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Launch of space shuttle Discovery delayed indefinitely

Sunday, February 22, 2009

NASA announced during a press conference on Friday night that the agency has decided to delay the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery, which was scheduled for takeoff on February 27. NASA cited the need for additional time to evaluate the shuttle’s hydrogen fuel flow control valves. A new launch date has yet to be scheduled, though NASA is considering mid-March as an option. Another review of Discovery’s flight readiness is scheduled for February 25.

Discovery had originally been scheduled for liftoff on February 12, but NASA wanted to perform additional tests on the valves which control the amount of hydrogen fuel pumped into the external tank when the shuttle is taking off. When Space Shuttle Endeavour went into space in November 2008, one of the valves broke. NASA fears that if one breaks off on this mission, then it could damage the outside of the shuttle.

“We need to complete more work to have a better understanding before flying,” said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. who chaired Friday’s Flight Readiness Review. “We were not driven by schedule pressure and did the right thing. When we fly, we want to do so with full confidence.”

The current scheduled mission, STS-119, is set to fly the Integrated Truss Structure segment (“S” for starboard, the right side of the station, and “6” for its place at the very end of the starboard truss) and install the final set of power-generating solar arrays to the International Space Station. The arrays consist of two 115-foot-long arrays, for a total wing span of 240 feet, including the equipment that connects the two halves and allows them to twist as they track the sun. Altogether, the four sets of arrays can generate 84 to 120 kilowatts of electricity – enough to provide power for more than 40 average homes.

Commander Lee Archambault will lead Discovery’s crew of seven, along with Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, John Phillips, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata.

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byAlma Abell

As a small business owner, you understand how vital it is to find ways to save both time and money in your business. Though you may have heard that working with a staffing agency can help you accomplish this goal, you may still be unsure about exactly what services they can provide in order to make your life easier. For those who may be wondering what Atlas Edge Staffing Servicescan do for your business, here are three services that you can take advantage of to make sure that you get more done during the day:

Recruiting

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6uV2TphxlA[/youtube]

In order to find qualified candidates, you must develop a good recruiting strategy. Unfortunately, doing so can be both time consuming and expensive, and you may not know where to start. Instead of spending all of your time and money placing job advertisements, let a staffing agency take care of the hard work for you. Not only will you be able to keep money in your pocket, but you’ll be able to focus more on other important matters in your business.

Employee Screening

One of the biggest time wasters for business owners is conducting interviews with people who are clearly not qualified for the position. Instead of wasting precious time or spending the money to hire staff to do it, you can have a staffing agency interview and hand-pick the best candidates for you. Furthermore, you’ll have access to drug test results and Background Checks Coos Bay OR, which can help you reduce the risk of crime occurring in your business.

Payroll Services

Doing payroll on a regular basis is yet another thing that can take up a lot of precious time. This is because you’ll need to be concerned with everything from taxes to garnishments to withholdings. If you don’t want to run the risk of making costly mistakes or you want to allocate your time to other important tasks, consider working with a staffing agency that takes care of this for each employee.

Don’t allow yourself to make the mistake of trying to do everything yourself. Instead, invest in the success of your company by hiring a qualified staffing agency to help you with those tasks that you would normally designate to a human resources team. By doing so, you’ll find that you are able to save precious resources and find more time to grow and expand your business. Visit http://www.theatlasedge.com for more information.

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Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs may work for Facebook

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Robert Gibbs, the former press secretary for the U.S. White House, has been said to be in talks with Facebook about possible future employment as a manager for the communications aspect of the company.

According to an anonymous source close to the company, Gibbs is being pressed to quickly accept the job, in which Mr. Gibbs may receive millions of dollars in both salary and initial stock options for a planned public offering of Facebook Inc. in 2012.

Both Facebook and Gibbs have declined to comment.

Mr. Gibbs, who has worked for the Obama administration for two years, left in February 2011, and was reportedly “relaxing” and had denied rumors that he was planning to campaign for chairman of the Democratic National Committee if Tim Kaine were to leave the committee to run for a position in the senate.

In recent months, Facebook has stepped up lobbying the US capital to communicate its public image to policy makers, and may use Gibbs for their public relations stratagem in the future.

