passes its peak?

For the first time in two quarters, the vacancy rate in Tokyo?s 23 wards fell in Q3 2012, decreasing 0.4 points to 7.5%. This quarter saw only approximately 26,000 tsubo of new supply coming online, compared to the 170,000 tsubo which came online in the previous quarter. The easing of the risk of an expanded supply-demand gap that could have resulted from further supply increases was a major factor. On the demand side, although the volume of demand was lower than the approximately 63,000 tsubo of the previous quarter, an expansion in demand of approximately 54,000 tsubo still had a strong impact on the vacancy rate.

In those areas which already had low vacancy rates, including Shibuya, Ebisu and Nihonbashi, even smaller and mid-sized existing buildings had little difficulty filling their vacant space, indicating that demand is reaching buildings with a broad range of attributes, particularly in these areas. Overall, the number of vacancies of 100 tsubo or less that were filled this quarter greatly exceeded the number of comparable vacancies created. This indicates that overall demand is expanding.

The trend of large relocations remain active

Meanwhile, progress continued in the filling of large contiguous vacancies, mainly at large newly constructed buildings. Improvement in the balance of supply-demand was largely contributed by those large-scale office buildings with major secondary vacancy concerns continuously securing incoming tenants. During the review quarter, there were 20 buildings at which vacancies amounting to 1,000 tsubo or more were filled (not including buildings completed this quarter) for a total of just under 50,000 tsubo (compared to just over 8,000 tsubo at seven buildings the previous quarter). In addition, tenants are being secured at an accelerating rate for large buildings scheduled for completing next fiscal year and beyond. This can be seen as an indication of highly fluid demand activity.

Rents near turnaround point

Amid these circumstances, successor tenants are being found at large buildings before concerns about the risk of secondary vacancies are realized. The speed at which space is leased is expanding, but may vary by area and building characteristics. However, the fact that expanding demand is reaching even smaller buildings in some areas can be taken to indicate that a turnaround in rents could come sooner rather than later.

OSAKA

Overall vacancy rate in Osaka falls for the 4th consecutive quarter; Grade A vacancy rises

The vacancy rate for Osaka during the third quarter of 2012 was down 0.1 points from the previous quarter to 9.9%. It was the first time in the last three years since the third quarter of 2009 in which the rate fell below 10%. The vacancy rate for Grade A buildings, meanwhile, rose 0.8 points to 11.6%. This increase was due to the completion with unfilled vacancies of Grade A building in the Shin-Osaka area.

One large building completed, tenants very active at existing buildings

A large building directly connected to Shin-Osaka Station was completed during this quarter. Although some vacancies remained, it has been absorbing demand largely from existing buildings in the surrounding area, due mainly to its highly competitive location. Looking at other activities among existing buildings in Osaka shows that vacancies left behind by tenant relocations before or during the previous quarter have grown prominent. It has also been seen, however, that large relocations for the purpose of expansion have continued to fill vacancies of several hundred tsubo of floor area. Through the previous quarter, a trend had been observed in which demand concentrated at recently constructed and favorable located buildings. During this quarter, perceived competitive rents have led to the filling of large vacancies at somewhat older buildings that have satisfactory anti-seismic capabilities. There have alsp been some cases in which firms with offices outside of Osaka have consolidated their offices within Osaka, thus increasing demand in the city. As an overall trend, there was an increase in the need for expansion activity within the same building, and expansion relocations, despite previous highly cost-conscious approaches to relocation.

High occupancy expected at large building to be completed next quarter

One large office building is expected to be completed next quarter, and it is anticipated that it will enter operation with a high rate of occupancy. In addition to existing high demand at buildings recently constructed and/or high-grade buildings, the growing trend is toward expansion of demand. The overall trend toward filling of vacancies is thus expected to continue into the near future.

NAGOYA

Nagoya vacancy rate falls for 9th consecutive quarter

Although new demand declined by approximately 5,000 tsubo this quarter, the vacancy rate decreased by 0.4 points from the previous quarter to 11.4%, particularly caused by the decrease in available stock with the Dai Nagoya Building closing for redevelopment. It was the ninth consecutive quarter in which the vacancy rate fell, While there were cases of small scale office expansion relocations, there are still scattered cases of tenants reducing floor space within their building. The main relocations observed this quarter continued to be mostly comprised of office integrations, including from suburban locations and other company-owned facilities, as well as building facilities and location upgrades implemented while controlling costs. While the vacancy rate did improve as a result, average asking rents declined by 2.0%.

