iPhone manufacturer faces labor complaints

BEIJING (AP) ? The company that manufactures Apple's iPhones has responded to an accusation that vocational students are forced to work in its Chinese factories by saying Wednesday its agreement with their schools allows them to leave.

China Labor Watch, a Hong Kong group, said this week that Foxconn, which employs some 1.2 million people in China, employed students aged 16 to 18 in its factories. It cited employees as saying some wanted to leave but were compelled by their schools to stay.

Foxconn, owned by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., said it takes interns from vocational schools who work for one to six months in its facilities. It said students are picked by their schools, are at least the minimum Chinese legal working age, receive the same wages as entry-level employees and are accompanied by teachers who monitor them throughout the program.

Foxconn's agreement with schools says "students are free to leave the internship program at any time," the company said in a written response to questions.

Foxconn, owned by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., has faced complaints in the past about wages and working hours. It raised minimum pay and promised in March to limit hours after an auditor hired by Apple found Foxconn employees regularly were required to work more than 60 hours a week.

Foxconn makes iPhones and iPads for Apple Inc. and also assembles products for Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. It has factories in the southern city of Shenzhen, in Chengdu in the west and in Zhengzhou and Taiyuan in central China.

Conditions in factories in China are a sensitive issue for foreign brands that outsource production of shoes, consumer electronics and other goods to local contractors.

Apple's auditor, the Fair Labor Association, said in August that improvements it recommended in March at Foxconn factories were being carried out ahead of schedule.

That included verifying student interns' ages, making sure their work was relevant to their education and having them work no more than eight hours per day and five days per week.

The FLA said its investigation in February found 46 interns at Foxconn's Longhua factory in the southern city of Shenzhen, near Hong Kong, but none were under 18. It said no interns were found at another Shenzhen factory or at a facility in the western city of Chengdu.

China Labor Watch, based in New York City, cited a message from an unidentified Foxconn employee that said the employee saw female students quarreling with a teacher.

"I want to go back to school. I don't want to work here anymore! Why do you force us to work in this remote place!" one student was quoted as saying.

The review by the FLA followed about a dozen suicides at Foxconn facilities since 2010 and an explosion at an iPad assembly facility in Chengdu in May 2011 that killed four workers.

As for Foxconn's general workforce, China Labor Watch said despite a recent pay hike, employees might take home less because allowances for food, housing and social welfare fees might change. It said exactly how much they will make was unclear.

The company raised its monthly base wage from 1,550 yuan ($245) to 1,800 yuan ($285) in August.

Foxconn said Wednesday there was no change in other payments, so net pay would be "significantly higher." It noted the monthly base wage was above the government-required minimum of 1,080 yuan ($171).

"Claims that the net pay that workers receive following deduction of subsidies has reduced is inaccurate," the statement said.

Another manufacturer, South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co., was accused by China Labor Watch last week of mistreating employees in China and illegally using child labor.

The group said an investigation of six Samsung-owned factories and two suppliers in China found some employees worked more than 100 hours of overtime per month. It said safety measures such as providing workers with protective clothing were not followed.

Samsung said it would review working conditions and acknowledged some problems may have arisen due to production demands.

___(equals)

Foxconn Technology Group: www.foxconn.com

China Labor Watch: www.chinalaborwatch.org

Fair Labor Association: www.fairlabor.org

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/iphone-manufacturer-faces-labor-complaints-120700366--finance.html

newt gingrich joe paterno dead joe pa joe pa marist south carolina primary results marco scutaro

European breast screening "benefits outweigh harms"

LONDON (Reuters) - National breast screening programmes in Europe save more lives by catching tumours early than they harm through over-diagnosis and women should be made more aware of benefit-risk balance, researchers said on Thursday.

In the first comprehensive review of European breast cancer screening programmes, scientists found that for every 1,000 women aged 50 to 69 screened every two years, between seven and nine lives are saved.

But in a finding likely to add to an already fierce international debate about the merits of routine screening for cancer, they also found that in the same group, four women would be "over-diagnosed" - when screening picks up a tumour that would never have presented a problem.

Stephen Duffy, professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary, University of London and one of two lead researchers on the study said the harm caused by over-diagnosis in the few women was clearly outweighed by the reduction in cancer deaths.

"(This review) reports results from screening millions of women, and confirms that the screening services are delivering the benefits expected from the research studies conducted years ago," he said as the research was published in the Journal of Medical Screening on Thursday.

"In particular it is good news that lives saved by screening outweigh over-diagnosed cases by a factor of two to one."

Over-diagnosed" breast cancers are tumours diagnosed during screening which would never have given rise to any symptoms during a woman's lifetime and would not have been diagnosed had she not been screened.

That can lead to women undergoing unnecessary and invasive treatment and suffering the physical and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis that would otherwise not have come up.

The researchers also found that for every 1,000 women screened, 170 women would have at least one recall for a non-invasive assessment before a negative result could be confirmed, and 30 women would have at least one recall for an invasive procedure, such as a biopsy, before getting a negative result.

These types of results are called "false positives" and can cause stress and anxiety until a negative result is confirmed.

The issues of over-diagnosis and false positives were at the heart of rows among cancer patients and specialists in Europe and the United States which blew up in 2009 when American health officials questioned the value of routine mammograms for women at age 40 and suggested raising the annual screening age to 50.

Nordic scientists then published a study in 2010 which found no evidence that screening women for breast cancer has any effect on death rates and said it was "time to question whether screening has delivered the promised effect".

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and around 1.38 million women were diagnosed it in 2008, according to the World Health Organisation's Globocan database.

In Europe, including non-European Union (EU) countries, 425,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2008 and 129,000 European women died of the disease.

For this latest study, the European Screening Network (EUROSCREEN) working group with members from nine European countries where screening programmes have been assessed reviewed estimates of benefit in published studies in terms of cancer deaths prevented, and the major harms such as over-diagnosis.

It also reviewed the organisation, participation rates and performance parameters of 26 screening programmes in 18 countries involving 12 million women between 2001 and 2007.

Eugenio Paci, director of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute in Florence, Italy and the co-lead researcher on the project, said the aim was to weigh up "the pros and cons of breast cancer screening" to ensure "women are fully aware of the chief benefits and harms and can make a fully informed choice" about whether to agree to be screened.

"There has been quite a lot of discussion recently over the worth of breast cancer screening," he said. "For this reason it is timely that the international group of experts has assessed the impact...and has found that it is contributing to the reduction in deaths from the disease."

He said the review's conclusions should be communicated to women in Europe and called for health authorities to improve communication with women and make the information "more accessible, relevant and comprehensible."

(Editing by Jane Merriman)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/european-breast-screening-benefits-outweigh-harms-230238659.html

ian stewart odom vt vt los angeles angels los angeles angels lindsay lohan’s playboy cover leaked online

MARCH 19, 2011 ? Pitch Like a Pro! | Scriptwriters Network

Members Only Special Events!

A few times a year, SWN will hold ?Members Only? meetings. These meetings are our way of saying thank you for being a member and supporting our organization.

To attend these ?Special Events,? you must be a current SWN member, RSVP before the deadline and show your SWN card at the entrance door.

Please look for these ?Members Only? meetings.

