Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Rescued sperm whale dies in Indonesia

A sperm whale that was rescued and returned to sea after being stranded for four days in shallow waters off the coast of West Java in Indonesia has died, a rescuer said Monday.

Fishermen found the 11-metre (36-feet) whale in waters near the beach in Muara Gembong Sunday evening, "dozens of miles" from the Pakis Jaya beach where it had been stranded, said Benvika, a rescuer from the Jakarta Animal Aid Network.

"We sent a team to check the reports. They arrived early this morning and confirmed that the whale was dead and it was the same as the one we rescued," he told AFP.

"We suspect it was exhausted and hungry and was unable to withstand the strong currents and big waves," he added.

Rescuers and navy divers on Saturday helped the whale return to the sea, pulling it with a tugboat into 20-metre-deep waters before releasing it.

"It was in stable condition when we released it. Its breathing rhythm was 40 to 45 seconds, close to the normal breathing rhythm of 60 to 70 seconds. It was also moving well," Benvika, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, said.

"We tried our best to save it," he added.

Navy divers and rescuers had helped the whale back to sea after several failed efforts, hampered by local residents who paid half a US dollar each for boat rides close to the animal.

Some onlookers had jumped onto the whale, causing wounds to its body, and a few fishermen had tried to crudely pull the animal back to sea, also hurting it in the process.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/rescued-sperm-whale-dies-indonesia-072911335.html

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IPhone appeal dims as Samsung shines

FILE - In this April 19, 2011 file photo, Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S, left, and Apple's iPhone 4 are displayed at a mobile phone shop in Seoul, South Korea. Two tech titans are squaring off in federal court Monday in a closely watched trial over control of the worldwide smart phone and computer tablet markets. Apple Inc. filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics Co. last year alleging the world?s largest technology company?s smart phones and computer tablets are illegal knockoffs. Samsung countered that it?s Apple that is doing the stealing and, besides, some of the technology at issue such as the rounded rectangular designs of smart phones have been industry standards for years. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

FILE - In this April 19, 2011 file photo, Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S, left, and Apple's iPhone 4 are displayed at a mobile phone shop in Seoul, South Korea. Two tech titans are squaring off in federal court Monday in a closely watched trial over control of the worldwide smart phone and computer tablet markets. Apple Inc. filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics Co. last year alleging the world?s largest technology company?s smart phones and computer tablets are illegal knockoffs. Samsung countered that it?s Apple that is doing the stealing and, besides, some of the technology at issue such as the rounded rectangular designs of smart phones have been industry standards for years. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

(AP) ? The latest iPhone looks much the same as the first iPhone, which came out more than five years ago. That hasn't been a problem for Apple ? until, now.

The pace of iPhone sales has slowed, Apple revealed last week. Part of the problem is that the competition has found a formula that works: thinner phones with big screens that make the iPhone look small and chubby.

For a dose of smartphone envy, iPhone owners need to look no further than Samsung Electronics Co., the number-one maker of smartphones in the world. Its newest flagship phone, the Galaxy S III, is sleek and wafer-thin.

By comparison, the iPhone "is getting a bit long in the tooth," says Ramon Llamas, an analyst with research firm IDC.

Apple has become the world's most valuable company on the back of the iPhone, which makes up nearly half of its revenue. IPhone sales are still growing, but the question of how fast they're growing is of keen interest to investors. The iPhone certainly has room to grow: only one in six smartphones sold globally in the second quarter had an Apple logo on its back.

When Apple reported financial results for its latest quarter last week, a new phenomenon was revealed: Buyers started pulling back on iPhone purchases just six months after the launch of the latest iPhone model.

Apple executives blamed the tepid sales on "rumors and speculation" that may have caused some consumers to wait for the next iPhone, which is due in the fall. But in the past, iPhone sales have stayed strong nine months after the new model is launched, then dipped as people began holding off, waiting for the new model.

In the April to June period, Apple sold 26 million phones, 28 percent more than it did in the same quarter last year.

Most other phone makers "would kill" for those numbers, says Stephen Baker, an analyst with research firm NPD Group.

The exception is Samsung, which has solidified its position at the world's largest maker of smartphones. Analysts believe it made just over 50 million smartphones in the second quarter, or nearly twice as many as Apple. (The company doesn't release specific figures.) Its smartphone sales have nearly tripled in a year.

Most of Samsung's sales comprise cheaper smartphones that don't compete directly with the iPhone. Its flagship phones, though, have emerged as the iPhone's chief rivals.

Samsung and Apple have a complicated relationship. They're rivals in the smartphone and tablet-computer markets, and are set to square off in a high-profile trial over mobile patents in San Francisco this week. Samsung is one of Apple's largest suppliers of chips and displays, and Apple is one of Samsung's largest clients.

Though Apple is known as a relentless innovator, the iPhone's screen has been the same size ? 3.5 inches on the diagonal ? since the first iPhone came out. It was a big screen for the time, but among the competition, screen sizes have crept up.

Samsung has increased the screen size of its Galaxy series with every model since it debuted in 2010. The Galaxy S had a screen that measured 4 inches diagonally, and was followed by the S II, at 4.3 inches. The S III, the latest model, measures 4.8 inches. The screen is nearly twice as large as the iPhone's. Yet the Galaxy is thinner and lighter than an iPhone.

Samsung has also achieved surprising success with an even bigger phone, the Samsung Galaxy Note. Its 5.3-inch screen makes it somewhat awkward to hold to the ear, but customers don't seem to mind, or perhaps they value the large screen and included stylus more.

Aside from design, Apple is inflexible in another way: by releasing a new phone only one per year, it lets the competition create new phones with features the iPhone doesn't have and lets them go unchallenged, at least until the new iPhone comes out.

"Apple's schedule leaves the other ten or nine months of the year wide open for everybody else," says Llamas.

For instance, the newest Samsung phones can use the latest high-speed data networks in the U.S., and talk to payment terminals in stores, so they can act as smart "credit cards."

