Investing in Central Utility Stocks - upgradingonlineconference.com

This is the third in my series on investing in utility stocks based on the sectors current valuation levels. The series was initially inspired by concerns that utility stocks may be overvalued because they had recently performed very well. When the series first started with Part 1, utility ETFs were showing the best one-year performance of any sector. By the second installment Part 2, the utility sector had fallen into second place (Utility Sector Performance July 31, 2012). Since that time, utilities have fallen into fifth place with year-to-date performance of only 3.8% (see Utility Sector Performance August 3, 2012 below), this could be an indication that utilities are reaching full value.

Utility Sector Performance July 31, 2012

Utility Sector Performance August 3, 2012

Central Utilities ? A Review of Valuation

The following table compares the valuations of the major Central utility stocks utilizing the FAST Graphstrade; portfolio review tool. The first two columns compare each companys current PE ratio to the PE ratio that the market has historically applied to each stock. Based on this cursory analysis, the Central utility group appears fully valued, with many moderately overvalued. This is indicated when the current PE ratio is higher than the historical norm. Each individual company in this situation has been highlighted in green on the table for reader convenience.

However, its important to also add that due to the cyclical nature of many of these utilities, coupled with their low growth histories, makes it a challenge to ascertain fair value. Consequently, there are companies with low current PE ratios that appear overvalued when a specific earnings and price correlated graph is looked at, even though statistically speaking their PE ratio looks low. In other words, we are coming to the conclusion that the utility sector in general is one that is too treacherous to attempt to value as a group. Perhaps more than any other sector, this sector needs to be evaluated one company at a time.

Furthermore, there are several issues regarding investing in utility stocks that are important to consider. As a general rule, the utility industry has been a low growth industry due to the regulated nature of much of its business. Many utilities are attempting to diversify their businesses away from the regulated side. However, it remains uncertain as to how successful these efforts might be. The third column of the table below lists the historical past 15 years earnings growth. Only ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC), Wisconsin Energy Corp. (WEC) and Entergy Corp. (ETR) have been able to generate double-digit earnings growth. ITCs results are anomalous and this company will be featured in greater detail later.

However, the reviewer might also notice by the estimated EPS column, that estimated growth for most companies is more optimistic. There was a time when electric transmission was ignored by utility management teams in favor of generation and distribution. This caused underinvestment in the transmission segment of the business. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) granted incentive returns on equity that stimulated investment in transmission.

ITC Holdings Corp is the only transmission-only investor-owned utility, and as previously mentioned, will be covered in more detail later. However, many other Central utility companies are increasing their investment in transmission to include: American Electric Power (AEP), which has the largest transmission system, and ALLETE (ALE), Ameren (AEE) and OGE Energy Corp (OGE) are also getting more involved in transmission. All of this has been instigated by concern for reliability and the desire to connect mandated renewable energy products to the grid, as well as the capacity to import and export power.

The typical utility stock attracts investor interest primarily with their yields; Central utility stocks are no different. However, just as I discovered with Western utilities, the long-term dividend records of Central utilities are likewise spotty. Later, when I showcase individual examples, I will elaborate more on the dividend records of a few specific Central utility companies.

(For the readers convenience, follow this link to free sample live FAST Graphstrade;on the four Central utilities featured in this article: ITC LNT MGEE VVC)

ITC Holdings Corp: Only Investor-Owned Transmission Utility

About ITC Holdings Corp. Directly from their website

ITC Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ITC) is the nations largest independent electric transmission company. Based in Novi, Michigan, ITC invests in the electric transmission grid to improve reliability, expand access to markets, lower the overall cost of delivered energy and allow new generating resources to interconnect to its transmission systems. ITCs regulated operating subsidiaries include ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains. Through these subsidiaries, ITC owns and operates high-voltage transmission facilities in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, serving a combined peak load exceeding 26,000 megawatts along 15,000 circuit miles of transmission line. Through ITC Grid Development and its subsidiaries, the company also focuses on expansion in areas where significant transmission system improvements are needed.

Electric transmission is getting more focus and attention as a concept of an electronic grid analogous to the Internet. Currently there is only one investor-owned utility that is solely invested in transmission; ITC Holdings. The company was formed in 2002 when it acquired the transmission assets of DTE Energy. The company continues to buy the transmission assets from other utilities and is also building its own projects. ITC went public in July of 2005.

I look at this company separately because not only is it unique within the electric utility industry, but the investment dynamics underpinning this company are unique as well. However, notice that the 60.8% earnings growth rate is skewed due to anomalous earnings growth from 2004 to 2005. This is a classic example of how statistics can be misleading. Moreover, we further see an example of where the normal PE ratio is more meaningful than the orange earnings justified valuation line, again, due to the skewed growth rate.

Therefore, in order to get a more reasonable and accurate picture of ITC Holding Corp.s growth, I have re-drawn the graph from 2006 to current in order to exclude the aberrant number. With this shorter graph we discover that ITC Holdings Corp. has grown earnings substantially faster than the average regulated utility. To get an even clearer picture of this, the reader can examine the Chg/Yr column at the bottom of the graph.

When you examine the performance associated with the above earnings and price correlated graph, you find returns that correlate with earnings growth. Consequently, ITC Holdings Corp. looks and performs more like a growth stock than a conservative utility.

MGE Energy Inc (MGEE): Overvalued Example

About MGE Energy Inc Directly from their website

MGE Energy is a public utility holding company. Its principal subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric generates and distributes electricity to 139,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 144,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGEs roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.

MGE Energy Inc. appears to be a classic example of what you would expect a regulated utility to look like. The companys average earnings growth rate has been slightly higher than 4% per annum. However, a closer examination of the companys Chg/Yr illustrates more inconsistencies than the picture implies. But most importantly, MGE Energy Inc. is clearly overvalued relative to historical norms.

From a performance perspective, MGE Energy Inc. (MGEE) has generated returns consistent with its operating record. Capital appreciation has closely approximated earnings growth at a slight premium due to current overvaluation. Although the company has consistently increased its dividend, the growth rate of their dividend has been rather anemic.

When you look at earnings forecasts, you discover that only one analyst is reporting on this company. A cross-check with Zacks also shows only one analyst. This in itself is a red flag; however, the 4% estimated growth rate is at least in line with the companys historical achievement.

Vectren Corp. (VVC)

About Vectren Corp. Directly from their website

Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectrens energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectrens nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the US These include infrastructure services, energy services, coal mining and energy marketing.

Vectren Corp provides yet another example of a low growth utility stock. The reader should notice that stock price has been relatively flat (see annual highs and lows highlighted in yellow) and has followed earnings since 1998. Clearly, and as we will soon see, investing in Vectren Corp is all about the dividend, as capital appreciation is extremely low. Moreover, the company is clearly fully valued as it currently sits at its historically normal PE ratio. Consequently, an argument could be made that the company is too expensive to invest in it at this time, even though it is not excessively overvalued.

When we more closely examine Vectren Corps performance, we discover exactly what we might expect. Capital appreciation is closely correlated with earnings growth, and the dividend growth rate is low but consistent. Clearly, this is a utility that you buy for the dividends, but you should be very careful what price you pay to buy it at.

Alliant Energy (LNT)

About Alliant Energy Directly from their website

Alliant Energy Corporation is an energy holding company. Providing Midwest utility customers with safe and reliable electric and natural gas services is our top priority.

Our corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wisconsin. General offices are located in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, Iowa; utility operation facilities are located in communities throughout our utility service territory in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Alliant Energy shows an almost perfect example of the earnings and price relationship. Although the companys earnings have been moderately cyclical, the companys stock price tracks the earnings very closely. But more importantly, we see that the companys fair value calculated PE ratio of 15 almost perfectly correlates with its historical normal PE of 14.9. Therefore, a rather straightforward argument that the company is overvalued at its current PE ratio is vividly portrayed.