Special Notice?

We really appreciate all of the industry professionals that take time out of their busy schedules to speak at our events.

Please respect their time and ours by arriving approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the meetings to allow for check-in and industry networking.

Check-in: 12:30 PM
Events starts promptly at 1:00 PM

Thank you!

Source: http://scriptwritersnetwork.com/2012/09/11/march-19-2011-pitch-like-a-pro/

valentines day cards hallmark grammy winners obama budget woolly mammoth belize resorts nikki minaj grammy performance

iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S: what's changed?

Its name is enough to send CEOs into cold sweats, which is why the rest of the mobile world spent last week announcing their hardware back-to-back to steal a march on this handset. Now, after all of the rumor, speculation and leaks, Apple's sixth iPhone has finally been unveiled in San Francisco. We've got around 45 minutes before the world begins idly speculating about next year's iteration, so let's spend what little time we have delving into what's changed between now and the last time we were here.

Check out our liveblog of Apple's event to get the latest news as it happens!

Check out all the coverage at our iPhone 2012 event hub!

Continue reading iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S: what's changed?

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S: what's changed? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

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

autism awareness angelman syndrome total recall troy tulowitzki katie couric good morning america the rock vs john cena acm awards 2012

Crane says Clemens may pitch for Astros this year

Sugar Land Skeeters starter Roger Clemens warms up before a minor league baseball game against the Long Island Ducks at Constellation Field Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, in Sugar Land, Texas. (AP Photo/Houston Vhronicle, Brett Coomer) MANDATORY CREDIT

Sugar Land Skeeters starter Roger Clemens warms up before a minor league baseball game against the Long Island Ducks at Constellation Field Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, in Sugar Land, Texas. (AP Photo/Houston Vhronicle, Brett Coomer) MANDATORY CREDIT

HOUSTON (AP) ? Astros owner Jim Crane thinks Roger Clemens' comeback could continue in Houston. That would be news to the 50-year-old right-hander, who doesn't sound too interested in the idea.

Crane said Monday there's a possibility Clemens could pitch this season for the majors' worst team.

"We haven't heard from Roger, so that's still up in the air," he said.

The last-place Astros started a weeklong homestand on Monday that includes three games against the Cubs and four against the Phillies. Their only remaining home games after this stretch are against the Pirates and the Cardinals ? two teams in postseason contention.

Crane said he would not pitch the seven-time Cy Young Award winner against a contender, which leaves this week as the only option.

But Clemens said Monday night the only way he would pitch this season was against a team in contention.

"I can tell you right now and they would know too, that if I was going to go do it, I am going to pitch against a contender, that's who I want to knock out," Clemens told Houston television station KRIV. "Why would I want to waste my time running around and getting in shape. I get over to Minute Maid (Park), I'll crank it up and get it over 90 for a contender. We'll knock them right out of the playoffs. That would be the fun. Pitching against somebody that's not in contention wouldn't be any fun for me."

"It's not going to happen."

A message was left seeking comment from Clemens' agent, Randy Hendricks.

Crane wouldn't say whether the team will reach out and try to entice Clemens to return to the majors for the first time since pitching for the Yankees in 2007.

"We're just going to sit tight," Crane said. "We'll wait and see if he calls us, but we might call him, who knows?"

Clemens pitched 3 1-3 scoreless innings in his first start for Sugar Land of the independent Atlantic league, and didn't allow a run in 4 2-3 innings in his second start Friday.

When asked about pitching for Houston this season, Clemens said Friday he didn't see it happening because of the time it took him to recover from his first start.

The Astros sent a scout to watch both of his outings. General manager Jeff Luhnow said he didn't have any new information on the subject.

"Right now we have a six-man rotation and we've lined up that rotation for the rest of the year, so I'm not expecting any changes," he said. "The words that I've heard Roger say suggest that that's not front and center in his mind. At this point I'm not expecting it."

Clemens earned $160 million and won 354 games in a 24-year career with the Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays and Astros. His 4,672 strikeouts are third-most and he was selected for 11 All-Star games.

Clemens had two great seasons with the Astros after he turned 40, going 18-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 2004 to win his record seventh Cy Young Award. He was 13-8 with a career-low 1.87 ERA in 2005.

The Rocket's fastball was clocked at as high as 88 mph, and he also threw curves and splitters in his starts for the Skeeters.

But it seems he isn't sure if his stuff is major league ready at this point.

"I don't think I could make an impact," Clemens said last week when asked about pitching for the Astros. "I think it would be fun for a lot of people, but it would take a lot of work to do and to perform the way I would want to perform. My mind says yes. My body says no."

Clemens' re-emergence with the Skeeters is the first time he has been in the spotlight since he was acquitted of charges he lied to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Clemens was accused by former personal trainer Brian McNamee in the Mitchell Report on drugs in baseball of using steroids and HGH, allegations Clemens denied before Congress. The Justice Department began an investigation concerning whether Clemens had lied under oath, and in 2010 a grand jury indicted him on two counts of perjury, three counts of making false statements and one count of obstructing Congress.

He was acquitted of all the charges on June 19 after a 10-week trial and had largely stayed out of the public spotlight until signing with the Skeeters on Aug. 20.

Also Monday, Crane said the Astros are beginning the process of hiring a new manager to replace the fired Brad Mills. Crane said they have narrowed down their list to about six candidates and will begin interviews this week.

He would not name any of the candidates, but said interim manager Tony DeFrancesco would be considered.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-09-10-BBN-Clemens-Astros/id-f6498f4864b945e89387f0ddcebc2457

eat to live eat to live ron paul money bomb ron paul money bomb bon vivant zynga ipo zynga ipo

Free Pets to Good Home ? Blog Archive ? Most Dogs Are Seeking ...

We all have their unique type , and it also can be which the manner you happen to be reaching your dog will not be rather performing. Any time training, often be particular about what you desire your canine to undertake. Proper your dog?s mobility along with brief button snaps on the lead that will pull greatly and abruptly returning towards the momentum. Determine that a new halter is more suitable for your distinctive tuition agency puppy.

Really does he / she follow you around? For those who have gotten some sort of new puppy, for example, and then he goes toward the lavatory outside the house the right way tend not to keep your dog in existence only. When you actually talk with a puppy, you are instruction him. Just be mindful that you do not issue those to count on this when they carry out as is also usually are told.

Keep to the traditional in terms of types of foodstuff plus the volume you supply as well as potty training experience can proceed additional efficiently. You?ll want to teach your pet dog just to walk accurately with their harbess. Right until the dog will be well trained, training must be constant. Your puppy will likely be much more likely to check out ones various other orders should they sees that you?re employer since you also consume initially. Infrequent exercising triggers dilemma within your family pet which enable it to prolong the practice. Most dogs generally turn out to be damaging since they?re uninterested in addition to unhappy.

However, you could be happy with the good results, excitement on your behalf causes pleasure on the portion plus decreases control of the matter. This tends to keep the dog targeted. Structured merely damage their health, it can also influence their own habits. Training will certainly continue a great deal more proficiently once you go back. Keep steady at all times using what you desire your ex to perform and you will then see the benefits.