Samsung times its product launches to take maximum advantage of the lull in iPhone sales that usually precedes the launch of a new model. The S III went on sale in Europe in May and in the U.S. in June.

The rest of the competition is in disarray, and hasn't been able to capitalize in the same way on Apple's rigid release schedule and conservative design. Nokia Corp., until recently the world's largest phone maker, is in sharp retreat and is conducting a complete revamp of its smartphones. Research In Motion Ltd. is stuck with outdated software for its BlackBerrys at least until it launches a new operating system next year. HTC Corp. of Taiwan is suffering from marketing missteps in the last few years. LG Electronics, another Korean company, hasn't been able to keep up with Samsung when it comes to high-end phones, or with cheaper manufacturers on the low end.

Together, Samsung and Apple make half of the world's smartphones, and since competitors are losing money or breaking even, account for nearly all of the profits in the industry.

"Samsung is the only company that didn't really buckle under the weight of the iPhone 4S. Good, solid devices and good, solid marketing behind them," Llamas says.

Analysts now expect the new iPhone to arrive in September or October, probably with a slightly bigger screen. Sticking to one screen size has served Apple well, Baker says, but he sees the company moving with the times, as it's done many times before.

"When they have the reputation and the brand loyalty that they have, you don't have to be the first to market" with new features, Baker says. "You don't have to take that risk."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-07-30-Apple-Samsung-Smartphones/id-8d58691753ce46548429d06e965178c0

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The 5 Main Secrets of Social Business Marketing - Kokasexton

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Most organizations currently use the traditional business set up, which gives the executive ultimate control over business operations. That means that the executive makes all the critical business decisions alone. This is a relatively good business strategy although for it to function excellently; the executive has to be exceptionally good and experienced. A much better business strategy however, is social business. Instead of the executive holding complete control over an organization, social business distributes the management and operational powers to all the organization communities. These communities include employees, employers, customers, consultants, volunteers, customers, etc. They are all collectively involved in making the critical decisions in a company and running it. This is a very beneficial business strategy especially when it comes to marketing.

Social business marketing is done through the involved communities. Instead of hiring marketing consultants to handle this crucial business aspect, the communities make all the critical decisions on it. As a participant in social business, these are the 5 crucial secrets which you should employ in social business marketing:

  1. Determine your target audience

The marketing results which should be expected by the communities largely depend on the target audience. This target audience should comprise of the potential clients which the organization depends on. This step is very crucial since it transcendently helps in determining the most effective marketing strategies which should be used to convert the potential clients into paying ones. The target audience dictates the marketing language and the general marketing methods which should be used.

  1. Know your metrics

The effectiveness of the general marketing campaign highly depends on the ability of the communities to correctly estimate the particular statistics of various aspects of the target audience and the general market. Some of the metrics which you should know include; the size of the market, how the target audience is scattered, how much the target audience is willing to spend, etc. The size of the target audience for example, should be helpful in estimating the marketing budget. The accuracy in your metrics dictates the effectiveness of the entire social business marketing campaign.

  1. Be real

As much as this must be hard in marketing, it is very crucial to be transparent in your marketing. Every individual in the social business communities should be committed in disclosing even the most controversial aspects of the organization to the potential clients. The conversion of a potential client to a paying one is entirely dependent on whether he/she establishes your honesty.

  1. Go ahead, monetize

The social business communities should not be hesitant in monetizing from the potential clients. They should lay out specific protocols on how to monetize from clients and how to handle this process. This is the main marketing stage which marketers look up to. For the social business to monetize repeatedly from a client, it should have an effective, well-organized payment and delivery plan.

  1. Keep in contact

Once the sale has been made, it is still crucial to stay in contact with the individual clients. This should be easy for a social business since a considerably large collective group would be managing it. Most marketers make a mistake of moving on and trying to net other potential clients without paying attention to the past clients. The sales productivity is meritoriously increased if the social business stays in contact with the past clients. Such clients repeatedly rely on the organization and may refer others to it.

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Source: http://www.kokasexton.com/word/the-5-main-secrets-of-social-business-marketing/

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Dwyer inspires Aussie Olympic field hockey rampage

Captain Jamie Dwyer scored a hat-trick as world champions Australia launched their Olympic Games men's hockey campaign with a thumping 6-0 victory over South Africa on Monday.

Dwyer's three strikes helped him equal the Australian record of 179 international goals held by Mark Hager, who is coach of the New Zealand team at these Olympics.

Dwyer was instrumental in earning both penalty strokes that he went on to convert and also scored on a penalty corner as Australia outplayed South Africa in the Pool A match.

Australia fired four goals in the second session to outpace South Africa, while Asian Games winners South Korea earlier held off a late New Zealand charge to post a 2-0 win in Pool B.

Dwyer opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a penalty stroke after he was brought down by a defender inside the circle.

Dwyer then set up the second Australian goal two minutes before half-time with a pass that Matthew Butturini deflected in.

Christopher Ciriello converted a penalty corner in the 46th minute before Dwyer fired in a penalty corner in the 48th and then forced another penalty stroke that he converted in the 58th.

Glenn Turner rounded off the Australian scoring with a field goal in the 62nd minute.

You Hyo-Sik scored two field goals for South Korea against New Zealand.

"I'm excited about scoring twice as I've been waiting for a goal on the international stage for a long time," said You, who deflected diagonal crosses past New Zealand goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex.

New Zealander Simon Child wasted an early scoring opportunity by shooting wide before You put South Korea ahead in the 19th minute by capitalising on a diagonal ball from Kang Moon-Kyu.