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Furry fans flock to Further Confusion 2007

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

San Jose, California –Cell phones, cigarette lighters and glowsticks are raised in tribute as Circle of Life begins playing. Soon cheers drown out the song as the multicoloured performers appear on stage. A somewhat unusual introduction; but this is no ordinary show, and these are no ordinary attendees. This is Further Confusion, the second largest furry convention in the world.

The volunteer organizers have something to cheer about, too; Furry fans have gathered from far and wide at the DoubleTree Hotel to indulge their love of anthropomorphics, and Further Confusion’s 9th year is its largest, with a paid attendance of 2061. Their gains mirror those of Midwest FurFest, a similar convention held in Schaumburg, Illinois which grew 35% last November.

Both events feature art shows and auctions, live puppetry performance, masquerades, variety shows, games and parades, as well as panels that range from science and technology to society, sex and spirituality. Filling out the schedule, the hotel walls are lined with announcements of public and private room parties for separate groups. At night, the disco floor fills with dancing cats, dogs, and dragons.

For some, dressing up plays a large part of the convention – almost 300 brought a full costume. There are few professional mascots here, though, and only one or two of the costumes would be recognized by even the most avid cartoon-watcher. Instead, each act is planned and performed by other attendees, wearing “fursuits” of their own design. Many play off the year’s secret-agent theme — “Fur Your Eyes Only”.

Other fans seem content to restrict themselves to small accessories — perhaps some combination of paws, ears, or tail. Each fur bears a 3″x2″ badge detailing their personal character, or “fursona“. Often these characters are better-known than the people who play them.

It may seem lighthearted, even frivolous, but these conventions are becoming big business. Furry fans spent over $180,000 for lodging during the five days (Jan 18-22) of Further Confusion, and another $50,000 at the art auction. Attendees also purchase all manner of merchandise from attending dealers and artists, from on-the-spot art commissions and comic books of all ratings to prints, sculptures, and plush toys – even their very own fluffy tail.

Of course, any business has risk, and conventions can drain wallets when the sums just don’t add up. The first furry con, ConFurence in Southern California, ran successfully for over a decade, but cost its new organizer an estimated $60,000 in its last four years due to falling attendance before folding in 2003.

Anthropomorphic Arts and Education board member Peter Torkelson says that won’t happen to Further Confusion. Indeed, the convention ran a healthy surplus of almost $30,000 on $125,000 revenue last year, allowing it to pay off the last of its old debts and save for the future. As Torkelson explains: “The idea is if for some reason, say an earthquake happens, and it cripples the revenue stream, the convention will be able to survive into the next year. It does help our staff to know that we have [a reserve].”

The reserve also gives AAE the financial flexibility to fund charities throughout the year, a big part of its 501(c)(3) mandate. Over the nine years of the convention, attendees have raised over $60,000 for a variety of animal sanctuaries, wildlife refuges, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

Further Confusion’s hopes for the future are high. Chairwoman Laura Cherry noted that, unlike previous years, the board has “gone all out” for next year’s tenth anniversary, booking as many rooms as the hotel could offer. The host for 2009 has yet to be decided, but for many fans the question was not whether the current hotel will reach a limit, but when – and where – the convention will find a new home.

News briefs:June 9, 2010

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News briefs:June 9, 2010
Author:

30 Jul

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What Is Included With Dental Insurance Coverage?

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By Daniel Millions

Dental insurance plans can help individuals and families save a lot of money with respect to dental care and treatment. There are different types of such plans and some plans are more expensive than others. But the difference in the diverse plans offered by different insurance providers mostly lies in the coverage of dental procedures what is reimbursed and what is not. It is therefore important to consider what is covered in a plan very carefully before signing up for one.

Full coverage normally refers to all dental procedures that can be expected to be carried out with the goal of keeping teeth healthy and restoring them. However, there exist some misunderstanding as to full coverage, whereby people often believe that it implies that all dental procedures are covered by the dental insurance plan. If this was the case, then one would have to look at price alone in order to determine which one of the plans is the best one to adopt. Needless to say, it would be the cheapest one.