Two buildings of over 5,000 tsubo completed

Nagoya Crosscourt Tower was completed in the Meieki area, as was the ORE Nishiki 20-Chrome Building in the Fushimi area. Each building brought more than 5,000 tsubo of gross floor area to the market for a total of approximately 10,000 tsubo of new supply. These new buildings were able to attract tenants by absorbing the relocation demand resulting from the closure of another building for planned reconstruction, as well as demand for office consolidation relocations. With no major injection of new supply expected through the end of 2012, the vacancy rate in Nagoya is expected to continue to gradually improve.

Vacancy rate at Grade A buildings remains low

The Grade A vacancy rate fell by 0.4 points form the previous quarter to remain low at 2.7%. Amid a continued absence of new Grade A supply, expansion activity within the same building helped fill some vacancies. However, relocations from the building to be reconstructed have already been completed and movements by large tenants are therefore expected to be few. Assumed achievable rents thus remained relatively unchanged from the previous quarter.

SAPPORO

Vacancy rate reaches the 8% level for first time in 4 years

The vacancy rate in Sapporo during the third quarter of 2012 fell by 0.7points from the previous quarter to 8.8%. It was the first time in the four years since Q3 2008 that the vacancy rate had dipped to the 8% level. During this quarter, improvements in vacancy rates could be seen in each area examined. While there were cases of rental floor space contractions and tenant exits, there has been an increasing number of cases where tenants relocated at increasing cost in order to improve the facilities and locations of their offices. The new establishment and expansion of call centers helped keep demand firm, while inquiries concentrated at more recently constructed buildings where spaces of 100 tsubo or more could be obtained, which resulted in the market filling more vacancies than the amount becoming available. However, there are concerns of demand becoming dormant with the lack of vacant space available in favorable locations such as in the central areas and around the Sapporo station North Exit that meet tenant needs. Demand is anticipated to spread towards the Nishi 11-chrome area or around the eastern end of Sosei River in order to keep demand active.

SENDAI

Vacancy rate at Sendai Station East Exit continues to rise from last quarter

The vacancy rate in Sendai during the third quarter to 2012 was 12.9%, up 0.1 points form 12.8% the previous quarter. Vacancy levels continued to increase to 18.9% in the East Exit area of Sendai station from last quarter. Major contributors to the increases in vacancy rates include cancelation of contracts by housing rented companies that increased floor space or set up additional offices immediately after the earthquake, to meet the necessary recovery measures. Contracts were seen being canceled after their tasks were completed. Other areas of the city remained unchanged with no major changes from the previous quarter. Although a prior trend toward new leases has been seen to continue, it has lost the force required to have a major influence on the market. Buildings more recently constructed or with some landmark value continued to enjoy a degree of popularity, and their differentiation from existing buildings with regard to rent continued to advance. Expectations for the near future are for an increase in demand centering largely on the construction industry as recovery work shifts from the removal and civil engineering phase into building construction.

SAITAMA

Saitama?s vacancy rate falls to the 5% level

The vacancy rate in Saitama during the third quarter of 2012 fell by 0.5 points from the previous quarter to 5.6%. While the need to open new offices in Omiya are not as significant, there have been observed cases of floor expansions within the building or relocation for the purpose of expanding in this area. Also, an influx of demand from the suburbs was observed, with many of these tenants selecting properties relatively distant from Omiya station as tenants considered the need to secure parking space and control cost increases. Cases were therefore observed in which vacancies of 100 tsubo or more were filled in buildings constructed to older earthquake standards, as well as vacancies in more recently constructed buildings and tose closer to the station, have become extremely scarce. Some landlords have been seen to consider increasing their asking rents above previous levels when new vacancies become available. With this smooth filling of vacancies, rent levels are regarded as having touched bottom, and a period of turnaround seems near.

YOKOHAMA

Despite falling vacancy rate, secondary vacancy risk is high

The vacancy rate in Yokohama during the third quarter of 2012 fell 0.2 points from the previous quarter to 10.3%. There was a lack of new supply during this quarter in a market with little to stimulate it, resulting in sluggish tenant activity. Overall, this was a period in which the secondary vacancies resulting from relocation to a succession of new buildings completed during the first half of the year became prominent. Meanwhile, some underlying support came from demand generated by relocations from suburban company-owned buildings to rental buildings. But the influx of demand from the suburbs was weak, and thought to be influenced by large vacancies in kawasaki. With large secondary vacancies expected to be realized mainly in the Minatomirai area in the near future, the expansion needs of existing tenants are expected to surface, as is an influx of demand from outside the area. Although rent levels at large buildings in the immediate vicinity of Yokohama Station have stopped falling, they remain at rock-bottom.?