Most people have possibly discovered ourself buying a pet at some point, however possibly weren?t the one accountable for instruction the idea. Uniformity is vital around canine training. This makes exercising more stimulating for mom and her canine. When your canine may some thing you agree to and you simply would like to train these phones achieve that with order, reward them using your style. Provide organization directions in a prominent tone in addition to expect to have the dog to grant the suitable conduct. Every single pet dog needs a calm along with confident boss so that you can come to feel safe and sound.

Giving your dog snacks at the best and the correct quantity is vital. Take note of that they react to diverse methods plus cosmetic words and phrases you help make to understand just what exactly have an effect on they?ve on them. They are vital to a pleasant in addition to healthy and balanced dog, and just next can they need to as well as have the electricity to enable you to explain where to start. Coaching your pet need to begin since Five to six weeks aged.

Exhibit your canine that you just enjoy these people and are also like to show off all of them.

Source: http://siscer.net/articles/pets/most-dogs-are-seeking-their-particular-people-owners-for-being-those-leader-4/

nascar daytona 2012 kasey kahne angelina jolie right leg saving face academy award winners best picture 2012 oscar winners

Africa News Headlines - Yahoo! News

http://news.yahoo.com/africa/ Get the latest Africa news headlines from Yahoo! News. Find breaking Africa news, including analysis and opinion on top Africa stories, photos and more.en-USCopyright (c) 2012 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reservedTue, 11 Sep 2012 15:10:40 -04005http://news.yahoo.com/africa/ http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/nws/th/main_142c.gif<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/hrw-rebels-congo-commit-widespread-war-crimes-174544908.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/lZbSaoAGcyFQcmCg9AujJw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/b2b2f7a2a9fde2191a0f6a7067000848.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2012 file photo, an M23 rebel walks the streets of the North Kivu town of Rubare near Rutshuru, 75 km (48 miles) North of Goma, Congo. According to a report published Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 by Human Rights Watch, the newly-formed rebel group is responsible for widespread war crimes in eastern Congo, including summary executions and rape. It says that the M23 has forcibly conscripted at least 137 youth and killed at least 33 young men and boys who tried to escape the rebels&#039; ranks. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)" align="left" title="FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2012 file photo, an M23 rebel walks the streets of the North Kivu town of Rubare near Rutshuru, 75 km (48 miles) North of Goma, Congo. According to a report published Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 by Human Rights Watch, the newly-formed rebel group is responsible for widespread war crimes in eastern Congo, including summary executions and rape. It says that the M23 has forcibly conscripted at least 137 youth and killed at least 33 young men and boys who tried to escape the rebels&#039; ranks. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)" border="0" /></a>The 25-year-old lay on a hospital bed in the Congolese city of Goma, his leg wrapped in a bandage tinted by the blood still seeping from his bullet wound.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/hrw-rebels-congo-commit-widespread-war-crimes-174544908.htmlTue, 11 Sep 2012 15:10:40 -0400Associated Presshrw-rebels-congo-commit-widespread-war-crimes-174544908<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/hrw-rebels-congo-commit-widespread-war-crimes-174544908.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/lZbSaoAGcyFQcmCg9AujJw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/b2b2f7a2a9fde2191a0f6a7067000848.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2012 file photo, an M23 rebel walks the streets of the North Kivu town of Rubare near Rutshuru, 75 km (48 miles) North of Goma, Congo. According to a report published Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 by Human Rights Watch, the newly-formed rebel group is responsible for widespread war crimes in eastern Congo, including summary executions and rape. It says that the M23 has forcibly conscripted at least 137 youth and killed at least 33 young men and boys who tried to escape the rebels&#039; ranks. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)" align="left" title="FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2012 file photo, an M23 rebel walks the streets of the North Kivu town of Rubare near Rutshuru, 75 km (48 miles) North of Goma, Congo. According to a report published Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 by Human Rights Watch, the newly-formed rebel group is responsible for widespread war crimes in eastern Congo, including summary executions and rape. It says that the M23 has forcibly conscripted at least 137 youth and killed at least 33 young men and boys who tried to escape the rebels&#039; ranks. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)" border="0" /></a>The 25-year-old lay on a hospital bed in the Congolese city of Goma, his leg wrapped in a bandage tinted by the blood still seeping from his bullet wound.</p><br clear="all"/><p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/more-done-somalia-presidents-vote-162631063.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ZqrMa4F34h7dEuadf_v2cQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/a966ed42a87fdb191a0f6a7067007ad8.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Somalis wearing T-shirts with a picture of Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud march through the streets to show their support, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. The election of new Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on Monday has been received as the start of a fresh chapter in the country&#039;s history by residents of the capital Mogadishu as well as members of the international community. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" align="left" title="Somalis wearing T-shirts with a picture of Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud march through the streets to show their support, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. The election of new Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on Monday has been received as the start of a fresh chapter in the country&#039;s history by residents of the capital Mogadishu as well as members of the international community. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" border="0" /></a>The international community on Tuesday supported the election of a new president for Somalia, saying it&#039;s a step toward moving the country out of its failed-state status but that much more remains to be done in a country bloodied by two decades of war.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/more-done-somalia-presidents-vote-162631063.htmlTue, 11 Sep 2012 12:26:31 -0400Associated Pressmore-done-somalia-presidents-vote-162631063<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/more-done-somalia-presidents-vote-162631063.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ZqrMa4F34h7dEuadf_v2cQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/a966ed42a87fdb191a0f6a7067007ad8.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Somalis wearing T-shirts with a picture of Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud march through the streets to show their support, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. The election of new Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on Monday has been received as the start of a fresh chapter in the country&#039;s history by residents of the capital Mogadishu as well as members of the international community. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" align="left" title="Somalis wearing T-shirts with a picture of Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud march through the streets to show their support, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. The election of new Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on Monday has been received as the start of a fresh chapter in the country&#039;s history by residents of the capital Mogadishu as well as members of the international community. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" border="0" /></a>The international community on Tuesday supported the election of a new president for Somalia, saying it&#039;s a step toward moving the country out of its failed-state status but that much more remains to be done in a country bloodied by two decades of war.</p><br clear="all"/>An official says armed raiders killed four people in Kenya's southeast despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew to prevent further clashes between two tribes that have left more than 100 people dead.http://news.yahoo.com/cattle-herders-kill-4-farmers-kenya-clashes-163007613.htmlTue, 11 Sep 2012 12:30:07 -0400Associated Presscattle-herders-kill-4-farmers-kenya-clashes-163007613The International community has supported the election of Somalia's new president saying it's a step toward moving the country out of its failed state status but still much more needs to be done to achieve that goal.http://news.yahoo.com/more-done-somalia-presidential-poll-155233710.htmlTue, 11 Sep 2012 11:52:33 -0400Associated Pressmore-done-somalia-presidential-poll-155233710<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/firebrand-pol-calls-total-safrica-mine-strike-100411506.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/iaZaxFcpx4PEAmeOYdEiCw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/36a0f321a91fde191a0f6a7067000270.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Striking mine workers listen to firebrand politician Julius Malema, nicknamed Juju, addressing them at the Goldfields Mine, Grootfontein, South Africa, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. In a speech punctuated by cheers of thousands of miners and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, firebrand politician Julius Malema called Tuesday for a national strike in all of South Africa?s mines, encouraging a step-up of a strike that has already halted production at several platinum and gold mines. (AP Photo)" align="left" title="Striking mine workers listen to firebrand politician Julius Malema, nicknamed Juju, addressing them at the Goldfields Mine, Grootfontein, South Africa, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. In a speech punctuated by cheers of thousands of miners and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, firebrand politician Julius Malema called Tuesday for a national strike in all of South Africa?s mines, encouraging a step-up of a strike that has already halted production at several platinum and gold mines. (AP Photo)" border="0" /></a>In a speech punctuated by cheers of thousands of miners and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, firebrand politician Julius Malema called Tuesday for a national strike in all of South Africa&#039;s mines, encouraging a step-up of a strike that has already halted production at several platinum and gold mines.