When we calculate performance associated with the above graph on Alliant Energy (LNT) we discover that capital appreciation correlates almost perfectly to earnings growth. Also, note that the company was slightly overvalued both at the beginning of this time period as well as currently. But perhaps the most important piece of information on this performance graph is the 50% dividend cut in 2003.

Summary and Conclusions

As we continue our examination of the utility sector, it is becoming eminently clear that the majority of utility stocks are currently fully valued. Although this is not to say that they are excessively overvalued, we must not forget that the concept of valuation is exaggerated when considering utilities. Because of very low growth rates that most of them possess, even slight overvaluation can relegate returns to below optimal levels. Therefore, we suggest that prospective investors proceed with caution and carefully examine each company that they may be contemplating. In general, utility stocks are not high risk, and are known for high yields. However, they are not known for high growth of either capital or dividends. Once again, we strongly suggest caveat emptor.

Disclosure: No positions at the time of writing.

Disclaimer: The opinions in this document are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell the stocks mentioned or to solicit transactions or clients. Past performance of the companies discussed may not continue and the companies may not achieve the earnings growth as predicted. The information in this document is believed to be accurate, but under no circumstances should a person act upon the information contained within. We do not recommend that anyone act upon any investment information without first consulting an investment advisor as to the suitability of such investments for his specific situation.

Source: http://www.upgradingonlineconference.com/investing-in-central-utility-stocks-do-todays-valuations-make-sense-part-3/

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Vaccine targets malignant brain cancer antigens, significantly lengthens survival

ScienceDaily (Aug. 15, 2012) ? An experimental immune-based therapy more than doubled median survival of patients diagnosed with the most aggressive malignant brain tumor, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center researchers reported in Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, published online Aug. 3.

Median survival in a Phase I clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai's Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center was 38.4 months, significantly longer than the typical 14.6-month survival of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma receiving standard therapy alone, which includes radiation and chemotherapy.

Median progression-free survival -- the time from treatment to tumor recurrence -- was 16.9 months, compared to the typical 6.9 months with standard care.

The study included 16 newly diagnosed patients who could be properly evaluated between May 2007 and January 2010. At later follow-up, six patients (38 percent) -- ranging from 49 to 66 months post-treatment -- showed no evidence of tumor recurrence and were free of disease without current active treatment. Eight patients remained alive.

"Brain tumors evade the immune system to survive, and the vaccine is intended to alert the immune system to the existence of cancer cells and activate a tumor-killing response. We also are targeting cells that we believe generate and perpetuate cancers," said Keith L. Black, MD, chair and professor of Cedars-Sinai's Department of Neurosurgery, director of the Cochran Brain Tumor Center and director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, where the vaccine was researched and developed. Black is the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience.

The vaccine's latest version, ICT-107, targets six antigens (HER2/neu, TRP-2, gp100, MAGE-1, IL13R?2 and AIM-2) involved in the development of glioblastoma cells. All patient tumors had at least three of the targeted antigens; 74 percent of tumors had all six. Patients with tumors that expressed large amounts of MAGE-1, AIM-2, gp100 and HER2 had better immune responses and longer progression-free survival rates, suggesting that these antigens may be particularly vulnerable to the vaccine.

The researchers also found evidence that the vaccine attacks some brain cancer stem cells, considered the original source of tumor cells. These self-renewing cells appear to enable tumors to resist radiation and chemotherapy and even regenerate after treatment. Cancer stem cells are especially appealing targets: killing the stem cells is believed to improve the chances of destroying a tumor and preventing its recurrence.

"The correlation of clinical responses to the level of antigen expression gives us confidence in our belief that a strong immunologic response is linked to clinical outcome. This finding supports our previous finding that immune responses are correlated to survival," commented John S. Yu, MD, vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, director of the Brain Tumor Center, professor of neurosurgery and senior author of the article.

Three of the tumor-associated antigens (HER2/neu, TRP-2 and AIM-2) are found not only on brain tumor cells but also on brain cancer stem cells, and the researchers reported that a protein (CD133) associated with cancer stem cells was decreased or eliminated from tumors of some vaccinated patients whose glioblastomas returned after treatment.

"Previous studies showed an increase in CD133 expression in patients who underwent treatment with radiation and chemotherapy. Our findings suggest that targeting antigens that are highly expressed by cancer stem cells may be a viable strategy for treating patients who have glioblastoma," said Surasak Phuphanich, MD, director of the Neuro-Oncology Program at the Cochran Brain Tumor Center and professor of neurology with Cedars-Sinai's Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurology.

Phuphanich and Christopher J. Wheeler, PhD, principal investigator in the Immunology Program at the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute and associate professor of neurosurgery, are first authors of the article.

Cedars-Sinai's first dendritic cell vaccine began Phase I experimental treatments in May 1998. With the ability of the latest version, ICT-107, to stimulate a targeted and controlled immune response established in this Phase I study, the vaccine moved into a Phase II multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 2011. Enrollment in the Phase II trial is expected to be completed in September 2012.

Dendritic cells are the immune system's most powerful antigen-presenting cells -- those responsible for helping the immune system recognize invaders. They are derived from white blood cells taken from the patient in a routine blood draw. In the laboratory, the cells are cultured with synthetic peptides of the six antigens -- essentially training the dendritic cells to recognize the tumor antigens as targets.

When the "new" dendritic cells in the vaccine are injected under the patient's skin in the armpit, they are intended to seek and destroy lingering tumor cells. Vaccine is administered three times at two-week intervals after standard radiation and chemotherapy.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, via Newswise.

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

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Journal Reference:

1. Surasak Phuphanich, Christopher J. Wheeler, Jeremy D. Rudnick, Mia Mazer, HongQian Wang, Miriam A. Nu?o, Jaime E. Richardson, Xuemo Fan, Jianfei Ji, Ray M. Chu, James G. Bender, Elma S. Hawkins, Chirag G. Patil, Keith L. Black, John S. Yu. Phase I trial of a multi-epitope-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 2012; DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1319-0

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

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

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BnXD8JR07f0/120815093108.htm

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Hope For Flickr? Marissa Mayer Joins Photo-Sharing Site, Reportedly Doubles Team [Update: It Wasn't Her]

It looks like Flickr may be getting some much-needed love from its corporate parent Yahoo ? Yahoo's new CEO Marissa Mayer just created an account on the photo-sharing site. That may not seem like a big deal, but neither Carol Bartz nor Scott Thompson, Yahoo's past two CEOs, had a publicly visible Flickr account, as noted by early Flickr evangelist Thomas Hawk. Symbolically, at least, that suggested Flickr wasn't a top priority for them. So even though Mayer's account only holds a single corporate headshot right now, it still feels like a meaningful gesture.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/L2kGj9cdIEc/

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Romney-Ryan light on foreign policy credentials

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks to traveling press secretary Rick Gorka on the campaign charter flight before departure from Port Columbus International airport, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, in Columbus , Ohio. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks to traveling press secretary Rick Gorka on the campaign charter flight before departure from Port Columbus International airport, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, in Columbus , Ohio. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, right, poses for a photo with a campaign volunteer on the tarmac of Port Columbus International airport, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Columbus , Ohio. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

A Secret Service agent stands guard as Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney arrives in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Secret Service agents stand guard as Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney gets into his vehicle upon his arrival in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

FILE - In this Aug. 12, 2012 file photo, Republican Presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and his Vice Presidential running mate Rep. Paul Ryan R-Wis., left, campaign in Mooresville, N.C. For the first time in decades, the Republican presidential ticket has little substantial foreign policy or military experience, a marked shift for a party that has long sought to project strength on those issues. That may not hurt Romney, a successful businessman, and Ryan, a congressional budget expert, in a tightly contested election dominated by sluggish economic growth and high unemployment. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? For the first time in decades, the Republican presidential ticket has little substantial foreign policy or military experience, a marked shift for a party that has long sought to project strength on those issues.