You again found the target one minute before half-time on a pass from Jang Jong-Hyun.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/dwyer-inspires-aussie-olympic-field-hockey-rampage-145349573.html

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Monday, July 30, 2012

Pet/Horse Sitting - Wimberley, TX, 78676 - Classified Ads:

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Phone: 512-698-9129
Location: Wimberley, TX 78676 ( View Map )
Date Posted: July 30th, 2012
Email me this ad

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About me
My name is Britney, I have been a veterinary technician for 13 years. I have worked in regular day practices, where we did routine spays, neuters, and vaccines. Emergency clinics where we saw everything from vaccine reaction to most extreme cases you can think of. I love being around and helping pets. I have 3 dogs, Pepper my 4 yr old Catahoula, Romeo my 11 yr old Lab mix, and Bandit my 3 yr old Miniature American Eskimo. I also have 3 horses, Storm my 8 yr old grey Quarter Horse gelding, Later my 8 yr old bay Polish Arabian gelding, and Bell my 5 yr old buckskin Quarter Horse mare. I can give your pet exactly what they need from geriatric pets that needs daily medication to wound care . If you have specific ways you do things I can follow them to a ?T?. If you have ANY questions feel free to ask.
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I have worked at boarding facilities. I worked at a clinic where they boarded over 100 dogs at a time. I have ALOT of experience taking care of families best friends.

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Source: http://www.thebartertown.net/classified-ads/services/pethorse-sitting-wimberley-tx-78676/

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Lookup Motor Advertising Is Widely Utilized And Very Popular ...

Sunday, July 29th, 2012 at 11:53 pm ?

Lookup motor advertising is widely utilized and very popular. From Google and Yahoo to MSN and Inquire Jeeves, they offer the perfect portal for businesses that want to expand and safe online growth. In purchase to make sure optimum growth and performance, small and existing companies should make use of Inexpensive Search engine optimization Services. These solutions can be found online, or by getting in touch with your local Seo advertising and advertising agency. With many years of industry and marketplace experience, their Seo specialists can assist you establish online consciousness and validity. This includes new products, services, and even special promotional revenue and customer special discounts. They can also assist you with promotional videos, banner advertisements, web site development, and internet enhancement. As a outcome, your web site can gain higher web visitors, with placement on several initial-web page rankings. The objective for any business is to location anyplace within the initial ten lookup results. This way, your website and company is highly noticeable to 1000?s of customers and on-line lookup queries.

Search Motor Advertising Solutions implements strategic techniques to successfully improve and showcase your brand name. 1 of the most popular platforms is Lookup Engine Optimization, or Search engine optimization. Seo is created to utilize specific keywords in existing or new internet content material. These keywords are placed accordingly, and might even by hyperlinks to other item and services pages. As a outcome, web crawlers link specific keywords to online lookup queries, which connect customers to your web site. This can result in higher revenue, buys, or even customer service endeavors and leads. Search engine optimization companies also make use of banners ads, spend-for each-click on advertising, and mobile integration to achieve greater visibility for your company. With out Search engine optimization solutions, companies would not able to improve online presence to mass audiences. Search engine optimization Web advertising is also cost-effective alternative to traditional and standard advertising means. While the latter is still required, you can design a complete on-line marketing package deal to meet all your requirements.

Lookup Engine Advertising Services also make use of high-end graphics for web sites and weblogs. This consists of emblem enhancement, banner development, and even background pictures for your house page and linked pages. Consequently, Affordable Seo companies feature content material specialists, graphic designers, artists, editors, proofreaders, and copywriters. The latter, however, are usually made up of national and even worldwide contractors. This way, Seo companies can obtain a range of varied expertise, which can apply to multi-faceted requests and particular industries. For example: a author with sports activities expertise is ideal for sports activities-related websites and companies. For customers and customers, this means they are paired with creating groups that specialize in their particular field. It also means their existing content material can be improved to meet todays qualifications and specs.

So whether or not you want to market new brands or solutions, Seo advertising is simply the way to go. Its not only price-efficient it can also reach higher audiences inside and budget. You can even formulate a package deal that brings together conventional and on-line advertising. This includes physical business cards and digital ones, alongside with online flyers and hard copies for mass circulation. Simply speak to your Search engine optimization professional, and he or she can style a productive online and traditional advertising campaign in no time.

for more on Web Design Bristol and Web Design Agency pleasee see our website

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Source: http://abizsuccess.info/4563/lookup-motor-advertising-is-widely-utilized-and-very-popular/

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Sunday, July 29, 2012

$599500 :: 5533 Fieldstone CT, Lake Oswego OR, 97035 ? Lake ...

Property Photo

Mls Icon

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Home size: 3,115 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,662 sq ft
Property Type: DETACHD
MLS Number: 12022166
Community: Carman Grove

OPEN SUN 7/29 12-2: Carman Grove,1 mi to I-5 at Carman exit. Superior Schollander quality,attention to detail. Extensive hand scraped engineered Hickory floors-main,stainless kitchen applnc pkg, slab granite,study-main, 4bd+bonus up, butlers pantry, tandem 3 car gar. Fully landscaped & fenced. 2 lake easements. MOVE IN READY NOW!!

Listed with Hasson Company Realtors


Brought to you by Chris Larsson, Coldwell Banker Seal. Call me today at 503-683-2897!

The content relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the IDX program of the RMLS? of Portland, Oregon. All real estate listings are marked with the RMLS? logo, and detailed information about these properties includes the names of the listing brokers. Listing content is ? 2009 RMLS?, Portland, Oregon.


Lake Oswego Map Seach
Tags: Agent, estate, Lake, Fieldstone

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Chris Larsson- Lake Oswego Real Estate Agent

Let me help you find everything you need to know about buying or selling real estate in Lake Oswego, OR! I have been a top-producing Coldwell Banker real estate professional for over 8 years in LO. I am 120% dedicated to providing world-class concierge level service to my clientele.


SEARCH THE LAKE OSWEGO MLS AND REAL ESTATE LISTING HERE...

Source: http://www.97034realestate.com/blog/599500-5533-fieldstone-ct-lake-oswego-or-97035-lake-oswego-homes-for-sale-lake-oswego-real-estate-97034-lake-oswego-real-estate-agent/

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Insurance: Which Travel Policy is Right for You? | Chris Around The ...

What type of travel policy is best for your trip? A breakdown of things to consider, depending on what kind of vacation you?re taking.