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/firebrand-pol-calls-total-safrica-mine-strike-100411506.htmlTue, 11 Sep 2012 10:30:11 -0400Associated Pressfirebrand-pol-calls-total-safrica-mine-strike-100411506<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/firebrand-pol-calls-total-safrica-mine-strike-100411506.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/iaZaxFcpx4PEAmeOYdEiCw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/36a0f321a91fde191a0f6a7067000270.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Striking mine workers listen to firebrand politician Julius Malema, nicknamed Juju, addressing them at the Goldfields Mine, Grootfontein, South Africa, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. In a speech punctuated by cheers of thousands of miners and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, firebrand politician Julius Malema called Tuesday for a national strike in all of South Africa?s mines, encouraging a step-up of a strike that has already halted production at several platinum and gold mines. (AP Photo)" align="left" title="Striking mine workers listen to firebrand politician Julius Malema, nicknamed Juju, addressing them at the Goldfields Mine, Grootfontein, South Africa, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. In a speech punctuated by cheers of thousands of miners and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, firebrand politician Julius Malema called Tuesday for a national strike in all of South Africa?s mines, encouraging a step-up of a strike that has already halted production at several platinum and gold mines. (AP Photo)" border="0" /></a>In a speech punctuated by cheers of thousands of miners and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, firebrand politician Julius Malema called Tuesday for a national strike in all of South Africa&#039;s mines, encouraging a step-up of a strike that has already halted production at several platinum and gold mines.</p><br clear="all"/>A New York-based rights group says that a new rebel group in Congo is responsible for widespread war crimes. Human Rights Watch said in a report released Tuesday that M23 has committed summary executions, including of 33 young men and boys, who tried to escape the rebels' ranks. At least 137 youths have been forcibly conscripted, and there have been at least 46 rapes, including of a 7-year-old girl.http://news.yahoo.com/rebels-congo-committed-war-crimes-report-142418738.htmlTue, 11 Sep 2012 10:24:18 -0400Associated Pressrebels-congo-committed-war-crimes-report-142418738<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/somalia-elects-president-193321376.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/f33u8FOgi6enOi0Sen0G3Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/00be18cf90aecc191a0f6a7067007f3a.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a political newcomer, speaks at a ceremony after being elected by the Parliament over outgoing President Sheik Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who conceded defeat, in Mogadishu, Somalia Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. Somalia&#039;s Parliament elected a new president of the country&#039;s fledgling government Monday, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the east African nation&#039;s transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" align="left" title="Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a political newcomer, speaks at a ceremony after being elected by the Parliament over outgoing President Sheik Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who conceded defeat, in Mogadishu, Somalia Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. Somalia&#039;s Parliament elected a new president of the country&#039;s fledgling government Monday, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the east African nation&#039;s transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" border="0" /></a>Somalia&#039;s Parliament elected a new president of the country&#039;s fledgling government Monday, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the east African nation&#039;s transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/somalia-elects-president-193321376.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 16:54:27 -0400Associated Presssomalia-elects-president-193321376<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/somalia-elects-president-193321376.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/f33u8FOgi6enOi0Sen0G3Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/00be18cf90aecc191a0f6a7067007f3a.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a political newcomer, speaks at a ceremony after being elected by the Parliament over outgoing President Sheik Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who conceded defeat, in Mogadishu, Somalia Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. Somalia&#039;s Parliament elected a new president of the country&#039;s fledgling government Monday, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the east African nation&#039;s transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" align="left" title="Somalia&#039;s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a political newcomer, speaks at a ceremony after being elected by the Parliament over outgoing President Sheik Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who conceded defeat, in Mogadishu, Somalia Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. Somalia&#039;s Parliament elected a new president of the country&#039;s fledgling government Monday, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the east African nation&#039;s transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)" border="0" /></a>Somalia&#039;s Parliament elected a new president of the country&#039;s fledgling government Monday, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the east African nation&#039;s transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government.</p><br clear="all"/><p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/safrica-labor-unrest-spreads-36-000-miners-strike-190802568--finance.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/n7sTkR7BXRgKxYOBdiCUsQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/db58f4608febc8191a0f6a706700b776.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Mine workers sing and dance as they march to Lonmin Platinum Mine near Rustenburg, South Africa, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in an attempt to stop operations. Union rivalry is at the root of violent illegal strikes that have been troubling the mining industry that is the engine driving Africa&#039;s largest economy. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)" align="left" title="Mine workers sing and dance as they march to Lonmin Platinum Mine near Rustenburg, South Africa, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in an attempt to stop operations. Union rivalry is at the root of violent illegal strikes that have been troubling the mining industry that is the engine driving Africa&#039;s largest economy. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)" border="0" /></a>Chanting miners wielding machetes, clubs and spears marched from shaft to shaft of South Africa&#039;s beleaguered Lonmin platinum mine Monday, trying to intimidate the few workers who reported for duty in the fourth week of a crippling strike whose impact has already included dozens of miners killed by police.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/safrica-labor-unrest-spreads-36-000-miners-strike-190802568--finance.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 15:08:14 -0400Associated Presssafrica-labor-unrest-spreads-36-000-miners-strike-190802568--finance<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/safrica-labor-unrest-spreads-36-000-miners-strike-190802568--finance.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/n7sTkR7BXRgKxYOBdiCUsQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/db58f4608febc8191a0f6a706700b776.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Mine workers sing and dance as they march to Lonmin Platinum Mine near Rustenburg, South Africa, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in an attempt to stop operations. Union rivalry is at the root of violent illegal strikes that have been troubling the mining industry that is the engine driving Africa&#039;s largest economy. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)" align="left" title="Mine workers sing and dance as they march to Lonmin Platinum Mine near Rustenburg, South Africa, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in an attempt to stop operations. Union rivalry is at the root of violent illegal strikes that have been troubling the mining industry that is the engine driving Africa&#039;s largest economy. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)" border="0" /></a>Chanting miners wielding machetes, clubs and spears marched from shaft to shaft of South Africa&#039;s beleaguered Lonmin platinum mine Monday, trying to intimidate the few workers who reported for duty in the fourth week of a crippling strike whose impact has already included dozens of miners killed by police.</p><br clear="all"/>Somalia's Parliament has elected a new president of the country's fledgling government.http://news.yahoo.com/professor-wins-somalias-presidential-election-185105810.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 14:51:05 -0400Associated Pressprofessor-wins-somalias-presidential-election-185105810Islamic police said they used a stage in a public square to amputate the right hand and left foot of five accused thieves in a city of Mali on Monday, in the latest application of Sharia law in the country's north.http://news.yahoo.com/islamists-conduct-amputations-mali-175854236.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 13:58:54 -0400Associated Pressislamists-conduct-amputations-mali-175854236Clashes between farmers and herders in southeastern Kenya escalated Monday with 38 people killed, including nine police officers, and a government official and the Kenya Red Cross suggested the military should be deployed to the area.http://news.yahoo.com/kenya-red-cross-38-people-killed-kenya-clashes-104754538.