That may not hurt Mitt Romney, a successful businessman, and Paul Ryan, a congressional budget expert, in a tightly contested election dominated by sluggish economic growth and high unemployment.

But a series of pressing foreign policy concerns ? including the war in Afghanistan, a civil war in Syria and the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran ? still could shake up the race before November and are certain to become immediate priorities for whoever wins the White House.

Republicans insists that Ryan, a Wisconsin congressman, brings foreign policy credentials to the Romney-led ticket. Campaign officials point to his experience working on international trade issues in Congress and his knowledge of the defense budget.

"Gov. Romney chose Congressman Ryan first and foremost because he's ready on day one to step in as commander in chief should he need to assume that responsibility," Romney spokesman Brendan Buck said.

But the difference between the foreign policy and national security experience held by the Romney-Ryan ticket and recent Republican tickets is stark.

Dick Cheney served as defense secretary before becoming vice president to President George W. Bush, a former Texas governor who had scant experience in international affairs. Bob Dole, who ran for president in 1996, was a World War II hero, though his running mate, Jack Kemp, was a congressman best known for his conservative economic views. President George H.W. Bush was a World War II veteran, the U.S. envoy to China and CIA director before serving as vice president to Ronald Reagan, who had limited foreign policy skills, and later winning the presidency himself.

Most recently, Republicans nominated Arizona Sen. John McCain, a Vietnam War hero who has spent years on the Senate Armed Services Committee. His running mate, Sarah Palin, had no foreign policy experience and was mocked for referencing her home state of Alaska's proximity to Russia as she worked to boost her credentials.

Romney, for his part, is a one-term former Massachusetts governor who spent most of his life in the private sector, experience that forms the basis of his candidacy. He was exposed to international affairs during those private sector years and before that lived in France for two and a half years as a Mormon missionary, but his direct involvement in foreign policy has been limited.

Ryan has spent nearly 14 years in Congress, serving mainly on committees with an economic focus, including the House Budget Committee, which he chairs, and the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee. He has traveled to 19 countries, including Afghanistan and Iraq, on taxpayer-funded congressional trips since 2001 and traveled to Israel in 2005 on a trip privately financed by the American Israel Education Foundation. He also founded the Congressional Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus, which focuses on boosting trade ties between the U.S. and Middle Eastern nations.

Neither Romney nor Ryan has served in the military.

Some presidential historians say the last time a Republican ticket was this thin on foreign policy experience was 1964, when Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater and running mate William Miller were defeated by Democrats Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey.

Four years ago, it was Obama facing questions about his foreign policy credentials, which was largely limited to a few years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his high-profile opposition to the Iraq war.

So Obama did what presidential candidates with slim foreign policy records often do. After clinching the Democratic nomination, he took an eight country trip that included stops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Then he picked a running mate to fill that void, tapping Joe Biden, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for that role. The younger Bush, Obama's predecessor, took a similar approach by selecting Cheney in 2000.

Romney eschewed that strategy, even after a shaky overseas trip this summer that raised fresh questions about his grasp of international affairs. Instead, he renewed his emphasis on the economy, banking on that issue staying at the forefront of the election through November.

"I think Romney just decided instead of fighting it, just concede it," said Colin Kahl, a former Pentagon official who advises Obama on national security issues.

Romney's economy-focused gamble may pay off, barring an unexpected crisis pushing foreign policy to the forefront.

A Fox News poll conducted earlier this month showed that just 30 percent of registered voters called foreign policy "extremely important" to their vote in November compared to 56 percent who felt that way about the economy. The same poll gave Obama an advantage over Romney, with 51 percent saying they trust the president to do a better job handling foreign policy compared to 28 who trust Romney more.

Obama's foreign policy credentials have been bolstered in large part by the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. Navy SEALs.

Upon taking office, Obama was saddled with two U.S.-led wars; he started drawing down the Iraq conflict and boosted the American military presence in Afghanistan. He also quickly faced the reality that campaign promises aren't always as easy to execute in office when his pledge to shut down the Guantanamo Bay detention center ran into road blocks over whether to move terror suspects into U.S. prisons or send them back to their home countries.

Romney has criticized Obama's withdrawal plan in Afghanistan, but offered few details about how he would change it. He also says the president has been weak in his defense of Israel and made it easier for Iran to pursue a nuclear weapon. When Romney visited Israel on his foreign trip, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed Israel's growing impatience over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Romney advisers say Ryan's positions on those foreign policy issues and others are in line with the presumptive Republican nominee. Ryan voted for the Iraq war and for the 2007 troop surge that is credited with quelling violence there. He has opposed Obama's timeline for drawing down U.S. troops levels in Afghanistan, but has not said when and how he would seek to end that war.

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Associated Press Deputy Director of Polling Jennifer Agiesta contributed to this report.

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Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2012-08-15-GOP%20Ticket-Foreign%20Policy/id-ba9df94d0a9e4e478bf7b886d1a8a788

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Link Staffing Services Makes Houston Business ... - Franchising.com

HOUSTON, TX - (Marketwire - Aug 14, 2012) - Link Staffing Services, a national provider of temporary staffing solutions, has earned a spot on the Houston Business Journal's list of top 100 fastest growing companies in Houston, according to the publication's Assistant Managing Editor. The "Fast 100 List" ranks the fastest-growing private companies in the Houston area by percentage of growth in revenue from 2009-2011.

Co-CEO Karen Pitts commented regarding the company's inclusion on the list, "We're so honored to be recognized this way. Everyone has worked hard the last few years and it's good to know our dedicated people have been noticed." With regard to the success of the business, Pitts said, "It's exciting to see the quality of candidates we've been able to find using our online recruiting processes. Successful recruiting is the key to taking care of our clients. It's also the key to the future of Link Staffing. The goal is to attract more highly motivated talent to join our team and help facilitate growth."

Karen and her husband, Co-CEO Bill Pitts, are optimistic about the company's future. "We've begun to explore some exciting niches that will continue to reinforce Link Staffing as the leader in industrial staffing solutions." The company expects continued expansion in their franchising program, which covers 15 states.

The official announcement of all 100 companies is expected from the Houston Business Journal (HBJ) on September 7th at a private awards ceremony. At that time, the rankings will be made public. The HBJ is currently conducting a social media campaign to announce the members of this year's list one-at-a-time over the next 4 weeks.

About Link Staffing Services

Founded in 1980, Link Staffing Services provides staffing and productivity solutions to businesses and industry. Link Staffing specializes in skilled crafts and trades, light industrial and general labor positions. Based in Houston, Texas, Link Staffing has 50 locations nationwide. For more information, please visit www.linkstaffing.com, or call 1-800-848-LINK (5465).

If you'd like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with a Link Staffing executive, please email info@linkstaffing.com.

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Source: http://www.franchising.com/news/20120814_link_staffing_services_makes_houston_business_jour.html

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10 Principles to Guide Communicators Today | IABC

Inside organizations today, communication is the greatest challenge for leaders. Employees want to understand the organization?s strategy and how they fit in, but leaders aren?t explaining the reasons behind their decisions. Middle managers especially struggle with how to translate business information and make it relevant to employees and are often seen as the weak link in the organization. What?s more, employees are overwhelmed by information overload. This makes the changing role of communicator more challenging than ever as we help leaders to develop communications that engage employees, according to David Grossman, founder and CEO of the Grossman Group and former director of communications at McDonald?s.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the IABC World Conference in Chicago to hear Grossman and other speakers address the challenges and opportunities of 21st century organizational communications. Grossman shared his top 10 principles for guiding communicators as they work to develop communications to engage the hearts and minds of employees today.