I recently researched a piece for Bankrate.com about what type of travel policy you would consider for various trips. This is an abridged version. Remember, before you buy any policy, check to see if you?re already covered through your credit card or through your homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Planes at JFK Photo by Jekkone, Flickr Creative Commons

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Visiting family:?Comprehensive travel insurance policies can cover common problems, such as lost baggage, trip cancellations or interruptions, travel delays from weather or illness, and medical care on the road.?While the costs vary, for most packages you?ll pay between 4 percent and 8 percent of the total trip cost, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). Rates are based on the length and cost of the trip, the age of the purchaser and where you?re going. More expensive trips cost more to insure and you?ll pay more if you?re older.

Map of hurricane path Photo by NASA Goddard Photo and Video, Flickr Creative Commons

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Resort during hurricane season:?While most comprehensive travel insurance policies do cover weather problems and delays, the hurricane has to become more than a threat ? you aren?t covered if the storm doesn?t hit. Your best solution might be a?policy that allows you to cancel for any reason. These policies can cost up to 50 percent more than a regular policy, but they do give you more latitude over your plans and cover up to 75 percent of your costs. Act fast, though: usually you only buy these plans within two weeks after making your initial trip deposit.

Another reason to buy your insurance early: You get a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition clause that?s a part of most travel policies. If you delay and then become subject to this clause, your insurer will be able to look into your medical history and refuse to cover any claims related to a medical issue you had before the trip.

Train strike in France Photo by simon_music, Flickr Creative Commons

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International travel:?Besides helping with rebooking and refunds during unplanned weather delays or natural acts, travel insurance can protect you from the transportation delays and cancellations you might experience from national labor strikes. Some policies cover evacuation due to political unrest, and travel insurance also can help if you lose your passport.

Many people don?t realize that most U.S. health insurance plans do not cover you outside the country. If you?re looking for medical travel insurance, study comprehensive travel insurance plans to make sure they include medical treatment.?Those who are going to more remote locations may want to take the extra step of getting an air-medical transport membership from a company such as MedjetAssist. If a member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home ? virtually anywhere in the world ? MedjetAssist?reviews his or her condition with the attending medical staff, and will arrange for a medically equipped and staffed aircraft to fly them free of charge to the hospital of their choice.

Deck of the Carnival Magic

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Cruises:?If you?ve booked plane tickets to the port through the cruise line or a travel agent and have what?s known as a ?cruise fare,? the airline must get you to the next port of call if your flight arrives too late. But if you bought your tickets yourself, a travel insurance policy that covers flight delays could save your trip.

Assistance programs that some travel insurers provide can come in handy if your ship suffers a mechanical failure or if extreme weather forces you to be dropped off in a different location than expected. While the ships usually offer some compensation for these problems, people who have travel insurance can usually call a hotline to get rebooked ? and reimbursed ? sooner.

Rock climbing Photo by Zach Dischner, Flickr Creative Commons

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Extreme sports: Activities perceived as dangerous or risky, such as sky diving, cave exploring or rock climbing, aren?t covered in most policies. So if extreme sports are on your itinerary, you?ll need to buy rider that covers possible injuries. The?right kind of travel insurance also can help protect expensive gear.

This post was brought to you by World First Insurance.?

No related posts.

Source: http://caroundtheworld.com/2012/07/28/travel-insurance-which-travelpolicy-is-right-for-you/

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Health or fitness article - HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

health or fitness articleThe initial step for an individual who would like to give consideration towards him is to possess a relative assessment of medical health insurance quotes from a lot of health insurance plans sources. Most significantly, it does not cause putting on weight as quickly as what many people think. The insurance providers expected that ladies must acquire health or medical insurance plan before they? re pregnant. Difficulty: Moderate Instructions 1) Question the COBRA ( Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), which enables the prior employer to carry on the coverage of the let go worker. labrador Medical Health Insurance The health or fitness article Insurance Policy Labrador Medical Health Insurance coverage and it is insurance confirming that can help pay veterinary prices in case your family labrador becomes ill or perhaps is hurt. The first is granted care a lesser premium if he health or fitness article is not sick anytime. This provides the customers satisfaction by understanding that actual physicians or agree to article the workout health care services program. Additionally they supply you the ability to check Texas health insurance online quotes online. If you? re thinking this will add financial burden you at the moment, then you? re totally wrong. Keep in mind that the work stations would be the exact place where the employees spend the majority of a full day carrying out work. and make certain to possess a supplement inside your medicine cabinet. Weight problems is an issue that induce your dog to be affected by a number of medical problems. Therefore eating a sizable volume of chocolate can lead to weight problems that further causes several problems. Many professionals have particular financing plans available. These people could also come with an irrational anxiety about attaining weight and thus, they are doing whatever needs doing to remain thin. While Leader Obama is certain to veto such bills as lengthy because he is at work, GOP legislators may have a significant effect on a condition level. Note: Most commercial yoghurts, especially individuals having a lengthy shelf- existence, are pasteurized and thus contain without any live probiotics. Accredited by recognised physiques for example fitness GCA, CEA and ACCAC the nation? s Diploma reaches level 6 within the National Qualification framework. Many of these companies can provide you with the health defined benefit medical health insurance which means that you could possess the certain benefits and absolutely nothing above that for instance 5 doctors visit each year. Someone might be an initial- time buyer it might be altering the plans it might be switching jobs it wants health intends to accommodate more family people it may be trying to find lower premium health plans, etc. Improvement involves a lot in the exterior, towards the interior. It stretches towards the lavatories, kitchen, blinds, and also to alternative ofappliances. It? s indeed a money consuming venture. Regular health tests are essential to some person? s wellness. Many health professionals who? ve observed services these therapeutic benefits, and employ health the therapeutic inside a low- level warmth to deal with the warmth- responsive discomfort. Todd Park, CTO in the Department of Health insurance and Human Services ( HHS), introduced outdoors health data campaign around the HealthData. gov site could be launched in December, supplying an abundance of information for designers of mobile health applications. Medical Health Insurance Advice Medical health insurance advice for people, families, and groups. You will find federal laws and regulations that address the portability of medical health insurance. Affordable health insurance plans in India offer numerousbenefitscomprising a ability to safeguard your loved ones against fiscalcrises throughout operation, sudden infection and chances.