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 13:33:31 -0400Associated Presskenya-red-cross-38-people-killed-kenya-clashes-104754538Islamists in the West African country of Mali say they have cut off the right hand and left foot of five suspected thieves, in the latest application of Shariah law in a northern region that was overrun by al-Qaida-linked rebels five months ago.http://news.yahoo.com/islamists-punish-alleged-bandits-amputations-165404363.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 12:54:04 -0400Associated Pressislamists-punish-alleged-bandits-amputations-165404363Labor unrest spread in South Africa on Monday with a wildcat strike by more than 10,000 workers halting operations at a gold mine while few workers reported for duty in the fourth week of a violent stoppage over poor pay at the world's third largest platinum mine.http://news.yahoo.com/safrica-labor-unrest-spreads-41-200-miners-strike-101057710--finance.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 12:20:51 -0400Associated Presssafrica-labor-unrest-spreads-41-200-miners-strike-101057710--financeTwo Swedish journalists who have been imprisoned in Ethiopia for more than a year have been pardoned and are set to be freed, Ethiopia's justice minister announced Monday.http://news.yahoo.com/ethiopia-pardons-swedish-journalists-154528178.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 11:45:28 -0400Associated Pressethiopia-pardons-swedish-journalists-154528178Namibia's government says it will stop issuing licenses for companies to explore for oil and gas toward the end of this year.http://news.yahoo.com/namibia-no-more-oil-gas-exploration-licenses-153018209--finance.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 11:29:35 -0400Associated Pressnamibia-no-more-oil-gas-exploration-licenses-153018209--financeNigeria's state-run oil company says suspected oil thieves have killed three of its employees near Nigeria's commercial capital.http://news.yahoo.com/3-nigeria-oil-firm-staffers-killed-fixing-pipeline-151422626.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 11:14:22 -0400Associated Press3-nigeria-oil-firm-staffers-killed-fixing-pipeline-151422626Relatives of some of the 16 preachers from a moderate Muslim sect who were allegedly killed by Malian soldiers in a "barbaric massacre" went to the presidential palace in Mauritania's capital Monday to find out why the men were gunned down.http://news.yahoo.com/kin-muslim-preachers-slain-mali-seek-answers-145957203.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 10:59:57 -0400Associated Presskin-muslim-preachers-slain-mali-seek-answers-145957203Relatives of some of the 16 preachers from a moderate Muslim sect who were allegedly killed by Malian soldiers in a "barbaric massacre" went to the presidential palace in Mauritania's capital Monday to find out why the umen were gunned down.http://news.yahoo.com/mauritania-calls-killing-mali-odious-act-113242275.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 10:45:40 -0400Associated Pressmauritania-calls-killing-mali-odious-act-113242275Two Swedish journalists who have been imprisoned in Ethiopia for more than a year have been pardoned and are set to be freed at an upcoming mass amnesty ceremony, a top government official said Monday.http://news.yahoo.com/official-ethiopia-pardons-swedish-journalists-102047221.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 10:10:28 -0400Associated Pressofficial-ethiopia-pardons-swedish-journalists-102047221Somalia's new parliament is due to vote for a new president of the country's fledgling government, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the country's transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government.http://news.yahoo.com/somalias-parliament-elect-president-090327773.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 09:31:55 -0400Associated Presssomalias-parliament-elect-president-090327773<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nigerian-airline-collapses-industry-struggles-140816435--finance.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/jG3mM8X6nwDBjPf7Te_.mQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/31e61c9c420e7e191a0f6a706700a49f.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Former Air Nigeria staff protest after they were fired in Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. More than 60 workers from Air Nigeria protested Friday at Lagos? Murtala Muhammed International Airport?s domestic terminal, demanding four-months-worth of unpaid salaries from the company. The airline?s owner, business tycoon Jimoh Ibrahim, fired nearly all of the company?s 800 employees for ?disloyalty? earlier this month. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)" align="left" title="Former Air Nigeria staff protest after they were fired in Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. More than 60 workers from Air Nigeria protested Friday at Lagos? Murtala Muhammed International Airport?s domestic terminal, demanding four-months-worth of unpaid salaries from the company. The airline?s owner, business tycoon Jimoh Ibrahim, fired nearly all of the company?s 800 employees for ?disloyalty? earlier this month. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)" border="0" /></a>Almost half the aircraft had been pulled out of service at Air Nigeria, this West African nation&#039;s second-largest airline, and its staff hadn&#039;t received a paycheck in four months when its top executive summarily fired nearly all of its employees for &quot;dishonesty.&quot;</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/nigerian-airline-collapses-industry-struggles-140816435--finance.htmlFri, 07 Sep 2012 17:46:27 -0400Associated Pressnigerian-airline-collapses-industry-struggles-140816435--finance<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nigerian-airline-collapses-industry-struggles-140816435--finance.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/jG3mM8X6nwDBjPf7Te_.mQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/31e61c9c420e7e191a0f6a706700a49f.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Former Air Nigeria staff protest after they were fired in Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. More than 60 workers from Air Nigeria protested Friday at Lagos? Murtala Muhammed International Airport?s domestic terminal, demanding four-months-worth of unpaid salaries from the company. The airline?s owner, business tycoon Jimoh Ibrahim, fired nearly all of the company?s 800 employees for ?disloyalty? earlier this month. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)" align="left" title="Former Air Nigeria staff protest after they were fired in Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. More than 60 workers from Air Nigeria protested Friday at Lagos? Murtala Muhammed International Airport?s domestic terminal, demanding four-months-worth of unpaid salaries from the company. The airline?s owner, business tycoon Jimoh Ibrahim, fired nearly all of the company?s 800 employees for ?disloyalty? earlier this month. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)" border="0" /></a>Almost half the aircraft had been pulled out of service at Air Nigeria, this West African nation&#039;s second-largest airline, and its staff hadn&#039;t received a paycheck in four months when its top executive summarily fired nearly all of its employees for &quot;dishonesty.&quot;</p><br clear="all"/>A strike at the world's third-largest platinum mine enters its fourth week with empty buses searching in vain for workers though wage negotiations may start.http://news.yahoo.com/no-workers-seen-troubled-safrican-platinum-mine-085142308.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 04:52:45 -0400Associated Pressno-workers-seen-troubled-safrican-platinum-mine-085142308Gold Fields Ltd says a wildcat strike by 15,000 miners has stopped work in the west section of its KDC mine in the West Rand, the latest in a string of labor disputes in South Africa's mines.http://news.yahoo.com/15-000-gold-fields-miners-strike-south-africa-082522257.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2012 04:27:44 -0400Associated Press15-000-gold-fields-miners-strike-south-africa-082522257A spokesman for a radical Islamic group in northern Mali has confirmed that a leader of al-Qaida's North African branch was killed in a car crash.http://news.yahoo.com/leader-al-qaida-n-african-branch-dies-car-234512247.htmlSun, 09 Sep 2012 19:45:12 -0400Associated Pressleader-al-qaida-n-african-branch-dies-car-234512247<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-vows-structural-reforms-meets-us-executives-220121343.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/.kDcf9JoG509EtvanPuh3A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ac820cc941ea7d191a0f6a706700dc0a.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, center, waves to worshippers ash he arrives for Friday prayers at Sayyeda Zainab mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Ahmed Ali)" align="left" title="Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, center, waves to worshippers ash he arrives for Friday prayers at Sayyeda Zainab mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Ahmed Ali)" border="0" /></a>Egypt&#039;s Islamist leader vowed to carry out tough structural reforms to overhaul his country&#039;s ailing economy and create a better environment for business and investment, participants in a meeting between corporate executives and the president said on Sunday.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-vows-structural-reforms-meets-us-executives-220121343.htmlSun, 09 Sep 2012 18:04:57 -0400Associated Pressegypt-vows-structural-reforms-meets-us-executives-220121343<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-vows-structural-reforms-meets-us-executives-220121343.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/.kDcf9JoG509EtvanPuh3A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ac820cc941ea7d191a0f6a706700dc0a.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, center, waves to worshippers ash he arrives for Friday prayers at Sayyeda Zainab mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Ahmed Ali)" align="left" title="Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, center, waves to worshippers ash he arrives for Friday prayers at Sayyeda Zainab mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Ahmed Ali)" border="0" /></a>Egypt&#039;s Islamist leader vowed to carry out tough structural reforms to overhaul his country&#039;s ailing economy and create a better environment for business and investment, participants in a meeting between corporate executives and the president said on Sunday.</p><br clear="all"/>