1. Character is the differentiator for leaders and organizations. In today?s rapidly changing business landscape, organizations and leaders must reflect the values principles, beliefs, mission and purpose of the company ? internally and externally. In its report on ?The Authentic Enterprise: Relationships, Values and the Evolution of Corporate Communications,? the Arthur W. Page Society defined four new priorities and skills communications professionals must lead:

? Defining and instilling company values

? Building and managing multi-stakeholder relationships

? Enabling the enterprise with ?new media? skills and tools

? Building and managing trust, in all its dimensions

2. There is no one leadership style. Some leaders are extroverts, others are introverts. Both can be effective communicators, as long as leaders learn to develop ways to bring messages to life in authentic, relatable ways. Communicators can help by developing individual platforms, key messages and elevator speeches for leaders, as well as encouraging them to use storytelling to humanize the company and brand.

3. There is a greater need to imagine and advance a vision. A vision is just a vision until someone acts on it. To make a vision reality, you need the hearts, not just the minds, of employees. Today, the equation is 70% mind, 30% heart. In order to advance a company?s vision, organizations need to change the equation to 60% heart, 40% mind.

4. People really are an organization?s greatest asset. Building brands starts on the inside, and employees play an increasing role in delivering on the brand promise. Employee indifference can negatively impact a brand and sales. Employees are an organization?s greatest ambassadors, so ensure they understand the value proposition.

5. Everyone is a leader. Give employees the opportunity to contribute to the company?s success. Share expectations and hold people accountable. Employees are engaged when they are given responsibility and autonomy and held accountable for results.

6. There is a greater focus on self. To be effective at engaging employees, leaders must be self-aware and understand their level of emotional intelligence ? also referred to as EQ ? and how to relate to others. Help leaders to develop in this area by providing them training and tools.

7. Change is the only constant. Today change happens as a series of changes, not in a linear fashion. Communicating in times of change requires that communicators address proactively what we know, what we don?t know, what we are working on finding out and myths from the grapevine.

8. Employees? fundamental needs won?t change. Employees aren?t likely to understand or buy in to the organization?s vision unless they have answers to the ?me? questions. All employees fundamentally have the same questions: What?s my job? How am I doing? Does anyone care about me? What?s going on? What?s the business strategy? How is the company doing? What are our vision and values? How can I help? Give them the answers and they?ll move from ?me? to ?we.?

9. There is a need for more and better listening individually and systematically. Listening is key to understanding employee perceptions. Communicators need better and more internal data and better listening tools.

10. There is a need for communication systems that are better honed to manage overload and inefficiencies. Communication vehicles like email are effective, but employees are inundated. Some organizations are addressing email overload with email block-outs, mandated email time off and other strategies. Communicators can help by evaluating all communication channels, including email and social media, to ensure they are using them most effectively.

This is the first in a series of reports from the 2012 IABC World Conference by IABC Phoenix Past President Cory Craft.

For another view of David Grossman?s presentation at the IABC World Conference, read communicator Miri Zena McDonald?s post on SmartBlog on Leadership. Miri tweets @mirimcdonald. David Grossman tweets @thoughtpartner.

Plan now to attend the 2013 IABC World Conference in New York City June 23-26.

Source: http://www.iabcphoenix.com/iabc-world-conference-report-10-principles-to-guide-communicators-today/

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Retro Game Network | The New Retro Gaming Community ? Play ...

If you are like me, chances are you have always wanted to turn your iPhone into some kind of classic gaming console. Since it?s portable, turning it into a classic portable console would be excellent. However, for a while now, if you wanted to play these classic games on your iPhone or iPod Touch, it involved jailbreaking?the phone, which some people (like myself) are not willing to do with such a vital device in todays world. Well, now there is a site online that will allow you to play Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles on your device, without the need to jailbreak!

It is done?not by?downloading any apps for the iOS?device, but completely done via the Safari browser. The site in question is actually an HTML5?emulator which will allow the games to run. Currently, there are?a total of 108?titles for Game Boy and Game Boy Color that are available to play on the iPhone. When you access the site, you will be able to select from a list of games to play. Nothing fancy mind you, but it loads great because of the simplicity. Some games load nearly instantly (like the original Tetris), but other games could take a little longer, depending on if you are using a 3G/4G connection or Wi-Fi.

Of course, there is always an issue with something new like this. In this case, I have actually found 2 issues. The first problem is the fact that the games tend to be slightly slower than normal speed. I?ve played a handful of the classic titles so far, and some games are more tolerable than others. I am finding that older Game Boy Classic games as well as puzzle games work best for the format, while Game Boy Color games tend to be a little more sluggish. The second issue is that there seems to be a problem with audio. No matter what game I play, I cannot get the sound to play at all. At first I thought it was because I had the phone on vibrate, but after turning that off and the volume all the way up, still nothing. And, while I cannot confirm this first hand, there also seems to be problems using the site on an iPad. (I only own an iPhone 4S, so I cannot check that.)

But, if you are looking for a chance to turn your iPhone into a Game Boy, and don?t want to be bothered or scared of the entire jailbreak process, this just might be what you are looking for. For the heck of it, here is a list of all of the games currently available on the site:

1. 3D Pocket Pool
2. Adventure Island
3. Adventure Island II
4. Alleyway
5. Alone In The Dark
6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
7. Austin Powers
8. Battletoads
9. Battletoads?In Ragnarok?s World
10. Beatmania GB
11. Beatmania GB 2
12. Bomb Jack
13. Bomberman Max: Blue Challenger
14. Bomberman Max: Red Challenger
15. Bomberman GB
16. Bomberman Quest
17. Bonk?s Revenge
18. Boy And His Blob
19. Bubble Bobble
20. Bubble Bobble 2
21. Bugs Bunny: Crazy Castle 4
22. Cannon Fodder
23. Centipede
24. Conker?s Pocket Tales
25. Contra
26. Crazy Zone
27. Croc
28. Croc 2
29. Crystalis
30. Dance Dance Revolution 2
31. Dance Dance Revolution 3
32. Donkey Kong
33. Donkey Kong Land
34. Donkey Kong Land 2
35. Donkey Kong Land 3
36. Donkey Kong Country
37. Dragon Warrior
38. Dragon Warrior 2
39. Duck Tales
40. Faceball 2000
41. Final Fantasy
42. Game & Watch Gallery
43. Game & Watch Gallery 2
44. Game & Watch Gallery 3
45. GameBoy Wars 3
46. Gauntlet II
47. Gex 3
48. Hamtaro: Ham Hams Unite
49. Harvest Moon 2
50. Harvest Moon 3
51. James Bond: 007
52. Killer Instinct
53. Kirby?s Pinball Land
54. Kirby?s Start Stacker
55. Kirby?s Dream Land
56. Kirby?s Dream Land 2
57. Kirby?s Tilt ?n? Tumble
58. Legend of Zelda: Link?s Awakening
59. Legend of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages
60. Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
61. Looney Tunes
62. Mario?s Picross
63. Mario Golf
64. Mario Tennis
65. Megaman
66. Megaman II
67. Megaman III
68. Megaman IV
69. Megaman?Xtreme
70. Megaman?Xtreme 2
71. Metal Gear Solid
72. Metroid?II: Return of Samus
73. Namco Gallery: Volume 3
74. Pac-Man
75. Pokeman Trading Card Game
76. Pokeman Trading Card Game 2
77. Pokeman Pinball
78. Pokeman Blue
79. Pokeman Crystal
80. Pokeman Gold
81. Pokeman Prism
82. Pokeman Puzzle Challenge
83. Pokeman Red
84. Pokeman Silver
85. Pokeman Yellow
86. Prehistorik Man
87. Q-Bert
88. Rayman
89. Road Rash
90. Shantae
91. Shrek: Fairy Talk Freakdown
92. Super Mario Land
93. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
94. Super Mario Brothers Deluxe
95. Tetris
96. Tetris DX
97. Tetris Attack
98. Torpedo Range
99. Tyrian 2000
100. Turok
101. Turok 2
102. Turok 3
103. Wario Blast
104. Wario Land
105. Wario Land 2
106. Wario Land 3
107. Worms Armageddon
108. Zas

As an iOS user myself, I for one and very happy to hear about this site. Will certainly give me something to do now during my down time at work! Check it out!