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A few of the essential things that certain must sign in for throughout the consultation periods are significant weight health plan services reduction or You will have to stop items you love doing, it is not always the good for you. 5) Find out more about the extent The reply is no! Prior to the 2000 to 2004 term of former leader George Rose bush ended, there have been numerous campaigns from It may also banner behavioral health help in controlling an individual? s bloodstream pressure, therefore stopping stroke and bloodstream pressure. Make certain you stick No women were on hormone therapy or had gone through plastic surgery or any other cosmetic methods. Selecting a distinctive mixture of probiotic bacteria

Source: http://curryrecipe-jp.net/health-2/health-or-fitness-article/

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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Latina actress Lupe Ontiveros dies, age 69

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Lupe Ontiveros, a veteran Latina character actress who worked in films such as "As Good As It Gets" and on TV shows like "Desperate Housewives," has died of lung cancer. She was 69.

Ontiveros died at a Los Angeles hospital on Thursday night, said her longtime friend Alex Nogales, president of the National Hispanic Media Coalition.

"Lupe became an icon in our community," Nogales said. "She set a standard for excellence" with her work.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, who knew Ontiveros for more than 20 years, called her friend "a fine actress, but more than that, she was a woman of great action."

Ontiveros was born Gaudalupe Moreno in El Paso, Texas on September 17, 1942, to Mexican immigrant parents. She received a degree in social work from the Texas Woman's University before moving to Los Angeles to begin work as an actress.

Her first roles in the mid-1970s were typical of Hispanic parts, mostly maids and housekeepers, and Ontiveros' friends said that throughout her life she was quick to joke that she'd portrayed domestic workers hundreds of times.

But Nogales pointed out that Ontiveros' talent ran deep and her skills went far beyond the simple parts she was offered. Indeed, her film and TV credits number in the hundreds and include roles in Oscar-nominated "As Good As It Gets," which earned Ontiveros an ALMA (American Latino Media Arts) Award.

In the film "Selena," she played the murderer of the star tejano singer, and in 2002's "Real Women Have Curves" was an overbearing mother.

Ontiveros' TV credits ranged widely, too, from parts on 1970s hits like "Charlie's Angeles" to "Hill Street Blues" in the '80s, "Veronica's Closet" one decade later and current day smash hit "Desperate Housewives."

Outside her acting, Ontiveros used her boundless energy in working on social issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence legislation, women's health problems and rights for people with disabilities.

"As an actress and entertainer, she made us laugh, and she made us cry. As an advocate, she made us think and, more importantly, she made us do something. I will miss her," Solis said in a statement.

Ontiveros is survived by her husband and three sons.

(Reporting by Bob Tourtellotte; Editing by Anthony Boadle)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/latina-actress-lupe-ontiveros-dies-age-69-003028707.html

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Inspire yourself with these quotes | Personal Growth and Self ...

You need a 7 Day Brainwash?Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.? Danny Kaye

?Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it.?

Ella Williams

?Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander.?

Holocaust Museum, Washington, DC

?To live for results would be to sentence myself to continuous frustration. My only sure reward is in my actions and not from them.?

Hugh Prather

?Whether you think you can or whether you think you can?t, you?re right.?

Henry Ford

?You see things; and you say ?Why?? But I dream things that never were; and I say ?Why not???

George Bernard Shaw

?Within each of us lies the power of our consent to health and sickness, to riches and poverty, to freedom and to slavery. It is we who control these, and not another. ?

Richard Bach (Illusions)

?Never look down on anybody unless you?re helping him up.?

Jesse Jackson

?To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.?

Ralph Waldo Emerson

?A bird doesn?t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.?

Maya Angelou

?There is no use trying, said Alice; one can?t believe impossible things. I dare say you haven?t had much practice, said the Queen. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I?ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.?

Lewis Carroll

?The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. ?

George Bernard Shaw

?People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.?

Elizabeth Kubler Ross

?If you can?t make a mistake, you can?t make anything.?

Marva Collins

?What the world really needs is more love and less paper work.?

Pearl Bailey

Source: http://makeyourdreamsreality.com/inspire-yourself-with-these-quotes/

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Getting Help with Home Improvement Costs | ej-fransen.com

If you?re making improvements to your home or trying to repair part of your residence, then you may qualify for some assistance with your home.? It?s a good idea to check with local and national authorities if you think you might qualify for financial aid before you take on the entire burden of home improvement costs yourself.? Even if you don?t qualify for any assistance, however, you still may find help from private sources if your home improvement cost is an emergency.

Grants are commonly awarded to disabled people who need to make improvements to their home.? If for example you need to add a stair lift to your home, this can be an expensive modification, but a Disabled Facilities Grant from the government can help you to afford it.? You may receive a grant, or you might be given a loan which you?ll need to pay back.? How much assistance you qualify for will depend on your income and savings.

If you?re not disabled, there are still a number of sources that may help you to afford your home improvements.? A Home Improvement Agency may be able to provide you with financial assistance by explaining to you what types of benefits may help you to afford your home improvements.? These agencies are local, so you?ll need to find the one that serves your area.? Local councils for home repairs may also be able to provide you with financial assistance of some sort?these forms of assistance may vary and include grants, loans, or equity release plans.? In some cases local councils may help you to pay moving expenses to relocate to another residence if that would solve your problem.

Another option is to look for a low cost loan.? You may find one by getting in touch with the Home Improvement Trust.? This kind of assistance is available specifically to people who 55 and older, however, which may not make it viable for you depending on how old you are.

What do you do if you don?t qualify for any of these forms of assistance because you are the wrong age or you aren?t disabled or you are denied for another reason?? There are still options?you could take out some kind of personal loan to cover the cost.? In many cases however a traditional personal loan would be overkill for a small problem.? For example, let?s say you need to make a repair that is going to cost you several hundred pounds.? The repair is important enough to justify doing it right away, but the amount of money you?re short isn?t actually that high.? You might be able to procure the money through another channel by contacting a payday lender.