Source: http://rss.news.yahoo.com/rss/africa

qnexa kingdom of heaven national enquirer whitney houston arizona republican debate arizona debate enquirer national inquirer

Euro zone may collapse if states reject reforms: German trade association

BERLIN (Reuters) - The euro zone could break up if people living in crisis-stricken southern European countries do not accept structural reforms in the coming years, the head of Germany's BGA trade association said on Monday.

Anton Boerner also dismissed concerns that Germany, Europe's largest economy, could sink into recession in 2012 and said he expected German exports to increase both this year and next.

"If people do not say yes (to structural reforms), then the euro will not be able to exist in its current form," Boerner told Reuters in an interview.

"If the southern European states say yes, we accept the challenges ... then the euro will be stronger than ever before," he added.

Euro zone investor sentiment improved this month for the first time since March thanks to the European Central Bank's plans to rescue the common currency by buying the bonds of vulnerable member states, Sentix research group said on Monday.

Boerner said he did not expect Germany to sink into recession this year despite the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's forecast last week that Germany would contract in the second half of this year.

Economic growth slowed to 0.3 percent in Germany in the second quarter and many economists predict a contraction for the third and possibly the fourth quarters.

Boerner said he expected German exports to increase by "a good four percent" this year.

"Under no circumstances do I see them (exports) stagnating or falling," he said, adding that whether or not exports grew more than this depended on the development of the euro zone crisis.

Data published last week showed German exports and imports edged higher in July, highlighting the continued resilience of Germany, the euro zone's growth locomotive, to the region's debt crisis.

(Reporting by Gernot Heller; Writing by Michelle Martin, Editing by Gareth Jones)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/euro-zone-may-collapse-states-reject-reforms-german-094205720--business.html

hcm loretta lynn gene kelly zoe saldana zooey deschanel and joseph gordon levitt debra messing ayaan hirsi ali

Customer Service is the Key to Success in Business and at Work ...

I am a firm believer that Customer Service is the key to success in business, and especially at work.? When I?m centered / in the zone that everyone receives the benefit of my Customer Service, whether they?re internal team-mates or supervisors or actual external paying customers, I stack the deck in favor of my success.? While it?s not an iron-clad guarantee, it is exceedingly helpful in preventing distracting and energy-sucking resentment build-up for my internal / external customers, and especially (and selfishly), for me.? I?m a firm believer in Nelson Mandela?s statement that ?Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.?

Case in point:? Supervisor Customer Service.? When I have serviced / over-serviced my supervisors throughout my career, I know I?m on the side of the angels, and I consequently stay centered and therefore focused on achieving my goals.? For one particularly anxious and difficult supervisor earlier in my career, I actually loved the challenge of keeping him proactively briefed before he could check on my work.

This philosophy works particularly well for those of us blessed with sales, marketing and customer service DNA.? Or, as my Lower-East-Side-born-and-bred salesman father would say:? ?Over-service the assholes.?

Dad?s advice has almost always been helpful (albeit Marine-salty), particularly with the supervisor who wanted the work performed exactly as they would do it, pre-approved; no autonomy at all, and my mastery and purpose were not even considered.? Not the ideal situation.? ?I don?t know what to do,? I said to my dad, extremely distressed at the time.? ?I?ve never been treated this way before as a professional.?

Dad tapped into my sales DNA.? ?In order to help you best detach emotionally from the situation,? he coached,? ?I?d like you to look at them as your biggest, most important customer.? And your job is to meet / exceed their needs.?? I wasn?t so sure.? ?Even if my supervisor is being disrespectful??? I queried.? He reinforced the coaching. ?They?re the big hairy customer,?? Dad replied.? ?Listen to their needs, meet their needs, make them happy.? It will make what sounds and feels like an abnormal situation feel more normal, because you?re great at customer service ? like me.?? I finally exhaled.? ?Okay, my supervisor is my customer. I?ve handled difficult customers my entire career; I can handle this.?? Dad agreed.? ?Yes, you can.? And I did.? My customer service belief system outweighed my emotional reaction to the unfairness:? all that mattered was servicing the customer by listening to their needs and then subsequently meeting their needs.? (My fellow mediator friends and colleagues:? sound familiar, e.g. the source of all human conflict is needs met and unmet?)

In taking the concept of Holistic Customer Service one step further, I?m also reminded of Bob Sutton?s recent blog posts on the poor customer service his friend?s 10 year-old daughter received from United Airlines, where Chapman and Thomas?s book, The Five Languages of Apology, is mentioned as a path United Airlines should have taken in this situation.? In my Customer Service experience, the power of an authentic apology when a customer is distressed is worth its weight in gold for all involved, including me as the Customer Service person initiating the apology:

• Expressing regret ? ?I?m sorry.?
• Accepting responsibility ? ?I was wrong.?
• Making restitution ? ?What can I do to make it right??
• Genuinely repenting ? ?I will try not to do that again.?
• Requesting forgiveness ? ?Will you please forgive me??

And in their workbook, The Five Languages of Apology in the Workplace, Chapman and Nelson lift up both Mandela?s and their philosophy even further, with the LEARN model:

• L = Listen. Hear the customer?s complaint.

• E = Empathize. Let the customer know that you understand why they would be upset.

• R = Respond and react.? Try to make things right.

• N = Notify. Get back in touch with the customer and let them know what action has been taken.