?iGBC?: http://gamecenter.grantgalitz.org/iphone/

Source: http://www.retrogamenetwork.com/2012/08/13/play-game-boy-and-game-boy-color-games-on-ios-without-jailbreaking/

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New genetic regions influencing blood glucose traits discovered

Monday, August 13, 2012

Researchers have identified 38 new genetic regions that are associated with glucose and insulin levels in the blood. This brings the total number of genetic regions associated with glucose and insulin levels to 53, over half of which are associated with type 2 diabetes.

The researchers used a technology that is 100 times more powerful than previous techniques used to follow-up on genome-wide association results. This technology, Metabochip, was designed as a cost-effective way to find and map genomic regions for a range of cardiovascular and metabolic characteristics on a large scale. Previous approaches were not cost effective and tested only 30-40 DNA sequence variations, but this chip allowed researchers to look at up to 200,000DNA sequence variations for many different traits at one time. The team hoped to find new variants influencing blood glucose and insulin traits and to identify pathways involved in the regulation of insulin and glucose levels.

"We wanted to use this improved Metabochip technology to see whether we could find additional genomic associations that may have been previously missed," says Dr Claudia Langenberg, co-lead author from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge. "Our earlier work identified 23 genetic regions associated with blood glucose levels, highlighting important biological pathways involved in the regulation of glucose. At that stage, and before the design of the Metabochip, we were still limited by our capacity to quickly follow-up and afford parallel genotyping of promising, but unconfirmed genetic regions associated with glucose levels in many different studies across the world."

The team combined data from new samples typed on the Metabochip with data from a previous study to discover genetic regions associated with blood glucose and insulin levels. They identified 38 previously unknown regions for three different quantitative traits associated with blood glucose levels; fasting glucose concentrations, fasting insulin concentrations and post-challenge glucose concentrations.

"Our research is beginning to allow us to look at the overlap between genomic regions that influence insulin levels and other metabolic traits," says Dr Inga Prokopenko, co-lead author from the University of Oxford. "We observed some overlap between the regions we identified and genetic regions associated with abdominal obesity and various lipid levels, which are a hallmark of insulin resistance. We hope that these studies will help to find gene networks with potential key modifiers for important metabolic processes and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes."

The team also found many more, less significant, genetic regions that may be associated with blood glucose and insulin levels but currently don't have the available data to definitively establish them as genome-wide significant. This supports previous evidence that there is a long tail of many other genetic regions that add up to quite small genetic effects but may increase the risk of such diseases as diabetes.Collectively, these less significant associations may represent important blood glucose and insulin level associations.

"In addition to these top signals there is statistical evidence that many other regions that appear to be biologically plausible also influence these traits, but what's limiting is that we don't have large enough sample sizes to have the power to validate them," explains Dr In?s Barroso, co-lead author from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. "Nevertheless, studying these functionally would be extremely beneficial if we want to fully understand the biology of blood glucose levels and the origin of diabetes."

"What we've found in this study is a number of genomic regions that influence blood glucose and insulin traits. Further analysis such as genetic mapping or 'fine-mapping' and functional analysis will expand and improve our understanding of the control of glucose and insulin levels in healthy persons and what goes wrong in type 2 diabetes patients."

###

Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute: http://www.sanger.ac.uk

Thanks to Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

This press release has been viewed 22 time(s).

Source: http://www.labspaces.net/122501/New_genetic_regions_influencing_blood_glucose_traits_discovered

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Pope's butler, 'accomplice' must stand trial

Pope Benedict XVI's former butler and another Vatican employee must stand trial for leaking confidential papers in a scandal that exposed feuds within the Church, a magistrate said Monday.

Paolo Gabriele, who was arrested in May on suspicion of stealing secret documents from the pope's office and leaking them to journalists, is accused of "aggravated theft," a statement said.

Judge Piero Bonnet also charged Claudio Sciarpelletti, an analyst and computer programmer in the Vatican state secretariat -- whose name had not been disclosed before -- with complicity.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told journalists the investigation into a "wide and complex case" was not yet over and would continue to target others believed to be implicated.

Gabriele, 46, risks up to six years in prison. The Vatican has said the trial will not take place until October at the earliest.

Lombardi said that Sciarpelletti had played a "marginal role" and could not really be considered an accomplice.

Sciarpelletti was arrested in May but released the next day. He has now been suspended from his post "as a precaution" said Lombardi, but continues to draw his salary.

Gabriele was arrested during an investigation into the leak of private papal documents to the media. He was held for 53 days in a Vatican cell before being put under house arrest in July to await the judge's decision.

The Vatican said after his arrest it had found documents and copying equipment in Gabriele's home, revelations which shocked the close-knit Holy See community and saddened the 85-year-old German pontiff.

The father-of-three is alleged to have photocopied and leaked top-secret emails and letters, taken from the desk of Georg Gaenswein, the pope's private secretary. He has readily admitted to the leaks.

Gabriele's lawyers have denied media reports that their client was part of a wider whistleblowing operation aimed at shaking up the Vatican hierarchy.

But while the butler insists he worked alone, many believe he is covering up for other whistleblowers still in action -- particularly considering several documents were leaked to newspapers even after Gabriele was arrested.

There is a suspicion that he acted sincerely but was then manipulated as part of long-standing rivalries within the secretive Vatican administration.

"We don't think we have finished our work .... The inquiry is still open with regard to other people who appear to be implicated," spokesman Lombardi quoted prosecutor Nicola Picardi as saying Monday.

Picardi's statement said two other people, referred to only as "X" and "Y", were suspected of aiding the butler in smuggling the documents out.

Gabriele, known as Paoletto, began working for the pope in 2006 and was one of a select few with access to Benedict's private chambers.

A psychologist's report on the butler showed he had a normal but "fragile" state of mind but highlighted a "tragic contradiction" between his intentions to help the pope and his later acts.

Amongst the pope's affairs taken by Gabriele was a 100,000 euro cheque made out to the pontiff, a nugget of gold and a rare edition of Virgil's Aeneid dating from 1581, said the judge.

Under Vatican laws, a reprieve from the pope could come at any moment during the investigation or trial, but religious observers say that while Benedict may offer his spiritual pardon, he is unlikely to interfere in the legal process.

The Vatican has been shaken by the scandal, which has drawn attention to divisions between senior clergymen in the Vatican and in particular growing criticism of the powerful Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone.

So far around 30 religious and lay people have been questioned in connection with the case by a special commission of cardinals set up for the job.

While the Vatican has officially reassured Bertone of its support and denied media reports of an internal power struggle, the embarrassment to the Church has been widespread and has taken a physical toll on the pontiff.