KANAZAWA

Vacancy rate continues to improve in Kanazawa Station area

The vacancy rate in Kanazawa during the third quarter of 2012 fell by 0.6 points from the previous quarter to 19.0%. This is the second consecutive quarter of decrease. Although there have been few openings of new locations by tenants from other cities, within Kanazawa, a trend toward integration of group offices continues and relocations from suburbs to the vicinity of the railway station have been observed. New demand during the third quarter of 2012 was approximately 500 tsubo amod vigorous tenant relocation activity. With Hokuriku Shinkansen Line high-speed rail service scheduled to begin at Kanazawa at the end of 2014, progress is moving forward on the reconstruction of the Kanazawa Station West Exit plaza, scheduled for completion at the end of 2015. Since the vicinity of Kanazawa Station is regarded as desirable for office use, buildings in the area are making progress in filling vacancies. In the Minami-machi area, however, large vacancies remain at many buildings. Although the overall vacancy rate in Kanazawa continues to improve, areas remain differentiated by the ease or difficulty with which vacancies are being filled.

KYOTO

Corporate relocation sentiment becoming polarized

The vacancy rate in Kyoto during the third quarter of 2012 was up 0.7 points from the previous quarter to 9.1%. It was the first quarterly increase in the vacancy rate in the two years since the third quarter of 2010. While there were not as many activities observed in this quarter, there were a number of buildings that had more than 100 tsubo of vacancies realized. This was mainly impacted by tenants moving back to their company-owned buildings in order to save costs and/or due to corporate restructuring, realization of secondary vacancies after tenants relocated to newly completed buildings, and tenants exiting from short-term contracts. In addition, the consolidation to Osaka of numerous tenants occupying smaller spaces had the cumulative effect of pushing up the vacancy rate. Meanwhile, new leases and expansion activity within the same building were among trends that were expanding the overall occupied floor area in the market. It was a quarter in which trends, both expanding and shrinking demand, were intertwined. For the time being, the market is forecasted to be poor in factors stimulating either supply or demand, which is therefore expected to become sluggish as demand for expanded floor area decreases.

KOBE

Tenant attitude toward relocation begins to recover

The vacancy rate in Kobe during the third quarter of 2012 was 11.3%, a decrease of 1.6 points compared to the previous quarter. It was the third consecutive quarter of decrease, and the first time the vacancy rate reached the 11% range since the first quarter of 2009. This quarter, several trends were observed that tended to expand the occupied floor area in the rental market, including expansion activity within the same building, relocation from suburbs to city-center locations and relocation to rental buildings after the sale of company-owned buildings. All buildings in which vacancies of 200 or more tsubo were filled had been built since the new earthquake resistance standards took effect, indicating the desire for seismic safety performance. Relocations tending to increase costs have been limited for some time, but the increase in demand activity can be said to indicate a trend toward recovery in business sentiment. Although lack of factors stimulating demand is expected to continue, die to reduced supply, relocations from suburbs to central city locations and from company-owned buildings to rental office buildings are expected to generate an influx of demand that may improve the market overall.

HIROSHIMA

Business activity leading to increased occupancy stands out

The vacancy rate in Hiroshima during the third quarter of 2012 was down 0.6 points from the previous quarter to 11.4%, the fourth consecutive quarter of declining vacancy. It was also the first time in the last three and a half years that the vacancy rate reached the 11% range. Several trends were observed that tended to expand the occupied floor area in the rental market, including expansion activity within the same building and relocation from suburbs to city-center locations. Small and large companies entering into new leases were apparent. Strong business performance encouraging a recovery in business sentiment ant progress in rent adjustments throughout the market are thought to have been related to proactive location strategies among tenant firms. Amid this kind of strong office demand from corporate tenants, vacancies at new prime buildings have become scarce. The key to whether the vacancy rate in the Hiroshima market can improve is the degree to which demand can be stimulated at buildings over 20 years old.

?TAKAMATSU

Robust relocation activity; prominent secondary vacancies boost vacancy rate

The vacancy rate in Takamatsu during the third quarter of 2012 was 18.0%, an increase of 0.6 points from the previous quarter. This is the second consecutive quarter of increasing vacancy rates. large contiguous secondary vacancies of over 100 tsubo became prominent as financial institutions relocated to a new commercial complex. This had a major impact on the vacancy rate, as did contraction activity within the same building and other moves involving relatively small amounts of floor area in the tens of tsubo. Nevertheless, ?smaller vacancies were widespread and affected the full range of industries and buildings. Meanwhile, new office openings and small-scale expansions within the same building leading to increased demand was observed. The overall effect was of a mixed market with both an influx and outflow of demand. With no new supply scheduled in the near future, the supply-demand balance is expected to continue its mixed progress and retreat.