Payday loans, like all other loans, must be paid back on time in order to avoid incurring fees.? These loans are for smaller amounts, which may be more manageable if your home repair isn?t going to be a massive project.? You do have to pay them back faster, however, so if you don?t think you?ll have the money to cover the cost within a few weeks, this wouldn?t be the best answer to your problem.

If however you know you?ll be able to pay the cost in a few weeks, then you may do well to take out a cash loan.? Many home improvement issues can get worse if you don?t take care of them right away.? If it?s going to ultimately save you money (even accounting for the interest) to fix the problem now instead of wait until you have the money in a few weeks, a payday loan would be an ideal solution.

It?s easy to qualify for payday loans.? It doesn?t matter how old you are, what your income level is, or even what your credit rating is.? That makes them more accessible to low income customers altogether.? Just keep in mind that a cash advance doesn?t represent a windfall of cash?it?s money you will have to pay back pretty soon.? Be responsible and try to remember that wants and needs are two different things, especially where home improvement projects are concerned.? If you can live without the improvement, it?s better to wait until you have the cash on hand?but if the need is immediate, a loan may be the best option.

By John Szabo, on behalf of PoundAccess. Be sure to check them out if you?re looking for an income tax consultant!

Source: http://ej-fransen.com/getting-help-with-home-improvement-costs/

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Friday, July 27, 2012

Unemployment could stay high as US economy slows

FILE - In this Tuesday, May 1, 2012, file photo, worker Maria Contrero, of Boston, removes an elite running shoe from a sole press during the assembly process at the New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. factory in Boston. A U.S. economy that plodded along in the first three months of the year likely grew even less in the April-June quarter. And most economists no longer think growth will strengthen much in the second half of 2012. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

FILE - In this Tuesday, May 1, 2012, file photo, worker Maria Contrero, of Boston, removes an elite running shoe from a sole press during the assembly process at the New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. factory in Boston. A U.S. economy that plodded along in the first three months of the year likely grew even less in the April-June quarter. And most economists no longer think growth will strengthen much in the second half of 2012. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

(AP) ? High unemployment isn't going away ? not as long as the economy grows as slowly as it did in the April-June quarter.

Weak consumer spending held growth to an annual rate of just 1.5 percent, even less than the 2 percent rate in the first quarter. And few expect the economy to accelerate in the second half of the year as Europe's financial woes and a U.S. budget crisis restrain businesses and consumers.

The growth estimate Friday from the government suggested that the U.S. economy could be at risk of stalling three years after the recession ended. Economists generally say even 2 percent annual growth would add only about 90,000 jobs a month. That's too few to keep up with population growth and drive down the unemployment rate, which is stuck at 8.2 percent.

The figures came in the Commerce Department's quarterly report on gross domestic product. GDP measures the country's total output of goods and services, from the purchase of a cup of coffee to the sale of fighter jets.

"The main takeaway from today's report, the specifics aside, is that the U.S. economy is barely growing," said Dan Greenhaus, chief economic strategist at BTIG LLC. "It's no wonder the unemployment rate cannot move lower."

Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, expects the unemployment rate to end this year ? and next year ? at 8.3 percent. He said he foresees no decline in unemployment because of how tepid he thinks economic growth will remain: 2.2 percent for all of 2012 and 2 percent for 2013.

Stocks rose as investors shrugged off the sluggish U.S growth and focused instead on pledges from European leaders to preserve the union of the 17 countries that use the euro. The Dow Jones industrial average closed up more than 187 points. Broader indexes also jumped.

The lackluster economy is raising pressure on President Barack Obama in his re-election fight with Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. But few think the Fed, the White House or Congress can or will do anything soon that might rejuvenate the economy quickly. Many lawmakers, for example, refuse to increase federal spending in light of historically large budget deficits.

No president since Franklin D. Roosevelt, in the depths of the Great Depression, has been re-elected when the unemployment rate exceeded 8 percent. Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush were ousted when unemployment was well below 8 percent.

Polls show that management of the economy is the only issue on which those surveyed express more confidence in Romney, with his business background, than Obama.

Glenn Hubbard, economic adviser for Romney, said Friday's report largely matched economists' expectations.

"But those expectations themselves and the report itself were actually quite disappointing," Hubbard said. "At that pattern, the economy simply will never return to full employment."

Alan Krueger, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, noted that the report showed the economy grew for the 12th straight quarter. Still, Congress could strengthen growth and job creation by adopting Obama's plan to extend expiring tax cuts for all except the wealthiest Americans, Krueger said.

Republicans want the tax cuts extended for all Americans.

The 1.5 percent growth rate in the second quarter was the weakest since GDP grew at a 1.3 percent rate in the July-September quarter last year. And it shows the recovery is gaining no momentum.

After shrinking 3.1 percent in 2009 in the midst of the recession, the economy grew 2.4 percent in 2010. Last year, growth slowed to 1.8 percent ? roughly the same meager pace at which the economy expanded in the first half of this year.

Even in normal times, such growth rates are subpar. They're especially weak for a recovery that follows a deep recession, when growth is typically much stronger than average.

Annual economic growth of 2.5 percent to 3 percent is needed to create enough jobs just to keep up with an expanding workforce. Healthier growth of 4 percent or more is needed to reduce the unemployment rate significantly.

The government makes three estimates of GDP for each quarter. Each revision is based on more complete economic data.

The sluggish growth rate could make the Federal Reserve more likely to announce some new step after it meets next week. But Paul Dales, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics, doubts the Fed will act at the July 31-Aug. 1 meeting.

Many economists instead think the Fed will launch another round of bond buying at its September policy meeting. The aim would be to drive long-term interest rates lower and encourage more borrowing and spending.

In the second quarter, GDP in current dollars rose at an annual rate of $117.6 billion to $15.6 trillion.