It is just the latest in a string of scandals which have plagued the Vatican in recent years, from allegations of money-laundering to clerical sex abuse.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/popes-butler-accomplice-must-stand-trial-110857573.html

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GOP VP pick's Medicare plan back in spotlight

Republican vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan R-Wis., reacts to audience applause during a campaign event at the Waukesha county expo center, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012 in Waukesha, Wis. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Republican vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan R-Wis., reacts to audience applause during a campaign event at the Waukesha county expo center, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012 in Waukesha, Wis. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Republican Paul Ryan's blueprint for Medicare could prove as polarizing in the campaign as President Barack Obama's health care overhaul has been. Even Mitt Romney may not want to go there.

Romney's new running mate has built a strong reputation on Capitol Hill for bold ideas to restrain health care costs and federal spending overall. His centerpiece idea is to steer future retirees into private insurance plans, with a fixed payment from the government that may or may not cover as much of a retiree's costs as does the current program.

Ryan, a conservative Wisconsin congressman and chairman of the House Budget Committee, calls his idea "premium support." Democrats call it a voucher plan. In theory, Ryan's plan could work, economists say. But the devil's in the details. Lots of them, and yet to be ironed out.

Ryan would also turn Medicaid over to the states, and sharply limit the growth of future spending on that safety net program. Between them, Medicare and Medicaid cover about 100 million people, touching nearly every American family in some way.

While expressing support broadly, Romney has yet to spell out where he stands on specifics of his running mate's proposals. And that could get tricky.

Mindful of the risks, Romney put gentle but unmistakable distance between his agenda and Ryan's hot-potato budget proposals on Sunday, a day after announcing his running mate's selection. The presidential candidate singled out Ryan's work "to make sure we can save Medicare." But Romney never said whether he embraced that plan himself. During the Republican primary, Romney had called Ryan's budget a "bold and exciting effort" that was "very much needed."

Democrats wouldn't let them off the hook, criticizing the "Ryan-Romney" Medicare plan at every turn.

"From the standpoint of public understanding, the Romney-Ryan ticket has a hill to climb," said health economist Joe Antos of the business-oriented American Enterprise Institute. "I think they can do it, but it's going to require some explaining. I think there are a lot of independents who are going to be nervous."

Seniors vote at higher rates than younger voters, and Medicare matters to them. Concern about Medicare cuts in Obama's health care law helped drive older voters into the Republican camp in the 2010 congressional elections, delivering control of the House to the GOP.

"This puts Medicare in play as a central issue in the campaign," said John Rother, president of the National Coalition on Health Care, a nonpartisan group representing a broad swath of players in the health care system.

The political sensitivities are clear. Polls find that Americans lean heavily on Medicare to help keep them secure after retirement and are suspicious of proposed alternatives, such as Ryan's plan. Surveys also give Democrats an edge over Republicans when people are asked which party people most trust to handle Medicare. Democrats held a 48 percent-39 percent advantage on that issue in a June 2011 AP-GfK poll.

In an interview Sunday on CBS' "60 Minutes," Romney and Ryan both offered words meant to reassure the elderly.

America is about more choices, Romney said, and "that's how we make Medicare work down the road." He said the program won't change for seniors currently counting on the program. Ryan pitched in that his mother is a "Medicare senior in Florida."

For the most part, Ryan's plan would not directly affect people now in Medicare. One exception: In repealing Obama's health care law, Ryan would re-open the Medicare prescription coverage gap called the doughnut hole.

Under his plan, people now 64 and younger would go into a very different sort of Medicare. Upon becoming eligible, they would receive a government payment that they could use to pick a private insurance plan or a government-run program like traditional Medicare. The payment would be indexed to account for inflation, and that could be a problem if health care costs race ahead of the inflation rate.

The private plans would be regulated by the government, and low-income people, as well as those with severe health problems, would get additional assistance. People who pick plans with relatively generous benefits would pay more out of their own pockets.

The transformation would mirror the shift in workplace pension plans taking place over the last 20 years. Medicare would start looking more like a 401(k) plan than a plan that provides open-ended coverage for a set of benefits.

Ryan would also gradually raise the Medicare eligibility age from the current 65 to 67. In more general terms, Romney has also spoken of providing "generous" but undetermined subsidies to help future retirees buy private insurance, or let them have the option of traditional Medicare. He's also endorsed a gradually increasing age to qualify for benefits.

Some prominent Democrats have supported Ryan's general approach, even teaming up with him on different versions of his proposal. The GOP-led House has passed budgets written by Ryan two years in a row.

Backers say the result of his Medicare plan would be a more affordable and sustainable program, both for taxpayers and beneficiaries. Currently, Medicare's giant trust fund for inpatient care is projected to run out of money in 2024.

But critics see a massive cost shift to beneficiaries.

"The only way to drive real savings is to set a lid on the growth in the voucher," said Democratic economist Judy Feder. "That most likely means shifting costs to beneficiaries, not controlling costs."

Antos, however, called the latest version of Ryan's proposal a "reasonable plan" that "provides a decent benefit for people."

In an analysis earlier this year, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said some of the effects of Ryan's plan "would of necessity be a great deal stronger" than current law, which includes Medicare cuts in Obama's health care law yet to take place.

Under the most likely current budget scenario, Medicare spending for the typical 66-year-old would rise to $9,600 in 2030, or about 75 percent more than now, the CBO projected.

But under Ryan's plan, spending would rise more slowly to $7,400, or about 35 percent more than current levels.

That difference would result in a cost shift of thousands of dollars to individual retirees, critics say.

Under the previous version of Ryan's plan, a typical 65-year-old retiree would have been responsible for about two-thirds of his or her health care costs in 2030.

Ryan's proposal for turning Medicaid into a block grant program for the states would also have far-reaching consequences. It sharply reduces the future size of the program relative to the overall economy, the CBO said.

Even if states can run Medicaid more efficiently, they'd still face the difficult choice between cutting the program or pouring more of their own money into it, the CBO said.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-08-13-Paul%20Ryan-Medicare/id-3ad492b627de4dab917d6d3ad388aede

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Excellent Techniques On How To Get Healthy Hair ?

Could there be actually a lasting cure for hairloss? And this is what thousands of people are wondering at this time. There are actually at the moment many different treatments, products, and medications you can use to develop locks. The following will tell you what works and what doesn?t work to expand head of hair.

Should you be fortunate enough to have captured the hair reduction at first levels thereof then you may want to try out Ultra violet remedy. Research has shown its usefulness in stopping the evolving of baldness. As a result nonetheless, you will find a caveat that they only showed mild improvement fifty percent some time. It can be what exactly it is, a choice.

Should you be suffering from baldness you should eat one handful of white colored sesame seed products every day. Sesame plant seeds contain calcium and magnesium, which are two elements which are important for healthy hair development by nourishing the scalp, the spot most often the main cause of hairloss in men and women.

If you?re burning off your hair, vacuum and dirt frequently. This technique will keep you from seeing the strands of hair all over your home, when you are aware they must be on the mind. It could have a beneficial effect on your frame of mind. At the same time you?ll keep the residence really clean, which can be an added benefit!

Usually do not use any hairloss medicines till you have reviewed it with the medical professional. Even though some over the counter therapies are risk-free, other people is probably not. Also, if you suffer from any health concerns your personal doctor could explain to you which hair loss methods are secure for you to use and which are not.

There are many dietary supplements that you could choose to adopt to maintain the quality of the hair. Vit C is an excellent nutritional supplement which will recover collagen in your locks and provide vitality during the course of the day. Get 1 ascorbic acid supplement to get started on every day off of right in your combat with hair thinning.