FUKUOKA

New building begins operation at high occupancy in Hakata Station area

The vacancy rate in Fukuoka during the third quarter of 2012 was 11.2%, a decrease of 0.6 points from the previous quarter and the fourth consecutive quarter of declining vacancy rates. A newly constructed building on the preriphery of Hakata station opened with high occupancy. With vacancies scarce at recently constructed prime buildings, the availability of large contiguous space and perceived affordable rent levels were highly valued by tenants, and most of the absorbed demand came from relocations from nearby buildings. I existing buildings as well, new leases and expansion relocations, as well as relocations from suburbs to the city center were among the numerous observed cases of activity tending to expand the occupied floor area in the market. This was true in both new and existing buildings. The result was on overall decline in the vacancy rate for Fukuoka. Going forward, no plans for large new building construction have come to light. The need among tenants for newly constructed prime buildings has long been abundant, but the lack of available supply could drive demand under the surface, resulting in sluggish market growth.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Nationwide?Trend toward improved vacancies continues; rent levels flat for now

As corporate sentiment towards relocation continues to hold strong following the previous quarter, there were scattered activities of building grade up or scale up relocations that leads to market expansion. Although Japan-China relations remain a risk factor for now, domestic demand is expected to gradually recover in the near future. Vacancies are anticipated to continue improving going forward, backed by proactive relocations from the strong corporate earnings. However, rents are thought to remain flat for the time being as the rental burdens a tenant can absorb have not recovered by those companies thinking the relocation opportunity is now with the adjusted rents.

Tokyo?Large relocations increase broadly; Grade A rents enter recover mode

With new supply in Tokyo forecasted to ease, the vacancy rate is expected to improve steadily amid the expanding scope of demand. Grade A rents are showing signs of a turnaround, and will probably increase by year-end. With tenants being found for the secondary vacancies in Tokyo?s 23 wards overall, a genuine improvement in the supply-demand balance is expected in the coming quarter amid active inquiries. Rent levels are therefore expected to turn around earlier in 2013 than previously expected, from mid-year to fall. Grade A rent levels can be expected to increase by several percent one year from now, assuming steady economic growth and the spread of aggressive relocation moves into a broad range of industries.

Osake?Demand expands; Grade A rents bottom out

With a new building expected to begin operation at a higher level of occupancy next quarter, expansion relocations and other demand-expanding moves are expected to increase in Osaka. In fact, in addition to increasing demand at well-located and high-grade buildings, perceived affordable rent levels at older buildings with satisfactory anti-seismic capabilities are attracting demand, and vacancies are expected to fill with little difficulty throughout the market in the near future. While Grade A rents are thought to have hit bottom, as rents slightly rose this quarter, it may take some time before there is upward pressure on rents are large supply is expected to spring in 2013. However, with the large supply set to prime the pump for increase in demand going forward, rents can be anticipated to turn upward in mid-2013 if the effects of secondary vacancies remain mild.

VACANCY RATE & AVERAGE ASKING RENT COMPARISON

About CBRE Group, Inc.*

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world?s?largest commercial real estate services firm (in terms of 2011 revenue). The Company has approximately 34,000?employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300?offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing;?corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation;?development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our Web site at?www.cbre.com?

*As of October 3, 2011 the corporate group name was officially changed from ?CB Richard Ellis?Group, Inc.? to ?CBRE Group, Inc.? Accordingly, the registered corporate name of CB Richard Ellis K.K. in Japan?has also changed to CBRE K.K., effective January 1, 2012.

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Source: http://www.realestate.co.jp/2012/10/29/offices-in-japan-market-review/

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Can Conservatives Swiftboat Obama Over Benghazi?

Pres. Obama speaks to the press in the briefing room of the White House October 29, 2012.

President Obama

Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images.

Six days ago, Charles Woods turned on his radio and heard an update on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in Benghazi. Charles?s son, Tyrone Woods, had been killed that day, jumping into the fray after hearing that the American consulate had been attacked. The father, who had chosen not to speak to the media, listened to the news and grew incensed.

?They mentioned that the president had live feed, that he watched my son being killed,? Woods would tell Fox News weekend host Jeanine Pirro. ?That he watched this whole battle that lasted seven hours. And he chose to do nothing.?

Woods called the station and got on with the host, Portland, Ore.-based conservative talker Lars Larson. In calm, even tones, he described the unimaginably sad story of his hero son taking a job despite the danger, responding to people who were ?crying for help,? and being left to die by his own country. ?The whole feeling I got about this when it happened was ?we?re not getting the truth,? ? said Woods. He described the president shaking hands ?like a dead fish,? which maybe made sense, with ?this information coming out about videos being live-streamed, calls for help coming to the White House.?