Ironically and wonderfully, when we stand up for our customers (team-mates, supervisors, etc.)? in their times of distress, it is then that we build the strongest business relationship bonds, supporting retention.

How will you use your Holistic Customer Service skills to best support your distressed customers in business and at work this week?

Tags: acceptance, accountability, appreciative inquiry, business, career, change management, coaching, customer service, engagement, entrepreneur, goals, leadership, manager, marketing, mentoring, networking, reputation, resiliency, retention, sales, success, team

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 9th, 2012 at 8:03 pm and is filed under acceptance, accountability, appreciative inquiry, business, career, change management, coaching, customer service, engagement, entrepreneur, goals, leadership, manager, marketing, mentoring, networking, reputation, resiliency, retention, sales, success, team, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Source: http://www.debbest.com/2012/09/09/customer-service-is-the-key-to-success-in-business-and-at-work/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=customer-service-is-the-key-to-success-in-business-and-at-work

adele lyrics bruno mars best new artist 2012 grammys foo fighters nikki minaj grammys

'Civilian cyber-warriors' not driven by patriotism

ScienceDaily (Sep. 10, 2012) ? People who commit cyber-attacks against the government also tend to download music illegally and participate in physical protests. Surprisingly, however, they don't appear to be acting out of some sense of national pride or patriotism.

Those are some of the findings to emerge from a Michigan State University study that for the first time begins to paint a profile of "civilian cyber-warriors," or people who engage in attacks against domestic or foreign governments. Cybercrimes pose a huge societal risk and have become a hot issue globally, yet little is known about the mindset behind them.

"We were surprised to find that nationalism and patriotism were not predictors for cyber-attacks," said Thomas Holt, MSU associate professor of criminal justice and lead author on the study. "When officials attempt to identify today's civilian cyber-warriors, they shouldn't necessarily be looking for the person who is politically radical."

Damaging cyber-attacks, such as the Stuxnet virus that disrupted uranium enrichment work in Iran in 2010, have prompted calls for stricter Internet regulations and enforcement around the world. Congress was widely criticized in August when it failed to pass the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, even after many members warned of the catastrophic implications of cyber-attacks.

Holt said the faceless, borderless nature of the Internet allows individuals to mask their identity and better avoid detection. This has given rise to the civilian cyber-warrior, who can potentially attack vulnerable resources such as municipal water systems and power grids, he said.

But what might motivate them? To find out, Holt and fellow researcher Max Kilger surveyed 357 students from a U.S. university about their willingness to engage in protests, both online and offline, and in cyber-attacks. Eleven percent of the participants were international students, representing about 30 countries.

About 62 percent of participants said they were willing to participate in a physical protest if they believed their home government was being oppressive. More than 77 percent said they would post a Facebook message about the oppression.

A much smaller number of participants said they would engage in a cyber-attack such as defacing a government website (13 percent) or compromising a government server (10 percent). Of those who would engage in a cyber-attack, Holt said three common factors emerged: the participants were also inclined to download illegal music, movies and other media; they were likely to engage in physical protest behaviors; and they were not motivated by a general outlook or attitude toward their government.

"It may be that these individual behaviors correlate not to patriotism, but instead to an altruistic belief that all groups should be treated equally," Holt said. He added that his future research may begin to paint a clearer picture of what motivates cybercriminals.

The study appears online in the research journal Crime and Delinquency.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

---

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Michigan State University.

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

---

Journal Reference:

1. Thomas J. Holt and Max Kilger. Examining Willingness to Attack Critical Infrastructure Online and Offline. Crime & Delinquency, September 10, 2012 DOI: 10.1177/0011128712452963

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/Gf1mKlFLkhU/120910143537.htm

yahoo.com/mail baylor sofia vergara april 9 albatross louis oosthuizen phil mickelson

Healthier drink alternatives | CBU Banner

Starbucks:

Tea and black coffee are the healthiest things available at any local Starbucks. They are also the most bud- get friendly for any student.

Be aware of all the calories in the add-ins, which include cream, milk and sugar. Avoid ordering the Venti size and ask for your drink to be made with nonfat milk and no whipped cream.

?It?s hard to find healthy drinks especially if they?re expensive. When I go to Starbucks I always order a grande Iced Green tea with no sweetener. It has no calories and I pay about $2.15 each time I stop by,? tzitlali Alvarez, sophomore health science major, said.?

• Some Healthy choices at Starbucks under 100 calories include:
• Tall Pike Place Roast (5 calories)
• Tall nonfat Caf? Misto (60 calories)
• Tall Caff? Americano (10 calories)
• Tall nonfat Iced Caff? Latte (70 calories)
• Tall Coffee Frappuccino Light Blended?Coffee (90 Calories)
• Tazo Tea (0 calories)

Jamba Juice: ? ?

Jamba Juice has various ?Make It Light? options for its 10 classic smoothies, which cuts calories, sugar and carbohydrates. The ?Make It Light? version replaces the nonfat frozen yogurt or sherbet used in classic smoothies with a lower calorie, dairy base sweetened with Splenda.

?All of the fruit smoothies at Jamba Juice are pretty healthy. they either contain no milk or soy. I usually get the Five Fruit Frenzy ? it?s really yummy and has low calories,? Amey Fenwick, junior early childhood studies major, said.?

• ?Heavenly Green Tea Latte with Nonfat Milk has 150 calories.
• Peach Perfection 300 cal, no sat fat, 0.5g total fat, 30mg sodium, 75g carbs, 59g sugars, 5g fiber, 2g protein.
• Five Fruit Frenzy 340 cal, no sat fat, 1g total fat, 30mg sodium, 82g carbs, 63g sugars, 6g fiber, 2g protein.
• Strawberry Whirl 300 cal, no sat fat, 0.5g total fat, 25mg sodium, 75g carbs, 64g sugars, 6g fiber, 2g protein.
• Original Spiced Chai Tea Latte with Nonfat Milk has 150 calories.
• A 16-oz. Banana Berry smoothie ?Make It Light? version has 170 calories and 32 grams of sugar.

Whether it comes from fruits or vegetables, Juice It Up! drinks are loaded with vital nutrients and offer immense health benefits while also low in calories.

?My favorite overall drink is the peanut butter java. It is a great?protein-filled smoothie that is an easy meal replacement when busy,? said Alexandria m. Harris, sophomore political science major.?

The following drinks are a healthier option for those who are watching calories or carbo- hydrate intake in a 16-oz. cup.

• Strawberry Delight?only has 170?calories and includes strawberry juice blend, no-sugar-added yogurt and strawberries.
• Mango Delight only has 180 calories and includes: mango juice blend, no-sugar-added yogurt,mango and strawberries.
• Pineapple Delight only has 190 calories and includes: orange juice, pineapple juice blend, no-sugar-added yogurt,?strawberries and pineapple.
• Passion Delight has 240 calories and includes: passion juice blend, no-sugar-added yogurt, orange sherbet,?peaches and strawberries.