If your hairloss is happening on account of harmless prostatic illness, you really should attempt natural course of therapy. There has been a lot of that have become achievement from adding Found Palmetto draw out with their day-to-day supplements. It could also be utilized such as a shampoo or conditioner.

Just like the article alluded to up top, some individuals seeking to grow their hair back again find yourself resulting in lots of problems for their scalp, making the growth of hair practically extremely hard. Don?t attempt anything at all ridiculous. Adhere to what you?ve figured out previously mentioned and also you should be able to re-grow your locks properly.

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Source: http://all-articles-directory.com/excellent-techniques-on-how-to-get-healthy-hair-2/

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How To Deal With Home Improvement Easily | Fabulous Floors ...

TIP! Painting your porch is a quick way to spruce up the look of your home. If so, make sure the paint you use is good quality.

You can add a lot of value to your home with renovations. Look at your house ? which areas could stand to be in better shape? There is a wide range of home improvement projects for you to choose from, from the quick and simple to the highly ambitious. For a handpicked selection of home improvement tips and tricks, read on!

TIP! Replacing old outlet covers is a simple and cheap way to freshen up the look of your room. Over time, outlet covers show their age and start to look discolored.

When improving your home, take the longevity of the improvements into account. A new chimney, for example, can last up to a 100 years. Decks normally last 15 years; however, they do provide great relaxation spots. Most common vinyl flooring materials have a lifespan of up to 30 years. Oak floors, on the other hand, can last a lifetime. When you are renovating your home, you should consider this sort of thing and decide whether or not a given renovation is worth the effort and expense.

When replacing your roof, think about using white tile. Using dark colored tile can cause an attic to become hot. Therefore, by using a lighter color, your attic will remain cooler. You will no longer feel as if a trip to the attic is like a trip to a broiler.

TIP! Be sure to give your bathroom good lighting when you remodel. It?s common to think about how the new fixtures will look, while forgetting the light brightness the fixtures allow is just as important.

Make sure that any contractor you hire provides you with a detailed written estimate in advance of the project. Do not hesitate to ask for guarantees in the contract that pertain to time tables and payment plans.

TIP! If your home has low ceilings, you can make them feel higher by changing your window treatments. Do this seasonally to add color and interest to the interior of your home.

Do not underestimate the amount of effort that your project will require. Get a notebook, and list everything that must be done. You may also want to get an additional opinion to ensure you didn?t miss anything during your assessment. If you make sure you know exactly what must be done, it?ll be easy to keep costs down.

TIP! Know what style you are looking for before beginning any type of home improvement. Determine what style you wish to decorate your room in before you begin.

Install a peephole on your doors. Never open the door before you determine who is on the other side. Peepholes are simple to install and won?t cost you that much money. All that is involved is a little drilling and a few minutes of your time. A peephole can give you the peace of mind you need next time someone knocks on the door.

TIP! An easy trick for quick curb appeal when showing your home, is to bring in more mature plants, as opposed to sprouts or seeds. Flowers that are matured will give an instant beautiful look, and they also will fill in any spaces.

The greenery outside your home should not be too close to the structure. Their roots could cause issues with the foundation of your house. Most trees can be transplanted as long as the root ball is intact and the tree is not too large.

TIP! If you have a major project in mind, consider hiring a professional designer to help you out. If you do it yourself, you may not have the right plans, technically, and fail.

Have everything in perspective when making home improvements. You need to consider the reasons you are doing your renovations and how it will help you in the long run. Above all, ensure that you are fully committed to the project in terms of your time, work and money

Source: http://www.floor-refinishing-dallas.com/how-to-deal-with-home-improvement-easily/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-deal-with-home-improvement-easily

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After You Choose Exactly Where To Get Your Tattoo, What You ...

After you choose exactly where to get your tattoo, what you choose to put on your body is paramount when contemplating this journey. Although tattoo elimination and go over ups can occasionally be an choice, is best to go into a tattoo with the understanding that this piece of art shall adorn your body until the day you die. What to get and exactly where to get it are the concerns to solution.

What Will I By no means Outgrow?

It is essential when getting ready to select a tattoo that you come up with a design or symbol that you will not outgrow more than time. This is going to be completely individual to every individual. To some people a Jimi Hendrix tattoo they got when they were 18 may not carry on to have meaning when they are a Mother of 3 kids and heading to soccer games daily?then again it might!

Some symbols are much more pertinent to particular times in our lives like a musician we adore at a particular age. Other symbols are much more pertinent to lifestyle itself and are not based on particular intervals of our lives. For example, an picture of the sunlight may be much more of a lifestyle image than a time sensitive one. When selecting a tattoo, envision yourself in 10 years and then 20 years and try and choose a image or style that you believe will always ring accurate to you.

Exactly where To Put My New Tattoo?

When selecting a tattoo, placement is integral in the process. Each component of the physique has it own relationship to both movement of the tattoo and exposure. In relationship to flow, a extremely small tattoo on the middle of your back again may appear out of place. The same tattoo on your shoulder blade might look more at home. Your tattoo artist can assist you find the correct placement. If you want a tattoo in the middle of your back ?? you may be getting a large one.

Perhaps the most important query in this procedure is exactly where to put the tattoo. Right here are some concerns to inquire yourself. Do I want to in a position to see my tattoo with out getting to look in a mirror? Do I want my tattoo to be noticed all the time by everyone? Do I want my tattoo to only be noticed by particular individuals? Will the placement of my tattoo have any undesired effect on my career or social life? These concerns can assist you decide if a discrete butt tattoo is for you, or a bold arm sleeve.

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Source: http://www.e220v.biz/after-you-choose-exactly-where-to-get-your-tattoo-what-you-choose-to-put-on-your-body-is-paramount-when-contemplating-this-journey.html

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Seven Air Max Key Findings In Consumer Support Research

This article has been viewed 12 times.