Therefore when examining the different plans, it is vital to understand what each one of them covers and what they do not cover. Some plans may cover basic dental procedures, such as checkups and cleanings, but not more complex ones, such as implants or dentures. Some will cover major dental procedures, and not the basic ones. These types of coverages are not to the benefit of the clients. People most often than not go to the dentist for basic dental care and treatments which, if catered to carefully and regularly, will diminish the risk of having recourse to major dental procedures. On the other hand, it is also important to have coverage for major, expensive dental procedures, as they may still be necessary, though on a less frequent basis.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULXdkLQiN2w[/youtube]

Minor treatments, along with basic dental care, are usually included in full coverage dental plans. They include tooth extraction, fillings, treatment of roots, gums, cavities, among others. They are not considered as overly costly procedures, unlike major dental procedures. However, they usually involve co-payments and deductibles on the part of the client.

Major dental procedures such as prosthodontics (dentures, implants, bridges) are really very expensive, and therefore dental plans which cover these are quite worthwhile. Insurance providers know that these types of procedures arise less frequently, and are the result of not getting appropriate basic dental care. These procedures may be more subject to exclusions such as waiting periods. It may happen that people sign up for dental insurance plans which offer full coverage as to major dental treatments; being fully aware that they will be going through them.

Orthodontics (straightening of teeth, treatment including braces, retainers) usually forms part of cosmetic dental procedures, which does not find a great place, when it finds one, in dental plans. Indeed, these are barely, if not at all covered with dental insurance plans. The argument for this fact is that dental insurance plans, like medical insurance plans, work towards the sole aim of keeping people healthy or restoring their health. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, aims at improving appearance of people, and is therefore not covered by most dental insurance plans.

Before signing up for a dental insurance plan, people should therefore examine very carefully what the full coverage refers to. They should know exactly what their needs are and choose their dental plan accordingly. They should avoid making assumptions as to what is covered, so that they will not end up paying for dental procedures that they believed to be included in the coverage of their dental insurance plan.

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House approves Senate amended economic stimulus package

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House approves Senate amended economic stimulus package
Author:

30 Jul

Friday, February 8, 2008

The United States House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan US$152 billion economic stimulus package that gives one-time rebates to United States citizens, US$600 for individuals or US$1,200 for couples plus US$300 for each child. US$300 checks would be sent to people on low-income including retirees on Social Security which was not included in the original bill backed by President George W. Bush. The plan would begin to decrease rebates for citizens with taxable incomes of US$75,000 for individuals and US$150,000 for couples. The checks would go out to more than a 130 million Americans according to Treasury secretary Henry Paulson.

The House overwhelmingly approved the more broad Senate amended bill which included the low-income portion mentioned above along with provisions that would keep illegal aliens from receiving a rebate check. Despite some opposition from some Congressmen, such as John B. T. Campbell III of California’s 48th congressional district, the plan passed overwhelmingly 380–34.

Campbell called the plan “wealth redistribution” and noted it did not have safeguards to prevent illegals from receiving these rebates and also claimed that stimulus plan would increase the deficit more and noted the cause of the looming recession was because of “credit problems.”

The United States Senate voted hours earlier on the bill which passed in the Senate, 81–16. after having to shed some incentives included by Senate Democrats which caused the bill to fail. Some of the incentives that were left out of the plan in a compromise to gain Republican support were demands for benefits for long-term unemployed workers and stipulation that would allow low-income citizens to pay off heating bills and let home builders pay off losses off the current year against previous tax years.

President Bush approved of the package, noting in a statement, “This plan is robust, broad-based, timely, and it will be effective, this bill will help to stimulate consumer spending and accelerate needed business investment.”

Honda Civic tops Canada’s list of most stolen cars

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Honda Civic tops Canada’s list of most stolen cars
Author:

30 Jul

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

The 1999 and 2000 year model Honda Civic SiR tops the list of Canada’s most stolen cars.

Consumer popularity also assures the cars will be popular with thieves. Its the second year in a row the Honda SiR has topped the list.

Rick Dubin Vice President of Investigations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada said “The Civics are easy targets.”

Dubin said that once stolen, the cars are most often sold to “chop shops” where thieves completely dismantle the vehicles. The automobile’s individual parts are worth more than the entire car.

The sheer numbers of the cars and their lack of theft deterrent systems make them thieves’ preferred choices.

1999 and 2000 Honda Civics do not come with an electronic immobilizer, however all Hondas from 2001 and onward are equipped with an immobilizer. Immobilizers will be mandatory on all new cars sold beginning September 2007. The devices enable an engine computer to recognize an electronic code in the key. If the code in the key and the engine don’t match exactly, the vehicle can’t be started.