Source: http://www.cbubanner.com/2012/09/08/healthier-drink-alternatives/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healthier-drink-alternatives

final four 2012 bridesmaids winning lottery numbers megamillions winner kansas jayhawks mega millions results louisville

Girl in French Alps shooting awakens from coma

Justin Tallis / AFP - Getty Images

A British police officer searches the Hilli family home. Saad al-Hilli and his wife Ikbal were both shot dead in their car in the French Alps on Wednesday. An older woman riding with them -- presumably a grandmother -- and a French cyclist passing by were also fatally shot. The two daughters, age 7 and 4, were spared.

By NBC News staff and Reuters

Zainab al-Hilli, the 7-year-old British girl who survived a gun attack in the French Alps last week that saw her father and mother shot dead, is out of a coma and will be questioned by police as soon as she is able, a French prosecutor said Sunday.

"(Zainab) has come out of her artificial coma and she is now sedated," Eric Maillaud, the regional prosecutor, told Reuters. "She is better and her condition is improving little by little. She will be able to be questioned.?

It has been five days since a British cyclist came across a chilling scene: Three people shot dead inside a BMW, its engine still running. Nearby was a dead cyclist, 45-year-old Sylvain Mollier. The British cyclist recognized him because he had passed him on the road earlier. Outside the car, a 7-year-old was gravely wounded and appeared to have been beaten.

---

French forensics experts who performed autopsies on the three British victims and the French bicyclist determined that all four had been shot twice directly in the head ? indicating, Maillaud said, that the shooters were intent on killing their victims.

Related:?Alps slaying victims each shot twice in head

The motive for these slayings remains unclear, and the shooters remain at large.

Eight hours after police arrived at the crime scene, they discovered Zainab?s sister, 4-year-old Zeena, who had been hiding under her mother?s skirt. Zeena has since returned home to Britain with relatives.

Related:?Girl, 4, hid for eight hours in car filled with corpses

Justin Tallis / AFP - Getty Images

A British police crime scene investigator examines the interior of a window inside the British home of a family shot dead in their car in the French Alps on Wednesday.

Maillaud said investigators had gleaned little from their "moving" chat on Friday with Zeena, who had been in a psychiatric hospital in Grenoble, accompanied by a nurse and British embassy staff.

Meanwhile, French and British police continued their search of the Hilli family home in Surrey near London of Saad al-Hilli, father of the two girls who was among the three shot dead in the car. The two others were his wife, Ikbal, and an older woman with a Swedish passport. Zeena told authorities she didn't know the woman well; they believe the woman was her maternal grandmother.?

Police erected a tent in front of the family's $1.6 million house on Sunday.?

Hilli, who had moved to the U.K. as a child from Iraq, was a mechanical engineer who contracted with Surrey Satellite Technology, a subsidiary of aerospace and defense firm EADS. A company statement described him as "an experienced and committed engineer."

He helped to design the kitchen of the European Airbus aircraft, according to Julian Stedman, his accountant since 2004. He specialized in computer-aided design and mostly worked from his house in the village of Claygate, said Stedman.

British police have refused to comment on British media reports Hilli was known to security services and was under police surveillance early on in the Iraq war.

His wife Ikbal, 47, had been training as a dentist.

Watch World News videos on NBCNews.com

The case has sparked great interest in Britain and has not left the front pages of newspapers since news of the murders broke on September 5.

Most Sunday papers ran the story across several pages, speculating about motives, including robbery, a family feud or a possible link to Hilli's work in the aerospace industry.

Maillaud said a family feud over money was one of several motives still being considered for the murders and Hilli's brother had been formally questioned.

The brother, Zaid al-Hilli, has denied any dispute with Hilli.?

"He is being questioned as a witness." Maillaud said. "It's a lead that is serious and interesting, but so is the profession of the dead person and his Iraqi origins."

In France, police returned to the scene of the crime on Sunday and widened the area of investigation.

"We are trying to see how those who committed these acts were able to get away," Maillaud said.

More world stories from NBC News:

Follow World News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

?

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/09/13762783-7-year-old-girl-in-french-alps-shooting-awakes-from-coma?lite

bohemian rhapsody bohemian rhapsody spike lee carson daly heejun han donovan mcnabb donovan mcnabb

More than a decade after 9-11: Are Americans any safer from terrorists?

Combined military, intelligence, diplomatic, and financial efforts have disabled al-Qaida, pushing the fear of terrorism to the back of most Americans' minds.?

By Lolita C. Baldor,?Associated Press / September 8, 2012

More than 10 years after the September 11 attacks, Americans' attitudes about terrorism have changed. With the death of Osama bin Laden, and a disabled al-Qaida network, some former threats have subsided.

AP Photo

Enlarge

As Americans debate whether they are better off now than they were four years ago, there is a similar question with a somewhat easier answer: Are you safer now than you were when President Barack Obama took office?

Skip to next paragraph

' + google_ads[0].line2 + '
' + google_ads[0].line3 + '

'; } else if (google_ads.length > 1) { ad_unit += ''; } } document.getElementById("ad_unit").innerHTML += ad_unit; google_adnum += google_ads.length; return; } var google_adnum = 0; google_ad_client = "pub-6743622525202572"; google_ad_output = 'js'; google_max_num_ads = '1'; google_feedback = "on"; google_ad_type = "text"; google_adtest = "on"; google_image_size = '230x105'; google_skip = '0'; // -->

Subscribe Today to the Monitor

Click Here for your FREE 30 DAYS of
The Christian Science Monitor
Weekly Digital Edition

By most measures, the answer is yes.

More than a decade after terrorists slammed planes into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania countryside, Americans have stopped fretting daily about a possible attack or stockpiling duct tape and water. Getting through airport security has become a routine irritation, not a grim foreboding.

While the threat of a terrorist attack has not disappeared, the combined military, intelligence, diplomatic and financial efforts to hobble al-Qaida and its affiliates have escalated over the past four years and paid off. Terrorist leaders, including Osama bin Laden, are dead and their networks in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia disrupted.

In some cases, the Obama White House simply continued or intensified programs and policies begun by the Republican administration of President George W. Bush. But Obama pursued a more aggressive drone campaign to target terrorist leaders, broadening efforts to help at-risk nations bolster their own defenses, and put in place plans to end the war in Iraq and bring troops out of Afghanistan.

As a result, terrorism worries have taken a back seat to the nation's economic woes.

Unlike previous elections, national security is not a big campaign issue this year.

Mitt Romney made no mention of terrorism or war during his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention last week. Although public opposition to the war in Afghanistan has grown, it's not a top dinner table topic for most Americans.

"I would have said four years ago that the al-Qaida movement was emerging as a bigger problem, especially with the emergence of affiliates in places like Yemen and with the spike in homegrown attacks," said Phil Mudd, a senior counterterrorism official at the CIA and FBI during the Bush and Obama administrations. "But I would say today that al-Qaidaism is on the decline. By any balance, the number of places where people want to come after us has declined in the past four years."

Mudd, now a senior research fellow at the nonpartisan New America Foundation, said that while militants in other countries may still be causing problems in their own areas, they are less likely to "be sitting there saying how do we get to Los Angeles, and that's a big change."

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/-NYNZM4sZN8/More-than-a-decade-after-9-11-Are-Americans-any-safer-from-terrorists

telenav wade phillips wade phillips time person of the year sag nominations sag nominations time magazine person of the year