Based on information from your Butler Group, up to 70% of customer partnership enhancement programs fall short. At customerfocusincCustomer Focus, Inc. (customerfocusinc) we think Nike Air Max that the main purpose for your inadequate results of numerous CRM, customerfocusinccustomer support training, and customer-centered plans is the failure to consider the total consumer encounter. Prior to beginning any customer relationship enhancement system, begin by comprehension the implications of these consumer knowledge findings.
1. 95% of senior business enterprise leaders believe the next competitive differentiator is customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=65customer experience.
What Colin Shaw?s consumer Air Max Pas Cher experience analysis revealed in his 2005 book, Revolutionize Your Customer Encounter is that products and services quickly become commodities. Shorter product cycles, worldwide commerce, and the internet have all leveled the playing field. On the internet, every business will be the size of the computer screen. To gain and keep profitable market share the most effective strategy is to enhance the client expertise. Whether building CRM, education, loyalty, or culture, focus on creating an unique client knowledge with a personal touch that customers can?t get within the self-service world of the web. Customers will seek out, pay a premium, and stay with people who provide superior customer experiences.
2. 80% of companies think they deliver a superior client experience. Only 8% of their customers agree.
This remarkable statistic from Bain & Organization reported while in the Harvard Business Review reveals that companies simply don?t understand customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=65customer experiences. Most concentrate their research and consumer feedback on narrow product- or service-related features. The important is to concentrate on the entire customer Air Max experience ? on the breadth of customer emotions and perceptions, and on all the customer?s points of contact and experiences with your products, systems, and people.
3. Only 14% of customers leave for product reasons; 68% leave because of very poor treatment by employees.
The strongest determinant of the quality of customer experiences is whether customers perceive your employees and managers to be acting as their advocates and view them as being committed to their needs, feelings, and future experiences.If your people are truly not committed to the customer?s encounter and do not have superior provider skills, your customers will walk out the door. Ahead of Nike Air Max spending more on CRM, loyalty, and culture plans, train your employees inside the skills and attitudes of creating positive consumer experiences.
4. Companies lose 50% of their satisfied customers.
Satisfaction does not guarantee long term customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=64customer loyalty. A deeper emotional bond is needed to create long-term loyalty. That emotional bond is formed when customers encounter authentic relationships with your business and your employees.Customers need a personal relationship to companies at every interaction ? especially interpersonal interactions. Whatever your effort, train your employees to form authentic and personal relationships, not simply to respect them.
5. Only 4% of unhappy customers ever complain; 90% of non-complainers just go elsewhere.
Anybody who has ever experienced Air Maxlousy provider knows how easy it is to never go back. Given a choice between complaining and going elsewhere, number of people will pick confrontation. Build in client feedback opportunities at each point of interaction. Train employees to continuously ask, ?How are we doing? and ?How can we improve?
6. The average value of a customer is 10 times their initial purchase. It costs six times as considerably to attract a new consumer as it does to save and existing one.
Mass marketing doesn?t work anymore. Customer decisions are more personal, imbedded in client communities, and built upon known and credible relationships. The solution is to train your employees with the skills to stop client defections, build total client solutions, and create advocates who evangelize your products and people.
7. High service-quality companies average 12% ROS and grow 6% a year.
A 2000 research by Accenture and Montgomery showed that if a $1 billion enterprise increased its investment in customer interactions from average to high, it could anticipate a $42 million return on investment. Executives and managers need to know the path to profits is through client experiences.
At customerfocusinc/Customer Focus Inc. we show how you can turn your front-line employees into consumer advocates as CEOs: customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=63Customer Knowledge Owners. By owning the customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=65customer?s experience, your employees can build authentic bonds of trust that lead to long-term customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=64customer loyalty. Through a combination of developing the right skills, attitudes, and sense of personal empowerment and authenticity your employees can, as CEOs, ensure greater return on your investment in business systems and processes.

customerfocusinc/Customer Focus, Inc. is an international customerfocusinc/content/view/23/35/customer provider training business that provides innovative, world-class customerfocusinc/content/view/23/35/customer provider skill building and culture-building coaching plans at low cost. Contact Steve Fugate: (817) 303-5256
? Copyright 2007 Customer Concentrate Inc.
This Write-up is Copyright protected. Republishing & syndication of this write-up is granted only with the due credit, as mentioned, retained in the republished write-up. Permission to reprint or republish does not waive any copyright. The text, hyperlinks embedded on the article and headers should remain unaltered. This write-up must not be used in unsolicited mail.

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HTML Ready Article You Can Place On Your Site. (do not remove any attribution to source or author) <title>Free Article Marketing | Seven Air Max Key Findings In Consumer Support Research</title><h3>Seven Air Max Key Findings In Consumer Support Research</h3><p>By: </p><p>Based on information from your Butler Group, up to 70% of customer partnership enhancement programs fall short. At customerfocusincCustomer Focus, Inc. (customerfocusinc) we think Nike Air Max that the main purpose for your inadequate results of numerous CRM, customerfocusinccustomer support training, and customer-centered plans is the failure to consider the total consumer encounter. Prior to beginning any customer relationship enhancement system, begin by comprehension the implications of these consumer knowledge findings. <br />1. 95% of senior business enterprise leaders believe the next competitive differentiator is customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=65customer experience. <br />What Colin Shaw's consumer Air Max Pas Cher experience analysis revealed in his 2005 book, Revolutionize Your Customer Encounter is that products and services quickly become commodities. Shorter product cycles, worldwide commerce, and the internet have all leveled the playing field. On the internet, every business will be the size of the computer screen. To gain and keep profitable market share the most effective strategy is to enhance the client expertise. Whether building CRM, education, loyalty, or culture, focus on creating an unique client knowledge with a personal touch that customers can't get within the self-service world of the web. Customers will seek out, pay a premium, and stay with people who provide superior customer experiences. <br />2. 80% of companies think they deliver a superior client experience. Only 8% of their customers agree. <br />This remarkable statistic from Bain & Organization reported while in the Harvard Business Review reveals that companies simply don't understand customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=65customer experiences. Most concentrate their research and consumer feedback on narrow product- or service-related features. The important is to concentrate on the entire customer Air Max experience - on the breadth of customer emotions and perceptions, and on all the customer's points of contact and experiences with your products, systems, and people. <br />3. Only 14% of customers leave for product reasons; 68% leave because of very poor treatment by employees. <br />The strongest determinant of the quality of customer experiences is whether customers perceive your employees and managers to be acting as their advocates and view them as being committed to their needs, feelings, and future experiences.If your people are truly not committed to the customer's encounter and do not have superior provider skills, your customers will walk out the door. Ahead of Nike Air Max spending more on CRM, loyalty, and culture plans, train your employees inside the skills and attitudes of creating positive consumer experiences. <br />4. Companies lose 50% of their satisfied customers. <br />Satisfaction does not guarantee long term customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=64customer loyalty. A deeper emotional bond is needed to create long-term loyalty. That emotional bond is formed when customers encounter authentic relationships with your business and your employees.Customers need a personal relationship to companies at every interaction - especially interpersonal interactions. Whatever your effort, train your employees to form authentic and personal relationships, not simply to respect them. <br />5. Only 4% of unhappy customers ever complain; 90% of non-complainers just go elsewhere. <br />Anybody who has ever experienced Air Maxlousy provider knows how easy it is to never go back. Given a choice between complaining and going elsewhere, number of people will pick confrontation. Build in client feedback opportunities at each point of interaction. Train employees to continuously ask, "How are we doing" and "How can we improve" <br />6. The average value of a customer is 10 times their initial purchase. It costs six times as considerably to attract a new consumer as it does to save and existing one. <br />Mass marketing doesn't work anymore. Customer decisions are more personal, imbedded in client communities, and built upon known and credible relationships. The solution is to train your employees with the skills to stop client defections, build total client solutions, and create advocates who evangelize your products and people. <br />7. High service-quality companies average 12% ROS and grow 6% a year. <br />A 2000 research by Accenture and Montgomery showed that if a $1 billion enterprise increased its investment in customer interactions from average to high, it could anticipate a $42 million return on investment. Executives and managers need to know the path to profits is through client experiences. <br />At customerfocusinc/Customer Focus Inc. we show how you can turn your front-line employees into consumer advocates as CEOs: customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=63Customer Knowledge Owners. By owning the customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=65customer's experience, your employees can build authentic bonds of trust that lead to long-term customerfocusinc/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=64customer loyalty. Through a combination of developing the right skills, attitudes, and sense of personal empowerment and authenticity your employees can, as CEOs, ensure greater return on your investment in business systems and processes. </p><p>customerfocusinc/Customer Focus, Inc. is an international customerfocusinc/content/view/23/35/customer provider training business that provides innovative, world-class customerfocusinc/content/view/23/35/customer provider skill building and culture-building coaching plans at low cost. Contact Steve Fugate: (817) 303-5256 <br />? Copyright 2007 Customer Concentrate Inc. <br />This Write-up is Copyright protected. Republishing & syndication of this write-up is granted only with the due credit, as mentioned, retained in the republished write-up. Permission to reprint or republish does not waive any copyright. The text, hyperlinks embedded on the article and headers should remain unaltered. This write-up must not be used in unsolicited mail. </p><p>Authorised <strong>Air Max Pas Cher</strong> Shop delivers all types of low priced Air Max 2012 Shoes now with Instant Shipment, Secure Payment & Superior Customer Care.</p><p><b>Article Courtesy of</b> Free Article Marketing<br /></p>

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