In third place was the 2004 Subaru Impreza, while the 1999 Acura Integra came in fourth, with the 1994 Honda Civic rounding out the top five.

In sixth place, the 1998 Acura Integra, and the 1993 Dodge Shadow completed seventh.

When asked why early model vehicles are selected, he said that, “auto thieves continue to find it easier to steal older vehicles lacking an IBC-approved immobilizer. We’ve seen this trend developing for several years, and these results confirm it.”

Another Honda automobile, the 1996 year model Civic filled eighth place, with the 2000 German Audi TT Quattro in ninth.

The American 1996 Chevrolet/GMC Blazer rounded out the top ten.

None of the above cars had an electronic immobilizer.

How To Manage Stress During A Kitchen Remodel In Surprise

byAlma Abell

Unless you’re the most easy-going person on the face of the planet, you probably can’t completely escape the stress of a kitchen remodel in Surprise. However, there are ways to manage your stress so that the whole experience is relatively pleasant and fun, rather than frustrating and stressful. Take a look at these tips…

Ask for a Schedule

Be sure you have a start date along with an estimate for various milestones for your kitchen remodel in Surprise. Keep in mind that you do need to be flexible, as things like taking delivery of custom kitchen cabinets and specialty work such as plumbing may incur delays. However, you should have a general idea of when major milestones will be completed.

Do Regular Job Walks

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSMJOL0ber4[/youtube]

As mentioned, you should be somewhat flexible with the work schedule, as unexpected delays can and will occur. However, you can manage your stress by doing regular job walks with the onsite foreman to be sure your kitchen remodel in Surprise is on track. This also gives you the opportunity to spot any errors before additional work makes it difficult or impossible to fix the errors. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice anything that isn’t right.

Protect Your Belongings

When you’re doing kitchen remodeling in Surprise, you should remove as many of your belongings from the work area before the crew arrives. However, be sure to also ask your contracting team how they’ll protect your belongings. A good home remodeling contractor in Surprise will have a well thought out plan for protecting your home and containing the dust and dirt of a kitchen remodel.

Reschedule Other Appointments

Another way to manage your stress when you’re doing kitchen remodeling in Surprise is to postpone major appointments, such as a trip to the dentist or surgery, until after the remodel is complete. That way you can recover quietly.

Secondly, you’ll also want to reschedule other appointments that may interfere with your kitchen remodel. For example, if you have a landscaper coming into do work, you may want to reschedule for a time when you don’t have a work crew with their trucks, sawhorses, and other tools, supplies and materials spread around outside.

Be Courteous to the Crew

Finally, it’s common sense but worth mentioning: be polite and courteous to the crew who’s working on your Surprise kitchen remodel. At times you may feel stressed and prone to snapping, so take a deep breath before addressing any member of the crew.

Conclusion

Kitchen remodeling in Surprise can turn your life upside down for several weeks or even several months, which is why you’ll want to hire an experienced crew to complete the work. You can trust the team at Todd Whittaker Drywall, Inc, as they’ve been doing kitchen remodeling in Surprise for your friends and neighbors since 1996.

To learn more about what TWD can do for you, visit them online at www.twdaz.com. Be sure to ask for your free no-obligation estimate — you’ll find they offer great work at a fair price, so get in touch today.

2008 Leisure Taiwan launched in Taipei World Trade Center

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2008 Leisure Taiwan launched in Taipei World Trade Center
Author:

28 Jul

Saturday, July 19, 2008

This year’s Leisure Taiwan trade show (a.k.a Taiwan Sport Recreation and Leisure Show) started yesterday, with 131 companies participating including sports media companies such as ESPN and VideoLand Television, businesses selling sports equipment and fitness clubs.

There were also a variety of sports being played in the arena built for the trade show. The events included a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, free style shooting, and bicycle test-riding. In addition, conferences discussed issues related to sports and physical education.

A major topic in the trade show was energy-efficiency and, as a result, bicycles and similar sports equipment were being heavily promoted.

Next Tuesday, companies from the electronics industry plan to promote their industry at “2008 Digital E-Park.” In previous years, organizations from the electronics industry have showcased their products at Leisure Taiwan instead of at the Digital E-Park, so this move has reduced the number of markets covered by Leisure Taiwan.