Growth was weaker mostly because consumer spending slowed to a growth rate of just 1.5 percent. That was down from 2.4 percent in the first quarter.

Americans bought fewer autos, computers and other long-lasting manufactured goods. But money spent on services, which represents about two-thirds of spending, rose in the April-June quarter.

As they spent less, Americans also saved more. The savings rate reached 4 percent, up from 3.6 percent in the first quarter.

The savings rate reached a low of 1.5 percent in 2005, a year when soaring home prices made consumers feel less need to save. The rate climbed to 5.4 percent in 2008 as the financial crisis and recession squeezed Americans.

Nigel Gault, chief U.S. economist at IHS Global Insight, said consumer spending will likely remain subdued in the second half of the year. He thinks it will grow at or below a 2 percent annual rate.

Gas prices have stopped falling and have even started to rise in recent weeks. And this summer's severe drought is expected to push food prices up toward the end of the year.

"There is really no reason to see us pulling out of this malaise any time soon," Gault said. "I am not calling for a recession, but I am calling for weak growth."

The U.S. economy has never been so sluggish this long into a recovery. The Great Recession officially ended in June 2009.

Until a few weeks ago, many economists had been predicting that growth would accelerate in the final six months of the year. They pointed to gains in manufacturing, home and auto sales and lower gas prices.

But threats to the U.S. economy have left consumers too anxious to spend freely. Jobs are tight. Pay isn't keeping up with inflation. Retail sales fell in June for a third straight month. Manufacturing has weakened in most areas of the country.

Fear is also growing that the economy will fall off a "fiscal cliff" at year's end. That's when tax increases and deep spending cuts will take effect unless Congress reaches a budget agreement.

All that is making companies reluctant to expand and hire much.

The Commerce Department also revised its growth estimates for the past three years. Those revisions showed that the economy contracted 3.1 percent in 2009, slightly less than the 3.5 percent previously reported. Growth in 2010 was put at 2.4 percent, down from 3 percent, with growth in 2011 at 1.8 percent instead of 1.7 percent.

___

Associated Press Staff Writers Christopher S. Rugaber, Paul Wiseman and Tom Raum contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-07-27-Economy-GDP/id-a17014244fcc48a496d2bb20e7a20d49

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HTC One X might drop to $100 on contract at AT&T, tempt our wallets (update: confirmed)

HTC One X might drop to $100 on contract at AT&T, tempt our wallets

HTC might have turned green having seen the Galaxy S III steal the Android spotlight at AT&T, but it could be poised to use a classic trick to get the One X front and center once again: a price drop. An AT&T staff leak at XDA-Developers suggests the carrier is cutting the One X contract price in half to $100 on July 29th, putting it well under its Samsung rival and giving the similarly-priced Atrix HD no small amount of heat. Nothing's confirmed unless AT&T pulls the trigger, of course. If it does, we could see at least some shoppers deciding that HTC just makes more Sense (4.0) in the end.

Update: We've confirmed directly with AT&T that the price cut is official and part of the company's back-to-school promos.

Filed under:

HTC One X might drop to $100 on contract at AT&T, tempt our wallets (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Verge  |  sourceXDA-Developers  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/27/htc-one-x-might-drop-to-100-on-contract-at-att/

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Samsung Galaxy S III update sheds universal search feature on international model

The Sprint flavor of Samsung's latest flagship isn't the only one to feel the gentle tug of patent warfare. According to Android Central (and several XDA Developers forum members), the latest OTA update for the international (i9300) version also does away with the universal search function, which browses your phone's contacts and apps for results -- and drew Apple's ire. The new search box now offers web-only results, with the 27MB update also tinkering with the default browser layout. You may also find yourself back using Samsung's homemade keyboard UI after resetting -- though this can be quickly remedied in settings. Reduced functionality aside, if you like your smartphones legally sound, the update can be grabbed through the phone or Samsung's Kies software.

Filed under:

Samsung Galaxy S III update sheds universal search feature on international model originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 05:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAndroid Central, XDA Developers  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/25/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-update-universal-search-international/

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Cadillac considering a new flagship sedan, big crossover | Biz Beat ...

?

Cadillac plans to build a new flagship sedan that will compete with high-end German cars like the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class, Automotive News says.

For years, General Motors has vowed to ?make Cadillac fully competitive with the premium German brands, recently introducing the ATS sedan to try to take on the vaunted BMW 3-series.

Cadillac also plans to unveil a larger CTS sedan next year that would be better positioned against the 5-series BMW, according to Automotive News.

GM officials declined to comment, saying they don?t discuss future products.

But Automotive News also claimed that Cadillac is considering a new large crossover vehicle. Various car magazines have speculated for the last couple of years that Cadillac wants to convert ?the Escalade full-size SUV from a truck platform to a car-based crossover.

The Escalade, built at the GM Assembly Plant in Arlington, is one of the last full-size luxury SUVs still built on a truck platform.

The new SUV ? whatever Cadillac calls it ? vwould be built on the Lambda platform that currently supports the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, Automotive News said.

As for the flagship sedan, its design would be influenced by the stunning Ciel Concept (pictured above) and would be powered by a V-6 or a V-8 coupled to an 8-speed automatic, the publication said.

?

?

, acc

This entry was posted in Uncategorized by Terry Box. Bookmark the permalink.

Source: http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2012/07/cadillac-considering-a-new-flagship-sedan-big-crossover.html/

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Peugeot Citroen loses $990 million in first half

(AP) ? Carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen posted a net loss of ?819 million ($990 million) for the first half of the year, underscoring the difficulties the company faces with the French government over its restructuring plan.

The maker of two-thirds of France's cars is in a tailspin as a deepening recession in many markets in Europe takes its toll on its business ? Europe is Peugeot's main market. The company's share price has more than halved since March.

The first-half loss contrasts starkly with a profit of ?805 million in the same period last year and came on the back of a 5.1 percent fall in revenue to ?29.6 billion.