Over the rest of the week, Woods talked to Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Geraldo Rivera, and Laura Ingraham to tell and retell the story. When Obama talked to him, ?it wasn't in a powerful voice,? said Woods to Hannity. ?It was more of just a whiney little voice??I'm sorry.? You know? And I could tell by his voice he wasn't even sorry.? In the Ingraham interview, Woods says that the president couldn?t even look him in the eye.

The Woods interviews are devastating. No one whose blood runs warm can listen to them without reacting. On Facebook, conservatives have started meme-ifying Woods quotes and Benghazi rumors, altering Obama?s campaign slogan (Forward) to read: ?COWARD.? For years, conservative critics of the president have portrayed him as a valor-stealing wimp who?s actually ashamed of his country. Now they believe his government told Tyrone Woods to stand down, denied all requests for backup as Woods defied the order and fought, and then sat back remorselessly as good men died.

But has anybody else?anybody who wasn?t already inclined to distrust Obama?bought into this story? Not really, no. The Romney-Ryan ticket has nixed Libya from stump speeches. On Friday, when a Denver TV interviewer asked Obama about the ?stand down? theory, and the president dodged, the Romney campaign commented on Obama?s other answers and ignored ?Benghazi-gate.? Today, a new Pew poll on the election finds that Obama?s numbers on foreign policy and leadership have ticked up since mid-October. Whom do voters ?trust to make wise decisions about foreign policy?? A four-point Obama lead has become an eight-point lead.

The support for Obama?s foreign policy decision-making becomes even stranger when you consider how long this narrative has been building. Over the summer, with great hype and a boost from Karl Rove?s tweets, the Special Ops OPSEC Education Fund launched and pledged to expose ?how President Obama and those in positions of authority have exploited their service for political advantage.? Its latest ad, which went up on Oct. 3, rattles off some of the ways??Hollywood producers briefed,? ?administration leaks investigations,? ?SEAL Team Six exposed.?

Nobody from OPSEC got back to me when I asked whether that Libya ad would be joined by a new ad, making the ?Obama stood down? case. But maybe this is the problem. The argument that Obama is listless and credit-stealing began before there was any good evidence for it. Ever since the Benghazi attacks, every fact or rumor has been slotted into the argument.

Put the emphasis on ?every rumor.? The most chilling parts of Charles Woods? story are in dispute. That?s good news for anyone who doesn?t want to think that the government is run by sociopaths. Woods, for example, says that a surveillance drone gave a ?live-stream? of the attacks for seven hours. There were two waves of attacks. According to CBS News, a surveillance drone was flown over Benghazi ?hours after the attack began.? Emails to the State Department, the ones that had diplomats reporting (not accurately) that a local terrorist group had taken credit, also suggest hours of confusion. And the White House completely denies the theory that the president watched the attacks while bouncing a tennis ball against the wall or something. ?The Situation Room part is completely wrong,? says White House spokesman Tommy Vietor. ?No one watched video of the attack at the White House as it happened.?

Whether you believe that depends on whether you believe anything this White House says. ?Benghazi-gate,? like so many other stories of 2012, reads differently to people who accept different sources of authority. The most lurid, infuriating version of the Benghazi story appeared days after Woods started talking to the press, in a Fox News exclusive. In this version of the story, the CIA tells Woods to ?stand down??something the CIA denies. But the administration doesn?t sit out the crisis. ?An American Quick Reaction Force sent from Tripoli had arrived at the Benghazi airport at 2 a.m.,? reports Fox, ?and was delayed for 45 minutes at the airport because they could not at first get transportation.?

That reads like a failure. The fact that Ambassador Christopher Stevens had asked for more security at the consulate, and that this security was denied, was a failure?bad at the time, unconscionable in hindsight. And there?s an undercurrent of scorn for Obama shared by conservatives and by skeptical veterans that colors the whole story. No Easy Day, the pseudonymous memoir of a SEAL Team Six member, ends with an anticlimactic story about the president awarding the Presidential Unit Citation. According to the author, Obama gave an address ?straight from the speechwriter playbook.? Biden ?kept cracking lame jokes that no one got.? They sound just like the schmucks who can?t even give proper handshakes. Later, after a promised party at the White House never happens, the author?s friend ?Walt? laughs off the very idea that Obama can be trusted.

?You believed that shit. I bet you voted for change too, sucker.?

Source: http://feeds.slate.com/click.phdo?i=a4cd8781c11699e382ee0d3bad972d6c

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