The company doesn't expect Europe to pick up anytime soon, saying Wednesday that it expects its European market to contract by 8 percent this year.

In response, Peugeot announced earlier this month that it would close a major factory in France and cut 8,000 jobs ? part of a plan to save ?2.5 billion by 2015. Those savings will also come from efficiencies gained by an alliance with General Motors. About half ? ?1 billion ? of those savings will come this year alone.

"The group is facing a difficult time," Chairman Philippe Varin said. "The depth and persistence of the crisis impacting our business in Europe requires the launch of the reorganization of our French production and a reduction in our structural costs."

But the company's cost-cutting plans have run afoul of President Francois Hollande's Socialist administration, which has said the restructuring is unacceptable and that it will force Peugeot to save some of the jobs it wants to eliminate.

On Wednesday, the government will unveil a plan to support the auto industry ? part of its carrot-and-stick strategy with Peugeot. It's expected to give incentives to French consumers to buy French cars and to support the clean-energy vehicles that the company excels at.

But much of Peugeot's problems stem from an over-supplied European car market, and it's unclear how much the government can do for the company. France's car industry was already given a bailout under former President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-07-25-France-Earns-Peugeot%20Citroen/id-41d094629bc94062ac09f6efaec864a7

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2 Reasons You Should Get Affordable Auto Insurance - Non Owner ...

2 Reasons You Should Get Affordable Auto Insurance - Ever before day-dream about how precisely you get affordable auto insurance?
Do you think your hazy thought might mix your thoughts in those days, dreaming you had woken around your hazards of the scenario and also benefiting from far better deal with prepared?

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But with a number of beaches within Cameras you can locate precious gems! (And that mind you will be informative you will find there's beach within Namibia within Cameras that regularly tosses upwards precious gems known as Orangeman). In case you try the proper locations then you can locate auto insurance that far better meets your preferences.

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Whilst you wish and also assume to not tumble from the piece of string that however creates much good sense to have a beneficial safety net (in our own situation insurance) looked after away beforehand. You must place in many legwork and find a quality rates organized.

Which will imply that rather than blindly grabbing the initial insurance policy that last longer than your path, you have to try aspect with precisely what different insurance policies genuinely deal with an individual with regard to and also first move and find many inexpensive auto insurance rates to discover the baseball running, and see precisely what the market industry provides an individual.

And also, you'll find it's really pretty gratifying in order to get an auto insurance policy that had been positively thought out, and not simply got at random.

Once you've had a chance to look at exactly why, and also consider these people, visitors a pretty beneficial situation is usually made simply obtaining affordable auto insurance looked after away right now.

Related article : Free Insurance Quotes

Source :?Non Owner Car Insurance?

Source: http://nonownercarinsurance.blogspot.com/2012/07/2-reasons-you-should-get-affordable.html

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Where Are They Now?: Spike Dudley

Spike Dudley

Spike Dudley?s in-ring career consistently saw the pint-sized competitor overcome the odds, toppling opponents twice his size. It?s quite representative of the uphill climb the undersized Matt Hyson had to weather to reach the top of sports-entertainment. (CLASSIC PHOTOS | CURRENT PHOTOS?| VIDEO PLAYLIST)

Hyson grew up in Providence, R.I., watching WWE every Saturday morning and going to shows at Boston Garden. ?I just fell in love with it,? he told WWE.com. The man who would find success as Spike Dudley described Bob Backlund as his earliest hero.

?He?d just won the title, he was the all-American boy and an amazing scientific wrestler,? Hyson said. ?He captured my imagination.?

Like many children, Hyson grew up dreaming of someday stepping into the squared circle. However, as he grew older, he realized his size might work against him.

?I was a buck forty, a buck fifty, [sports-entertainment] never seemed to be a possibility,? he admitted. ?I thought my chances were slim.?

After graduating from college, Hyson entered a much different environment from the ring: the classroom. Movie buffs recognize him as the crimson-covered combatant from "Beyond the Mat," quoting Shakespeare after a brutal bout. The film portrayed him as a teacher-turned-grappler, which wasn?t exactly the case.

?I was a third grade teacher?s aide,? Hyson explained. ?More or less a glorified babysitter. It became a day job to support my wrestling habit.?

That habit began soon after his graduation. Hyson packed up and left Rhode Island, settling in San Francisco, Calif.,?around 1992. There, he saw a commercial that altered the course of his career.

?I was watching Saturday morning wrestling when a commercial came on, asking ?Do you want to be a pro wrestler?????he recalled. Hyson quickly jotted down the training center?s information, making a hasty decision to start working toward his dream.

?I didn?t have any friends, I didn?t know anyone [in San Francisco], I had no social life,? Hyson remembered. ?So I said ?What the hell? I?ll give it a shot.? ?

The advertisement was for what would become the APW wrestling school, also featured in "Beyond The Mat." Though he thought someone of his stature would be best used as a referee or manager, Hyson?s ability in the ring convinced his trainers otherwise.

?I managed to hang with the big guys and excel,? he said. ?They just threw me in there. I guess I did well and after a few months, the head trainer said ?We?re going to make a wrestler out of you.???

Hyson competed as himself on the California independent scene for several years, taking on much larger opponents. The ?David vs. Goliath? aspect quickly became his hook in an industry that was short on small competitors.

He assembled a highlight reel of his best work and sent it off to every major promotion in the United States and Japan, hoping to catch on somewhere. While WWE or WCW didn?t come calling, the outlaws of sports-entertainment did.

Tazz, head of ECW?s House of Hardcore training school, saw something in Hyson?s reel and asked Hyson if he was willing to head back east and join ECW. Hyson?s answer was a resounding yes.

?I packed up into a little Toyota Tercel and drove cross country in less than 48 hours,? he said.

After settling down in Long Island, N.Y.,?in 1996, Hyson began studying his craft at the House of Hardcore. It wasn?t before long that he was stepping through the curtain into the famed ECW Arena in Philadelphia as the character that defined his career, Spike Dudley.

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Source: http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-spike-dudley

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